The Differences Between Memoir, Autobiography & Biography

Memoirs, autobiographies, and biographies seem similar because they have one thing in common, that is experiences of people. But there is a major difference between all three of them. Many people find these differences confusing. In this blog, we will discuss the differences between memoir, autobiography, and biography with examples in a simple way. Let’s begin:

Memoir

A story that focuses on one aspect of your life is called a memoir. It can be about your childhood, career, personal loss, or how you have faced a setback in your life. Keep it personal, emotional, and reflective. Your memoir should make a reader feel how you felt during that time in your life.

Now let’s take an example of the memoir:  Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt - In this book, the author has described how he and his family tackled the challenges that they faced during his childhood due to poverty when they migrated to Ireland.

Autobiography

If you decide to write a book about your own life, then it is called an autobiography. An autobiography can be written once you have many experiences to share with people. It is a combination of memorable experiences, achievements, and failures. The tone can be heartfelt and introspective. 

To understand the meaning of autobiography more clearly, let’s take an example of The Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela. In this book, the author wrote about his life as a student and a law clerk in a Jewish firm in Johannesburg. He has also described his struggle to reconcile his political activity with his devotion to his family, the breakup of his first marriage, and the painful separations from his children. It also includes his 27 years of experience in prison, the complex and delicate negotiations that led to his freedom, and to the beginning of the end of apartheid.

Biography

Biography includes facts, timelines, and turning points from birth to death or at least to the present day, but is written by someone else than the person whose story is being written about. You need to do research about a person’s life and conduct interviews with the person to collect the information. It will help you to make the biography authentic. The tone should be formal but engaging. 

Example: Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson - The author has depicted the lessons that Steve Jobs learnt about innovation, leadership, character, and values. Walter Isaacson conducted more than 40 interviews with Steve Jobs over two years. He also conducted interviews with more than 100 family members, friends, adversaries, competitors, and colleagues. This is an intriguing story about the ups and downs of Steve Jobs’ life.

The key differences between memoir, autobiography, and biography:

Memoirs and autobiographies are written by a person himself. Biographies are written by others. Memoirs include a story about only one aspect of life. Autobiographies and biographies include a story about the entire life.

As an author, understanding the differences between memoir, autobiography, and biography will help you to set the right expectations for yourself and your readers.

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Read '10 Must-read Contemporary Indian Memoirs' https://www.rollingauthors.com/post/10-must-read-contemporary-indian-memoirs