Geoff Dyer returns to his formative years in Homework: A Memoir, offering a poignant look at growing up in a world profoundly shaped by the Second World War. Born in 1958 to a dinner lady and a sheet-metal worker, Dyer explores the frugality and cultural landscape of his youth, from Airfix models and wargames to the sudden realization that a new record player led to endless expenditure.

This is not solely a narrative of overcoming hardship, but a celebration of the opportunities afforded to Dyer’s generation. Follow his journey through a grammar-school education, which opened doors to books, prog rock, university life at Oxford, and the complex social transformations of the era.

Key Insights

• Explores the author's early life, growing up in the shadow of WWII.
• Examines the social and cultural shifts experienced by Dyer's generation.
• Details the path from a modest upbringing to attending Oxford University.

Specifications

This edition is presented in paperback format by Canongate Books.

• Author: Geoff Dyer
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition: Main
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 21 May 2026
• Print Length: 304 pages
• ISBN-10: 1837262012
• ISBN-13: 978-1837262014
• Dimensions: 12.9 x 1.8 x 19.8 cm
• Weight: 200 g

Discover Geoff Dyer's insightful reflections on how his early experiences laid the foundation for his life and work.