On reading this you get a real grasp of just how much of Bergman's work is grounded in a handful of personal experiences. As you read on and on you see various sources bubble up, and we know off page, those moments built and flowed and poured into estuaries that fed his vast filmographic sea. For that reason any fan of his films should really take the time to read this for insight into his films.

As a work in its own right it's an interesting memoir and look into the mind of a child. Bergman paints a vivid picture of the torments of childhood and the quiet inner world, punctured by older siblings, parents, odd extended family, and other orbiting adults. Parts are very knowing and not in obvious ways, either. Small accurately captured childhood feelings you'd forgotten about, described and brought back to you.

(written Nov 25th 2021)