Synopses & Reviews
Like most biographies, Brian Halls account of his daughter Madeleine begins at her birth. But unlike most biographies, it concludes with her third birthday. Along the way, it describes her intriguing transition from infant solipsism through toddler self-absorption to a small persons sociability. With his trademark subtle humor and novelists eye for the telling detail, Hall recounts her first laugh, first words, first tantrum, and brings it all to life from the inside out. By speculating on his daughters perceptions as she grows, Hall gives us insights into the evolution of language, attachments and separations, and a youngsters curiosity and fear. What emerges is a portrait of growing consciousness in actiona universal voyage whose every revelation and frustration is captured with stunning detail and intimacy.
Review
Hall succeeds dazzlingly at making his daughter and the toddler sensibility come alive. (Los Angeles Times) Guaranteed to renew your sense of wonder whether or not theres a young child in your life. (New York Newsday)
Synopsis
The perceptive and beguiling tale of a young girl's development as only her father can see it Chosen as one of the 50 Best Nonfiction Books of the Past 25 Years by Slate
Like most biographies, Brian Hall's charming account of his daughter Madeleine begins at her birth. But unlike most biographies, it concludes with her third birthday. Along the way, it describes Madeleine's intriguing transition from infant solipsism through toddler self-absorption to a small person's sociability. Drawing on the same subtle humor and eye for detail that imbued I Should Be Extremely Happy in Your Company, his acclaimed novel of the Lewis and Clark expedition, Hall gives us a look at Madeleine's milestones: her first laugh, first words, first tantrum, and brings it all to life from the inside out. By speculating on his daughter's perceptions and experience as she grows, Hall gives us candid and informed insights into the evolution of language, attachments and separations, and a youngster's curiosity and fear. What emerges is a portrait of growing consciousness in action, a universal voyage whose every revelation and frustration is captured with stunning detail and intimacy.
About the Author
Brian Hall is the author of three novels, including I Should Be Extremely Happy in Your Company, his acclaimed story of the Lewis and Clark expedition, as well as three works of nonfiction.