I Remember

Synopsis

At once an affectionate portrait of mid-century Paris and a daring pointillist autobiography, Georges Perec's 'I Remember' is the last of this essential writer's major works to be translated into English. Consisting of 480 numbered statements, all beginning identically with 'I remember,' and all limited to pieces of public knowledge - brand names and folk wisdom, actors and illnesses, places and things - the book represents a secret key to the world of Perec's fiction.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Forgotten Childhood

* Introduces 70-year-old Joe Biden, who is struggling to remember his early childhood.
* Biden reflects on his father's job losses and the family's financial struggles, which forced them to move frequently.
* Example: Biden recalls his father telling him, "Son, there's no shame in being poor. The shame is in staying poor."

Chapter 2: The Making of a Scranton Kid

* Describes Biden's upbringing in working-class Scranton, Pennsylvania.
* Emphasizes the importance of family, community, and the Catholic faith in shaping his values.
* Example: Biden recounts attending church with his Irish-Catholic family and feeling a sense of belonging.

Chapter 3: The Ride to the Capital

* Details Biden's early political career in the Delaware Senate.
* Highlights his passion for social justice and working on behalf of the less fortunate.
* Example: Biden successfully advocates for legislation to provide legal assistance to low-income families.

Chapter 4: The Man from Delaware

* Chronicles Biden's election to the United States Senate in 1972 and his early years in Washington.
* Describes his close relationship with President Carter and his role in shaping domestic policy.
* Example: Biden plays a key role in drafting the Violence Against Women Act, which provides protection and support to victims of domestic violence.

Chapter 5: A Family Tragedy

* Relates the tragic car accident in 1972 that killed Biden's wife and infant daughter.
* Explores Biden's grief and the challenges he faced as a single father of two young sons.
* Example: Biden recalls visiting his wife's grave every day for months after the accident, seeking solace.

Chapter 6: The Road Back

* Describes Biden's determination to rebuild his life and serve his country despite the personal tragedy he had endured.
* Highlights his work on issues related to crime, domestic violence, and gun control.
* Example: Biden sponsors the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, which requires background checks on gun purchases.

Chapter 7: The Obama Years

* Covers Biden's role as Vice President during the Obama administration.
* Details his responsibilities overseeing foreign policy, managing the economic recovery, and working on gun violence prevention.
* Example: Biden is tasked with leading the negotiations to end the Iraq War and is involved in the decision to authorize the raid that killed Osama bin Laden.

Chapter 8: Promise Me, Dad

* Explores Biden's relationship with his son Beau, who passed away from brain cancer in 2015.
* Describes the pain and heartbreak of losing his son and the lessons he learned about resilience and the importance of family.
* Example: Biden recalls Beau's dying words to him: "Promise me, Dad, you'll keep the promise you made to me."

Chapter 9: The 2020 Election

* Chronicles Biden's decision to run for President in 2020 and his campaign against incumbent Donald Trump.
* Highlights his focus on unity, empathy, and the need to heal the country's political divisions.
* Example: Biden delivers a speech at the Democratic National Convention, emphasizing his belief in the power of empathy and the importance of restoring the soul of America.