Told in short numbered episodes rather than chapters, Mark Haddon recalls the relationship with his parents rather like fleeting memories, darting back and forward in time. His reminiscences are punctuated throughout with old photos, doodles and artwork. 

It's a quick and easy read which is both funny and nostalgic (he grew up in the 70s) but also terribly sad.

Haddon clearly had a very unhappy childhood (though in the mentions of what his sister experienced, she seemed to have it even worse).

His father designed abattoirs and his mother was dominated by keeping the house clean and tidy. Neither of them seemed to show any affection or kindness to the children with both Haddon and his sister remembering terrible things their parents said to them and about them.

Haddon is telling his story with both his parents now dead. He has a successful writing career (and tells us when events in his past inspired scenes and stories in his novels). He has a family of his own, and together they have overcome highs and lows. 

It's a wonderfully original memoir which is as entertaining as it is moving and thought-provoking.