Flickerbook: An Autobiography

Flickerbook is Leila Berg's autobiography, recounting her childhood in Salford, Greater Manchester, and her political engagement during World War II.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 10 June 2021
Publisher: CB Editions

Flickerbook: The Classic Autobiography of Leila Berg (1917-2012)

Leila Berg's Flickerbook is a captivating autobiography that delves into her childhood experiences, relationships, and political engagement. Born in a Jewish immigrant neighborhood in Salford, Greater Manchester, Berg's story takes readers on a journey through her formative years, capturing the joys and fears of growing up in a diverse and vibrant community.

The book begins with Berg's early memories of her family and the close-knit Jewish community she grew up in. She vividly describes the traditions, customs, and rituals that shaped her childhood, including the Sabbath dinners, the High Holy Days, and the Passover Seder. These experiences helped to instill a strong sense of identity and belonging in Berg, even as she faced the challenges of being a Jewish girl in a non-Jewish world.

As Berg grew older, her relationships with family and lovers became more complex. She recounts her first love, her struggles with her parents' expectations, and her eventual marriage to a man who shared her passion for literature. These relationships were often fraught with tension and conflict, but they also provided Berg with valuable lessons about love, commitment, and the importance of communication.

Berg's political engagement also began to take shape during her childhood. She was deeply affected by the rise of fascism in Europe and the Holocaust, and she became an active member of the Jewish community's resistance movement. She participated in protests, rallies, and other events, and she worked to raise awareness about the plight of Jewish people around the world.

One of the most significant events in Berg's life was the first air-raid siren in London in September 1939. The siren's piercing sound sent a wave of panic through the city, and Berg was caught in the middle of it. She describes the chaos and confusion that ensued, as people rushed to find shelter and safety. This experience had a profound impact on Berg, and it inspired her to become a writer and a journalist.

Flickerbook is a beautifully written and deeply personal book that offers a unique perspective on the experiences of Jewish immigrants in Britain during the 20th century. Berg's writing is vivid and evocative, and she brings her characters to life in a way that makes them feel like real people. The book is also a valuable historical document, providing a glimpse into the social and political climate of the time.

Despite its many strengths, Flickerbook is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the book's pacing to be slow, and some of the characters may be difficult to relate to. However, these issues are minor compared to the overall impact of the book. Flickerbook is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Jewish immigration to Britain, or in the experiences of Jewish people during the 20th century.

In conclusion, Flickerbook is a classic autobiography that captures the joys and fears, relationships, and political engagement of Leila Berg's childhood. It is a beautifully written and deeply personal book that offers a unique perspective on the experiences of Jewish immigrants in Britain during the 20th century. Despite its flaws, Flickerbook is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Jewish immigration to Britain, or in the experiences of Jewish people during the 20th century.

Weight: 294g
Dimension: 129 x 199 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781909585409
Edition number: New ed