Small Fry

Small Fry cover
Good Books rating 4.0
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Technical
  • ID: 9805
  • Added: 2026-01-03
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9786024021658
  • Publisher: Mizan Qanita
  • Published: 2019-12-09
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Small Fry is a deeply personal memoir by Lisa Brennan-Jobs, the eldest daughter of Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc. The book delves into the intricate and often painful relationship between Lisa and her father, who was both a towering figure in the tech world and a distant, emotionally unavailable parent. Lisa's childhood was marked by instability, as she moved between her mother's bohemian lifestyle and her father's wealthy but cold household. Her struggle for affection and acceptance from Steve Jobs is a central theme, highlighting the emotional toll of growing up in the shadow of a legendary figure. The memoir is not just a story of family dynamics but also a reflection on identity, resilience, and the search for belonging. /n/n Written with raw honesty and lyrical prose, Small Fry offers a unique perspective on the life of Steve Jobs, seen through the eyes of his daughter. Lisa's narrative is both heartbreaking and inspiring, as she navigates the complexities of her relationship with her father and her own journey towards self-discovery. The book provides a rare glimpse into the personal life of one of the most influential figures of our time, while also telling a universal story of love, loss, and the enduring quest for familial connection.

Reviews
Bedlam Farm · Mark Seth Lender · 2019-04-02
moving 4.50

The memoir begins with the volatile relationship between Lisa and her mother, Chrisann, providing a unique insight into her early life. It is a poignant and moving account that highlights the complexities of family dynamics.

Mark Seth Lender's review of Small Fry focuses on the intricate and often tumultuous relationship between Lisa Brennan-Jobs and her mother, Chrisann. The memoir offers a raw and unfiltered look at the early years of Lisa's life, marked by instability and emotional turmoil. Lender highlights the book's ability to capture the nuances of family relationships, particularly the impact of her father's absence and her mother's struggles. The prose is evocative and moving, providing a deeply personal and introspective narrative that resonates with readers. It's a book that invites empathy and understanding, shedding light on the often overlooked aspects of family life.


Quick quotes

    The book begins as an account of the relationship between Lisa and Chrisann, a volatile artist who once lived with but did not marry Steve Jobs.

    It is a poignant and moving account that highlights the complexities of family dynamics.

    The prose is evocative and moving, providing a deeply personal and introspective narrative.

The Guardian · Dylan Jones · 2018-09-13
harrowing 3.50

The memoir details years of neglect and controlling behaviour by Steve Jobs, offering a raw and unfiltered perspective. It is a powerful narrative that challenges the myth of Steve Jobs as a benevolent figure.

Lisa Brennan-Jobs's memoir, Small Fry, is a deeply personal account of her childhood, marked by neglect and emotional abuse at the hands of her father, Steve Jobs. The book does not shy away from the harsh realities of her upbringing, painting a picture of a complex and often distant father figure. It's a narrative that forces readers to confront the darker side of a man often celebrated as a visionary. The prose is compelling, and the emotional depth is palpable, making it a memorable read.


Quick quotes

    The Apple founder's daughter has the last word in a memoir detailing years of neglect and controlling behaviour.

    It is a powerful narrative that challenges the myth of Steve Jobs as a benevolent figure.

    The book does not shy away from the harsh realities of her upbringing, painting a picture of a complex and often distant father figure.

The New Yorker · Helen Schulman · 2018-09-06
intriguing 4.00

The memoir is both mesmerizing and discomfiting, offering a unique perspective on the Steve Jobs myth. It is a poignant and thought-provoking read that stays with the reader long after the last page.

Lisa Brennan-Jobs's Small Fry is a memoir that captivates and unsettles in equal measure. Through her vivid and detailed writing, Brennan-Jobs provides a nuanced portrait of her father, Steve Jobs, revealing the complexities and contradictions of his character. The book is not just a personal narrative but also a cultural commentary, challenging the idealized image of Jobs that has been perpetuated over the years. The emotional depth and raw honesty make it a compelling read, one that invites reflection on the nature of family, fame, and legacy.


Quick quotes

    It is a mesmerizing, discomfiting reading.

    Brennan-Jobs's attempt to take control of some modest part of the Steve Jobs myth has almost ...

    The book is not just a personal narrative but also a cultural commentary.