Question about autobiographical novels?

Question

I don't understand why everyone is all upset about that book 'a million little peices'. They say the author made up a few things that didn't actually happen. I always thought that all novels about peoples lives contained some things or characters that are made up (but the main theme is true). Isn't that why all of those 'true story' books are all in the fiction section at the bookstore. I just don't understand why everyone is all upset about it.

oh...now i see. thanks for everyones answers

Answer 1

I don't think it has to do with his book being valid, true or not. It has more to do with the writer's integrity. He is a poor ambassador for all the wonderful writers out there doing honest work and presenting their work in an honest light.

While his book may be good reading, it should be represented correctly in the literary world.

Answer 2

You're quite correct. Autobiographical fiction uses creative license to enhance or change facts so that they will make a better story. However, in the case of "A Million Little Pieces" by James Frey, he made the claim that the story was true, and not largely fictionalized. And he made it on the Oprey Winfrey Show to a national audience, who bought his book thinking it was almost all fact. It was unfortunate, because he has a good story that deserved to stand on its own merits, not on notoriety. The main thing about Frey's claims was that he spent a lengthy time in jail when he only spent a night or so there. His descriptions show a lot more creative talent than if he had experienced it all first-hand.

Answer 3

Because the book was not published as fiction. It was published as a true memoir.

You will not find memoirs in the fiction section of a library or bookstore, unless a clerk does not know what he is doing.

Moreover, he was very public -- in interviews, with Oprah, online, about how it was all true. This makes people made when they learn they were lied to.

Answer 4

Because he stole it and now is being paid handsomely for being a thief. Real writers work hard, lose sleep, don't eat, drive away loved ones, strive for truth and justice in hopes of presenting something one little thing that their gleeners can connect with and it takes days, months and yes years to have something that will rise a notch above mediocre and be a thing of beauty. He might as well taken a copy of the Bible and written by "ME" underneath the title. When a writer creates something, it is his and he'll sure get the credit if it sucks so how dare someone steal from him. The guy should go to prison not get a check for 500,000 dollars.

Answer 5

I agree with the first answer. Granted he acknowledged that his drug habit might have "encouraged" him to overcompensate some of the details of his life, I think if you are going to portray it as an autobiography, you ought to do your best to adhere to the facts. Otherwise it should be noted that this was "inspired from a true story" the way so many tv movies always indicate. His publisher or editor should also have checked the facts, especially in regards to his jail time.