Full of life is a brief —but incomplete— autobiography, which leaves many periods of the author's life to the free interpretation of the reader and also uses aspects said in passing in a conversation, to evoke, for example, his childhood, his relationships with his parents, his wedding, his religious feeling...
The autobiography begins at a moment in the author's mature age: about 37; just when his wife is about to give birth to her first child. From this fact arise several narrative paths, by which Fante walks with expertise, without producing stops, using very well the flash back of short duration, changing of scene and incorporating decisive characters in the conclusion of the work. In short, a very well-blocked story, with rhythm, strength in its characters, humour and many personal opinions about family, children, religion, lost illusions... The book is brilliant, but bittersweet. Much of what is narrated conveys joy and optimism, but the nostalgic tone of some reflections - especially around the lost innocence and faith of childhood - give a certain fatalistic tone.