This Boy-s Life Jun 2026

"This Boy's Life" is a memoir that spans Tobias Wolff's childhood from 1945 to 1967. The book is divided into two parts, each focusing on a distinct period in Wolff's life. Part one, "The Liar," explores his early years, marked by his mother's fragile mental health, his father's abuse, and his own desperate attempts to survive. Part two, "The Boy," chronicles his adolescence, a time of self-discovery, rebellion, and ultimate triumph.

The memoir opens with young Tobias (called “Jack”) and his mother, Rosemary, fleeing an abusive relationship in Florida. They drive across the country, end up briefly in Utah, and finally settle in Concrete, Washington, hoping for a fresh start. This Boy-s Life