AT...you write, "I could take the same set of experiences that informed The Mango Tree and write an entirely new memoir next year. And the year after. And the year after." Is that because the meaning of those experiences will change or that your memory of them will change? When can you trust your memory? (Always?). What's your view of using dialogue in memoir?
As for dialogue, I love it. I think there’s an understanding and acknowledgment by readers of memoir that this isn’t verbatim what was said, but I think good, honest dialogue is another lens into the people/characters and their mannerisms and driving forces
I think my perspective of those experiences will change, as I get older, as my kids get older, as I talk to and hear from other family members. Those layers of reality bring the past into new focus constantly, I think.
One of your best. Loved it.
AT...you write, "I could take the same set of experiences that informed The Mango Tree and write an entirely new memoir next year. And the year after. And the year after." Is that because the meaning of those experiences will change or that your memory of them will change? When can you trust your memory? (Always?). What's your view of using dialogue in memoir?
As for dialogue, I love it. I think there’s an understanding and acknowledgment by readers of memoir that this isn’t verbatim what was said, but I think good, honest dialogue is another lens into the people/characters and their mannerisms and driving forces
I think my perspective of those experiences will change, as I get older, as my kids get older, as I talk to and hear from other family members. Those layers of reality bring the past into new focus constantly, I think.