Memoar

Memoar is not a standard term in English; it is most commonly a misspelling of memoir, the literary form in which a writer recounts personal memories of specific events or periods.

A memoir is a non-fiction work told from a subjective perspective, focusing on particular experiences rather than attempting to cover the narrator's entire life. It blends descriptive narrative with reflective analysis and thematic threads, often highlighting how events shaped the author’s understanding or identity.

Structure and tone tend to be episodic, using scenes and vignettes to illuminate meaning. While factual details may be checked or supplemented, the emphasis remains on memory, interpretation, and personal significance rather than exhaustive biography. Memoirs may address family, career, trauma, travel, or other defining themes, and they frequently employ a literary style that foregrounds voice and mood.

Memoirs differ from autobiographies in scope and purpose. An autobiography typically aims for a chronological, comprehensive account of a person’s life, while a memoir centers on memory, meaning, and a chosen set of experiences or periods.

Notable examples of memoirs include Becoming by Michelle Obama, The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, and Educated by Tara Westover. The memoir continues to be a widely read category in both literary and popular non-fiction, valued for its intimate, reflective approach to life experiences. See also memoir, autobiography, non-fiction.