Perspective

Growing Up is an autobiographical memoir told in the first person, from Russell Baker's point of view. However, Russell doesn't strictly tell the story from his own perspective. He also narrates part of his mother's life, before he was born and when he was very young. He tells about his mother's relationship with Oluf, which he was largely unaware of at the time. Russell becomes a narrator of his mother's story during these parts of the memoir, often explaining her thoughts, opinions, and point of view as part of his narration.

Russell looks at the events of his life from two perspectives throughout the novel. He gives his perspective at the time, such as the adolescent self-involvement that makes him almost completely ignore Herb's existence before his mother marries him. He also gives his more enlightened perspective from the future. A notable instance of this is Russell's treatment...