The Story of My Life, volumes 1-3

"The Story of My Life" by Augustus J. C. Hare is a recounting of one man's life journey that seeks to capture the essence of personal evolution and interpersonal connections through the lens of memory and emotional experiences. Composed in the late 1800s, it's a reflection that leans heavily on intimate letters and journal entries to weave a detailed picture of the influences of his relatives and friends, most notably his birth and adoptive mothers. The story begins with the author's stated purpose for writing, which evolved from trying to give solace to a sick acquaintance to a personal dive into recollections that simultaneously bring happiness and sadness. Furthermore, the work recognizes the shifting and subjective qualities inherent in personal memories, acknowledging that the author's recollections might differ from those of others, and is about a life marked by a combination of sorrow, happiness, and self-discovery, emphasizing that life's richness is found in its smaller elements.