Have you ever thought of an episode in your life that would make a good chapter in some movie, TV series, or even a book? No? Just me? I’m not lying. Sometimes I think that some events in my life, and concerning my family history, would be very interesting to be read in a book or a novel. More than just experiencing the horrors of the Spanish Civil War, my great grandfather played an important role in it. He was a sergeant close to the heads of the Republican strand during the war and was in charge of rationing the provisions for the soldiers. He was an anarchist who put his ideals even before his family, something that left a huge mark in my grandfather and his siblings. We grew up listening to these stories, and thus they are part of our essence. For years all the family encouraged the siblings to write all their experiences, but some of them have passed away and the remaining are still reluctant to do so. One of the reasons why they’ve never wanted to do so is because they don’t want to profit from suffering. No matter how much we insist, those experiences don’t need to be sold or published. But considering that this is their decision, we’ll just have to settle with listening to their stories.
We read memoirs to know either first-hand accounts of historical episodes or the stories of relevant characters in history: politicians, artists, actors, musicians, you name them. It’s the only way we can know something about them beyond mere facts. Memoirs give us access to the personal side of their authors, making us feel we’re penetrating into their souls. But besides that, they make of these characters standing on a pedestal mere mortals and more approachable. That’s why we recommend these five memoirs that prove real life is way more complex and interesting than any fictional tale.
Just Kids – Patti Smith (2010)
A central piece of the music and cultural movements of the seventies and considered the Queen of punk rock, Patti Smith wrote this book dedicated to her once boyfriend and close friend Robert Mapplethorpe, who died at a very young age. By narrating their experiences and lives in their quest to become relevant, she also sheds light on what was life like for young artists of all disciplines at that time in New York city. She explains also how she became acquainted with other stars of the time, like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin.
Long Walk to Freedom – Nelson Mandela (1994)
There’s no doubt that Nelson Mandela was one of the most important figures of the twentieth century. His role during the apartheid in South Africam and everything he endured, became a truly long walk to freedom. Narrating from his early days living among his tribe as well as how his life changed when he moved to the city and enrolled in the University, his memoir is a historical document about racism in a country divided by hatred, but also a story of resilience and identity.
A Moveable Feast – Ernest Hemingway (1964)
If you long for or are enticed by the intellectual and artistic essence of Bohemian Paris, you’ll definitely want to read this. With his unique literary style, Hemingway narrates his days as an expat in the City of Lights and how he met some of the greatest minds of the century, like Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, Ezra Pound, James Joyce, among many other important characters.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings – Maya Angelou (1969)
As a metaphor of growth, writer and poet Maya Angelou describes herself as a bird who has been caged within the bars of discrimination and misogyny. Her memoir shows us how literature can become the best tool to overcome all these ways of thinking and can create more conscious beings. But more importantly, she narrates how despite the negative environment where she grew up, there’s always a way to move on, how through singing (raising your voice), you can defeat all those barriers.
Bossypants – Tina Fey (2011)
Not all memoirs have to be serious. Here comedian Tina Fey presents a comical autobiography where she narrates the journey she went through to become one of the most notable comedians in the television industry. Moreover, this is a recount of how successful women are generally thought to be bossy in a negative way instead of being considered determined and goal-driven.
Memoirs are seen as accounts of someone’s life, but more than that, they also depict the society and the world these characters lived in, which makes them even richer than just mere historical texts. They make us see through the eyes of their creators a new perspective and dimension of life.
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Take a look at these:
15 Quick Reads You Can Finish In Two Sittings
5 Novels Of War And Conflict Every Woman Should Read
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