Like many of my generation, I first encountered the absurdist stylings of Alexei Sayle on The Young Ones. Many would say there were four main characters in that show, but to me Sayle’s hyperactive, psychotic andsometimes homicidal landlord Mr. Balowski was the highlight of almost every episode. As I grew up and he grew older, Alexei Sayle’s Stuff would make me laugh so hard that I once fell off the couch. What kind of childhood would make such a great come- dian? Where did he get his outlook on life?

Stalin Ate My Homework, Sayle’s eloquent, affectionate yet unvarnished memoir of his early life, goes some way towards answering that question. The only child of staunchly communist parents, his father Joe worked for the railway which allowed his family free travel. While the other kids in working-class Liverpool were lucky to get a trip to the sea- side, Sayle’s parents took him across Europe, visiting countries behind the Iron Curtain that few Westerners saw. His mother Molly – the archetypal fiery redhead – was prone to expletive-laden outbursts against her family, her neighbours and the world at large.His parents stayed loyal to the cause even when events such as the 1956 Hungarian Revolution cast a shadow on the whole idea of communism. They would not let him see Disney films because Walt was a supporter of Joseph McCarthy, and cast aspersions on those who ‘abandoned’ the party.

While this book has a light touch – despite dealing with serious politics it’s supposed to be funny, and is – Sayle doesn’t shy away from criticism of dogmatic communist ideals. Truly a memoir with a difference, this is a fascinating glimpse into a childhood lived out of water and a political ideology that many have forgotten.