Blake Morrison's On Memoir: A Masterclass in the Art of Life Writing
Blake Morrison, a distinguished poet, critic, and literary editor, opens his latest work, On Memoir, with a profound reflection: "I’ve had a life and I’ve also had a life as a life writer." This statement sets the stage for a deep dive into one of literature's most dynamic and expanding genres. Morrison's book serves as both a guide and a philosophical inquiry, asking fundamental questions about what it means to document a life. Can one truly capture their own existence from within it? What constitutes a life worth writing about?
From Personal to Collective: The Scope of Life Writing
Before achieving acclaim with his bestselling memoir And When Did You Last See Your Father? in 1993, Morrison had already showcased his interest in exploring interior worlds. His earlier poem, The Ballad of the Yorkshire Ripper, attempted to delve beyond newspaper reports to understand serial killer Peter Sutcliffe. This piece, featured in On Memoir, illustrates how form can be used against expectations to address traumatic collective experiences. Morrison also references his work As If, which examines the trial of Robert Thompson and Jon Venables, the young boys who killed toddler James Bulger. These examples underscore that life writing often extends beyond personal narratives to encompass broader societal issues.
An A-Z Guide with Depth and Practicality
Morrison structures On Memoir as a deceptively breezy alphabetical guide, with entries ranging from Flashbacks and Food to Persona and Plagiarism. Drawing from his years teaching at Goldsmiths, University of London, he offers nuts-and-bolts advice for aspiring memoirists. This includes practical tips, such as avoiding repetitive name usage, and more surprising suggestions, like considering self-publishing to share one's story. Additionally, the book functions as an extensive reading list, highlighting works from Olaudah Equiano's 1789 autobiography to contemporary memoirs by authors like Annie Ernaux and Catherine Taylor.
The Central Dilemma: Truth in Memoir Writing
Throughout On Memoir, Morrison grapples with persistent questions that seep between the entries, never fully resolved. Chief among these is the issue of truth. Memory is inherently slippery, and the modern exhortation to "speak one’s truth" encourages openness but also highlights that others have their own versions. When accounts conflict, situations can become messy quickly. Morrison advises writers to strive for truthfulness without fabricating histories, as seen in cases like Binjamin Wilkomirski's false Holocaust memoir. He also cautions against the desire to be likable, urging writers to excavate painful or embarrassing experiences honestly.
Ethical Considerations and Personal Reflections
Morrison addresses the ethical dimensions of life writing, noting that writers should not overly worry about others' opinions but must practice human decency. He shares personal anecdotes, such as inaccurately recalling a friend's brother on a train, emphasizing that minor inaccuracies are part of the process. However, when revealing sensitive information, like his father's love affairs, ethical considerations become paramount. This balance between honesty and empathy is a recurring theme in the book.
Inviting Reader Engagement and Broader Implications
One of the most intriguing aspects of Morrison's A-Z approach is that it encourages readers to add their own entries. Between topics like Likability and Loss, one might ponder the role of Loneliness—not just as a motivation for writing, but as a reason why people read memoirs. Engaging with the details of another's life can foster a sense of being "seen," a concept Morrison subtly links to nosiness. On Memoir thus becomes a interactive exploration, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences and the universal appeal of life stories.
Published by Borough Press at £16.99, On Memoir: An A-Z of Life Writing is a thoroughgoing guide that asks deep questions about autobiography. It combines practical advice with philosophical insights, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in the art of telling life stories.
