Every Wrong Direction: An Emigre's Memoir

Every Wrong Direction is a memoir by Dan Burt that explores his education, life, and pursuit of the American Dream across three countries and seven cities over forty-three years.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 358 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2022
Publisher: Carcanet Press Ltd

Every Wrong Direction is a captivating memoir that delves into the poignant education of Dan Burt, an American emigré who struggled to find a place to call home in America. The story unfolds in the row homes of Jewish immigrants and working-class Italians on the gritty streets of 1950s South Philadelphia, setting the stage for the author's journey.

The book follows the author from his humble beginnings in a rough, working-class family, where his upbringing prepared him for a career as a butcher or charter boat captain. However, his path took him across the United States, Britain, and Saudi Arabia, as he pursued education, pursued a legal career, became a spy, a culture warrior, and eventually an expatriate. The journey spans forty-three years, encompassing a Philadelphia commuter college, Cambridge, Yale Law School, and a cross-class transition from working to upper-class circles.

Through this remarkable odyssey, Every Wrong Direction meticulously maps Burt's pursuit of the American Dream, his realization of its limitations, and his disillusionment with the country he once held in high esteem. The book offers a poignant reflection on the complexities of identity, culture, and the search for belonging in a world that often promises more than it can deliver.

With its rich narrative, vivid descriptions, and introspective insights, Every Wrong Direction is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt lost or uncertain in their pursuit of a fulfilling life. It serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Weight: 436g
Dimension: 366 x 163 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800171909