Is it a memoir or an autobiography?

Does it matter? What is the difference between autobiography and memoir? Autobiography is a record of an entire life, whereas a memoir is a snapshot or a series of incidents at a particular time.

Autobiography reveals the truth

Some literary figures argue only famous people can write autobiographies because there is greater interest in their stories. Often incidents and salacious details are known about a public figure before their book is released.

The main attraction in reading an autobiography by a public figure is to discover the truth behind the headlines and gossip. So an excellent marketing strategy is to release excerpts to the public to create a buzz to generate sales.

Memoir

Memoir is considered the poor relation to autobiography in certain circles. Some critics claim any individual can write a memoir which seems dismissive. But I’m not sure the distinction between autobiography and memoir is helpful or accurate.

Famous or infamous?

Keith Richard’s excellent autobiography Life was aided by the significant research and support of journalist James Fox. In interviews, Richards admitted that without Fox, the book would not have the level of authenticity it does.

Carrie Fisher’s Shockaholic is a more confessional memoir and better for her incredible wit and self-deprecating humour. There is something admirable about a woman willing to share the trauma of her mental illness and addiction so transparently. Fisher always remembers she has an audience. There is no self-pity party here.

Infamous

Pamela Des Barres’s I’m with the Band differs from the autobiographies of those previously mentioned. Whereas Keith Richards is famous for being a musician and Carrie Fisher for being an actor, writer, and entertainer, Pamela Des Barres had none of these attributes. Before famous-for-being-famous became commonplace, Des Barres was making a name for herself on the Sunset Strip.

A deep dive into the 1960s

The 1960s holds a romanticism and fascination for me bordering on the obsessive. If I lived during this time, I would have found all the changes in society shocking. Many women who lived through it, now say they feel they were exploited.

What makes Des Barres’s memoir fascinating is the reverence she holds for the time and her treatment by the rock royalty.

She was young, gorgeous, and at the epicenter of cultural change who happened to have relationships with some of the most famous figures in rock history.

Womens lives

I think memoir is often derided as it is, in my opinion, most beautifully written by women. It sometimes details the small, the domestic, and the personal. Of course, there is gossip and fun but what it really does is let other women know they are not alone with their fears and desires. Especially their desires!

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