Memoir writing can be myopic.
We focus on specific relationships and events and the meaning we derive from them.
Memoirs like Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Mary Kerr’s The Liars’ Club, and Frank McCourt’s Angela’s Ashes are modern classics partly because of their tightly woven storytelling.
However, we’re missing so much by focusing on a short period as memoirists.
Researching my family history as part of an “assignment” from my ancestors to learn to swim, dive, and map sunken slave ships at midlife made me realize I was a tiny bud on the family tree.
I began teaching “Writing With Your Ancestors” four years ago because I noticed people were focused on a small corner of their narratives.
Ancestral memoirs—those that weave our stories with those of our forebearers—stretch our imaginations beyond the sometimes limited narratives we tell ourselves and others. Our collective stories are more encompassing than our traumas. As memoirists, we are writing human history.
In addition, understanding familial history adds depth, richness, and authenticity to a memoir and fosters a stronger connection with your audience.
Below are several reasons why ancestral research can enhance your memoir.
Identity Formation
Ancestral roots contribute to identity formation by exploring history, traditions, and cultural nuances, providing insight into personal identity, and reflecting on past experiences.
Cultural Context
Memoirs often serve as a bridge between the personal and the universal. By incorporating the cultural context of ancestral roots, writers can offer readers a broader perspective on the human experience. Providing a unique cultural context adds layers to the memoir, making it more relatable and enlightening for a diverse audience.
Interconnected Stories
Connecting our individual and collective ancestral roots allows writers to explore the impact of generational legacies, resilience, and the cyclical nature of certain themes within the family history.
Belonging and Displacement
Understanding ancestral roots is crucial for exploring belonging and displacement themes in memoirs. Delving into family roots offers insights into historical and social forces shaping migration, assimilation, and identity search themes over generations.
Healing and Closure
Some writers gain a new perspective on their journeys by understanding their ancestors’ struggles, triumphs, and challenges.
This exploration may lead to a deeper appreciation of resilience, a better understanding of inherited strengths, and a path toward healing from intergenerational wounds.
Conclusion
By embracing the stories of those who came before, writers can enrich their narratives, create a more profound connection with readers, and contribute to a broader understanding of the human experience.
Ancestral roots are not just historical footnotes but living, breathing elements that shape our identities and stories in profound and enduring ways.
If you like this article and want to learn more about infusing your memoir with family history, sign up for my next “Writing With the Ancestors” class.