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1-Page Summary of The Art of Memoir
Overall Summary
The Art of Memoir is a non-fiction book by Mary Karr that teaches readers how to write their own memoirs. She writes in a personal tone, often referring back to her own experiences and writing process when teaching various points.
Karr begins by stating that she was not elected the boss of memoirs, and thus her claims should be taken with a grain of salt. She then discusses why there has been an increase in reading memoirs, as well as their popularity among readers. She notes that fiction is becoming more intellectual and abstract, driving demand for nonfiction books like this one. This book is aimed at writers but some people who are not writers might find it interesting.
Karr describes how memoirs are dangerous because memories can be unreliable. She asks her students to do an exercise where they write down the same memory and then compare their versions. The point of this is that all memories have to be edited, even if you remember them perfectly.
Karr also argues that memoir is a contract between the writer and their readers. Readers expect some amount of truth in a memoir, but there can be inaccuracies because it’s unavoidable.
Karr offers a 10-question quiz to help aspiring memoirists determine if they really want to write a memoir. If you still wish to proceed after taking the quiz, she advises that you begin working with the knowledge that it will not actually be published—it will serve as notes for your future writings.
Karr then discusses the importance of voice in memoirs. Most memoirs are thin on plot and rely almost exclusively on the author’s voice to carry them. This is true for Speak, Memory by Vladimir Nabokov, who was a talented writer able to write a book that lacked most of what we expect from stories. His voice carried this book and entrances readers.
Karr discusses the art of writing about sex, noting that it’s not just a matter of discussing anatomy and positions but also including details that make the reader feel like they’re there. He gives examples from four different writers and explains how one detail in particular is interesting enough to lead into more details and dramatic moments.
Karr discusses the importance of memoirs, and how it is easy to fake them. She mentions James Frey’s A Million Little Pieces as an example of a faked memoir that was widely believed, but then found out to be false. However, when she shows people two examples on the same subject (one real and one fake), most people choose the wrong one as being more believable. Karr believes that if cheaters cheat themselves more than others because they lose their own stories in faking things; it is better not to lie at all rather than risk losing your story by lying about yourself or someone else.
Karr says that the memoir genre requires you to be vulnerable and reveal personal details. If readers sense that you’re holding back, they will not trust your book. Kingston’s work is particularly influential in this regard, because she has a skewed view of herself as others see her.
The author then goes on to explain how writers should present their ideas. She discusses the importance of being genuine, as well as the value of using simple language and avoiding exaggeration or hyperbole. The author also offers some advice for writers who are writing about others in their memoirs, suggesting that they approach this material with care.
Kathryn Harrison’s memoir, The Kiss, is about an affair she had with her father. She was incredibly brave to write that but suffered a lot of pain because the press attacked her. To get past writer’s block, Karr suggests writing book reviews or poems and then memorizing them. When re-writing your work you will need to expect and prepare for extensive revisions and rewrites. You should start by getting started on your idea once it has been established in your mind.
