" As a child, growing up in Hampstead, North London, I was shockingly fair-skinned. Holidays involved me spending the second and third day face-down on a bed, shrieking should anyone touch my blistered skin. "
- Jane Green

In her childhood days spent in Hampstead, a neighborhood in North London, the speaker describes herself as having very fair skin, which made sun exposure particularly challenging and painful. She recounts holiday experiences where she would spend time indoors on a bed for two or three days after just one day of being out in the sun due to severe burns that caused her significant discomfort.

This quote not only conveys a personal anecdote about dealing with intense sunlight during summer breaks but also touches upon broader themes such as physical vulnerability, resilience, and the cultural context of British summers. The vivid imagery of lying face-down on a bed and screaming out in pain illustrates the speaker's extreme sensitivity to sun exposure, which could be a common experience for many people with fair skin who grow up in areas that receive less sunlight throughout the year. This description also highlights the contrast between the allure of outdoor activities during holidays and the reality of dealing with their immediate consequences, reflecting on how personal experiences shape one’s perception of different environments.

Jane Green is an accomplished author known for her engaging novels that often explore themes of friendship, family relationships, and women's lives. Her writing style is accessible and resonates with a wide audience due to its relatable narratives and emotional depth. The quote provided offers insight into her background and the influence of her early life experiences on her work.