what's the difference (narrative nonfiction vs. memoir)

Gravity · Jan 20, 2009

Between narrative nonfiction and a memior? Anybody know?

vixey · Jan 20, 2009

Dictionary.com has this definition for memoir:

mem⋅oir /ˈmɛmwɑr, -wɔr/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [mem-wahr, -wawr] Show IPA Pronunciation

–noun 1. a record of events written by a person having intimate knowledge of them and based on personal observation.
2. Usually, memoirs. a. an account of one's personal life and experiences; autobiography.
b. the published record of the proceedings of a group or organization, as of a learned society.

3. a biography or biographical sketch.

I believe a memoir is narrative non-fiction, but narratiave non-fiction is not exclusively a memoir. Historical accounts, theses, heck - anything in a history book would be narrative non-fiction, Op-eds, some journalism...

Gravity · Jan 20, 2009

Thank you kindly, vixey!

IceCreamEmpress · Jan 20, 2009

In Cold Blood is a classic example of narrative non-fiction that's not a memoir; a more recent bestselling example is The Devil in the White City.

what's the difference (narrative nonfiction vs. memoir)

Gravity

Seen 'em come, seen 'em go

vixey

C'est la vie!

Gravity

Seen 'em come, seen 'em go

IceCreamEmpress

Hapless Virago