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naiapard's review against another edition
2.0
The book is built by intertwining his considerations on a number of memoirs. I cannot say that I am a fan of the method. It wastes too much in tackling others’ work and too little on his own. Where is the subject he wants to present?
It is true, that you can say little more about memoirs than it has been already written—that is someone`s interpretation of their lives—and what can you predict about its future when its potential as a genre is still?
I may also be a bit sour because I am not reading this out of pleasure and curiosity but out the necessity of having something on my paper.
senid's review against another edition
3.0
I should have loved this book. Themes include the psychology of memory, honesty. Identity, persona, narrative voice, as well as other topics. Jung is frequently quoted. Memoirs cited include a variety of types from well known writers, less well known writers, and unpublished writing from groups that he has taught. I love all of that. The problem for me is that most chapters feel like a description of memoirs and a critique of the author's psychological development. The book should be fascinating, but I can't recommend it.
bibliophage's review against another edition
I loved what I learned from this book. Personal narrative is a valuable writing genre to learn and exercise as I believe memoir and narrative skills carry over in to other kinds of writing. Larson also helped me to think about memory and my own experiences and how they can/should/do/don't/won't appear in my writing.
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