The Author (David Sedaris)

David Sedaris is an internationally renowned writer, broadcaster, and commentator. An American by birth but currently making his home in England, he has also traveled the world giving readings and presentations based on his writing: several of the essays in this collection highlight all three aspects of his citizenry: his childhood in, and inescapable focus on / awareness of, America; how his life in England came into being; and his adventures traveling to different countries, in particular experiences related to food and language.

Several aspects of the author’s life form background and context to this most recent collection of essays and other writings: his relationship with his father (which, the essays suggest, seems to have been difficult for his – the author’s – entire life); his middle age (having, the essays also suggest, moved through his fifties); his homosexuality (he frequently mentions, usually in passing...