This Boy's Life by Tobias Wolff | Summary & Study Guide

This Boy's Life by Tobias Wolff is a painful examination of what happens to a young man who is left to navigate life by himself. The adults in Toby's life are too preoccupied with their own lives to pay attention to him. His mother is self-centered and childish and never really indicates that she wants Toby around. His wealthy father lives with his other son on the east coast and doesn't pursue any relationship with Toby.

This study guide includes the following sections: Plot Summary, Chapter Summaries & Analysis, Characters, Objects/Places, Themes, Style, Quotes, and Topics for Discussion.