I Didn't Really Know Him is a memoir of the author's life with her husband from 1960 until 2018. She fictitiously portrays herself as the character, Beth, and her husband as William Parker Hays. By presenting his poems chronologically while describing their marriage as it develops, the reader learns that "Will" was very intelligent, proud, and creative, but also insensitive to others, secretive, and often lacking good judgment. Beth's character is developed as the author describes Beth's changing feelings towards her husband. The descriptions of Peterborough, England, and of Will's family and their English "attitude"are interesting and thought-provoking. By the end of the book, the reader can understand why being married to an Englishman was difficult for Beth.