The Gift of a Radio: My Childhood and other Train Wrecks

Justin Webb's memoir is a searingly honest, gripping, fascinating, and hugely entertaining account of his childhood in the 1970s. It is a portrait of a troubled era and a dysfunctional childhood, shaping the urbane and successful radio presenter we know and love now.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2023
Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd

Justin Webb's memoir is a searingly honest, gripping, fascinating, and hugely entertaining account of his childhood in the 1970s. Growing up in a dysfunctional family, he was plagued by loneliness, the absence of a father, and the grim experience of attending a Quaker boarding school. Despite the challenging circumstances, Webb's memoir offers a perceptive portrayal of Britain in the 1970s.

Moving and frank, Webb's story delves into the depths of his childhood, revealing the struggles and hardships he faced. He describes the dysfunctional dynamics at home, where his mother's un-diagnosed psychological problems and his step-father's untreated ones created a volatile and unstable environment. The boarding school, with its gun-wielding schoolmasters and sub-standard living conditions, only added to Webb's sense of isolation and despair.

However, Webb's memoir is not without its moments of humor and resilience. He candidly shares his experiences, offering a glimpse into the quirks and eccentricities of his family and the broader social context of the 1970s. His writing is unself-pitying, yet filled with a sharp wit and considered analysis that reflects his years as a radio presenter.

What sets Webb's memoir apart is his ability to convey the complexities of his childhood in a relatable and engaging manner. He captures the middle class of the age with a tenacity only possible in one of its victims, offering a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of a troubled era.

Critics have praised Webb's memoir for its honesty, depth, and humor. The Sunday Times described it as "moving and frank," noting that it is "a story of a childhood defined by loneliness, the absence of a father, and the grim experience of a Quaker boarding school." Misha Glenny, in his review for the Telegraph, praised Webb's "crisp, unself-pitying memoir of a trainwreck youth," adding that he "offers precisely the kind of brisk honesty and considered analysis he expects from his interviewees." Jeremy Paxman, in his review for the Guardian, praised Webb's "tenacity" and described his memoir as "bonkers."

In conclusion, Justin Webb's memoir is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of childhood and the social context of the 1970s. With his searingly honest, gripping, and entertaining writing, Webb offers a unique perspective on a troubled era, shaping the urbane and successful radio presenter we know and love today.

Weight: 178g
Dimension: 198 x 127 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804990896