I discovered Simon Gray when I had a bout of 'Granta' mania - reading any and all titles by this publisher for a while. I read 'The Smoking Diaries' earlier this year and this book follows from there, covering the period 2004 with many asides and reflections on his life. It is hilarious - a laconic and self-deprecating look at the playwright's life, interspersed with amusing anecdotes and self-confessional moments. Presented with a kind of lazy, intimate, friendly and conversational 'stream of consciousness' style. Hilarious stuff.

This year (2008) a third memoir is published - 'Coda'. I know there will not be any more as the author died in August this year from an aortic aneursym (and not lung cancer as many presumed.)

I can heartily recommend this book to all who enjoy delving into the mind of a very clever sixty-something Englishman. It is exclusively English in the tone and wit - so bear that in mind if you chose to read it. ( )

Playwright Simon Gray' last book The Smoking Diaries received much praise for its wit and style – his new one The Year Of The Jouncer is more of the same, this time chronicling 2004. The star-lit moments (holidaying with the Pinters, visiting Alan Bates' deathbed) are intercut with reminiscences of his boyhood in London. You have to admire the confessional, self-deprecating tone of his prose, and the overall warm and comfortable tone (humorous asides and all) make this a very pleasant read indeed. Those who loved The Smoking Diaries will not be disappointed by this amusing and often touching follow-up. ( )