counterlife

I think, though, in memoir there's an expectation that, more so than in these other forms mentioned, what the author says happened actually did for the most part. and that the "essential truth", as frey calls it, is very close to what the "facts" suggest. otherwise the story wouldn't have to be told the way it is; the author can then write anything as the author's legitimate recollection of the truth is what I'm under the impression (moral relativism/post-modern funhouse mirror definitions of truth notwithstanding) makes a memoir. otherwise just write a fuckin 'kickass rap song and be done with it. or go the philip roth route. tales (especially the prague orgy, counterlife, and communist) which are a sublime and mysterious blend of fiction based on not only fact, but that which reeks of essential truth.

be fooled by the rocks that I got 2006