memoir
n. countablen. a book written by someone about their own life. It usually focuses on a specific time or theme rather than their whole history.
n. a historical account or biography written from personal knowledge. Often focuses on a specific period, theme, or series of events rather than a comprehensive chronological life story.
She is writing a memoir about her years living in Japan.
The retired politician's memoir caused a scandal because it revealed private conversations with world leaders.
While an autobiography attempts to capture a person's entire life, a memoir often functions as a more intimate exploration of a specific emotional or professional journey.
From French mémoire (“memoir”), from Latin memoria (“memory”). Doublet of memoria and memory.
Commonly used in the singular when referring to a specific book, but the plural 'memoirs' often refers to a collection of personal reminiscences.