Couser Mémoir In Coulter's Analysis

To understand what Couser refers to as “particular way of writing one’s life” a close examination of the origin and the meaning of the word ‘memoir’ is necessary. The word has its origins in French and it derives from ‘mémoire’ meaning ‘memory’. Coulter elaborates that “ … being based on memory rather than research, a memoir will necessarily be very different from a formal biography. It will be, or resemble, a reminiscence, consisting of personal recollections" (Coulter 19). Because of this aspect of the memoir he then explains, “In turn, this creates the expectation that the narrative may be impressionistic and subjective rather than authoritatively fact based” (Coulter 19).
The memoir however in contrast with the autobiography, covers only

a segment of the author’s life narrative. The experiences are somewhat thematic as they cover targeted topics. The events described are selected and examined for meaning relative to the purpose of the book. Margaret Thatcher’s works aren’t simply memoirs, but rather a more focused and specialized form called political memoir