Ambivalence by Brian Dillon review – an odd man out
Brian Dillon's memoir, 'Ambivalence', explores his journey of self-discovery through literature and music after losing his parents at a young age. The narrative, told in the third person, reflects his struggles with identity and academic life while embracing avant-garde influences. Despite the challenges he faced, Dillon's writing reveals a commitment to a life of ideas and intellectual exploration.
- ▪Brian Dillon lost both parents by the age of 21, which shapes his perspective in the memoir.
- ▪He navigates his education in Dublin while grappling with his passion for avant-garde music and literature.
- ▪Dillon's writing is a blend of personal reflection and intellectual exploration, revealing his struggles with identity and loneliness.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Brian Dillon. Photograph: Martina Bocchio/Awakening/AlamyView image in fullscreenBrian Dillon. Photograph: Martina Bocchio/Awakening/AlamyAutobiography and memoirReviewAmbivalence by Brian Dillon review – an odd man outThe critic’s memoir’s is a portrait in determination to go against the grain and ‘pursue a life in words and ideas’Blake MorrisonWed 3 Jun 2026 04.00 EDTLast modified on Wed 3 Jun 2026 04.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleBrian Dillon lost his parents early, his mother when he was 16, his father at 21. He writes of them in passing here, as he did in his first book, In the Dark Room, but with little overt display of grief. Narrated in the third person, with young Dillon a removed he rather than an emotionally manipulative I, this isn’t a weepy orphanhood memoir.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — Books.
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