Short Answer 
A memoir focuses on personal experiences and significant life events, presenting a unique narrative perspective. By sharing her story, the narrator fosters connection and encourages others to share their experiences, highlighting broader themes like resilience while providing insight into historical events.
Step 1: Understanding the Memoir Format
A memoir is a form of storytelling that focuses on personal experiences, conveying real-life events in a narrative form. It allows the author to share significant moments, emotions, and lessons learned throughout their life. Unlike a full autobiography, a memoir typically centers on specific themes or events, presenting a unique viewpoint on those experiences.
Step 2: The Significance of Personal Perspective
Telling her story in memoir form provides a unique and personal perspective on historical events, allowing readers to engage with the narrator’s experiences on a deeper level. This perspective is essential as it transforms ordinary experiences into impactful narratives, making them relatable and relevant. By sharing her struggles and triumphs, the narrator not only recounts her life but also reflects broader themes such as resilience and survival.
Step 3: The Impact of Sharing Her Story
The impact of Gelissen’s decision to tell her story reveals several outcomes, including:
- Increased awareness of the challenges faced during her life.
- Encouragement for others to share their stories, fostering connection.
- Contribution to the understanding of historical events through personal experience.
By framing her experiences in this way, the memoir serves to highlight significant themes and offers readers a window into understanding the past through her eyes.