Liars Poker is a book written by Michael Lewis, and it is often classified as a memoir. The book was first published in 1989, and it tells the story of Lewis’ experiences working as a bond trader at Salomon Brothers in the 1980s. The book is considered to be an insider’s account of the culture and practices of Wall Street during that time period.
The question of whether or not Liars Poker is truly a memoir has been debated by readers and critics alike. Some argue that the book is more of an exposé than a memoir, as it focuses heavily on the unethical practices and excesses of Wall Street traders during the 1980s.
However, others argue that the book is indeed a memoir, as it is based on Lewis’ own experiences working at Salomon Brothers. Throughout the book, Lewis uses his own personal anecdotes to illustrate the various absurdities and excesses he witnessed while working on Wall Street.
The Definition of Memoir
Before we can determine whether or not Liars Poker is truly a memoir, we must first define what exactly a memoir is. A memoir is typically defined as a non-fictional account of an individual’s personal experiences, usually written by that individual themselves.
A memoir differs from an autobiography in that it focuses on specific events or themes within an individual’s life rather than attempting to recount their entire life story. Memoirs can cover any range of topics or experiences, from childhood memories to professional experiences to travel adventures.
The Argument for Liars Poker Being a Memoir
Many readers and critics argue that Liars Poker meets all the criteria for being considered a memoir. For one thing, Michael Lewis worked at Salomon Brothers during the time period he writes about in the book. He was a bond trader, just like the protagonist of the book.
In addition, Lewis uses his own personal experiences to illustrate the various absurdities and excesses of Wall Street culture during that time period. He recounts specific incidents that he witnessed or participated in, such as an instance where he and his colleagues played a game of Liars Poker using dollar bills instead of playing cards.
The fact that Lewis is writing about his own experiences working on Wall Street makes it difficult to argue that Liars Poker is not a memoir. While it may be true that Lewis is also exposing some of the unethical practices and excesses of the industry, this does not negate the fact that he is telling his own story.
The Argument Against Liars Poker Being a Memoir
Despite the arguments in favor of Liars Poker being considered a memoir, there are also those who argue that it is more accurately classified as an exposé or even a work of fiction. These arguments typically stem from two main factors: first, the fact that Lewis’ writing style is very narrative-driven and often reads like a novel; and secondly, the fact that much of what Lewis describes in the book seems too outlandish to be true.
For example, one scene in Liars Poker depicts a group of traders betting on which elevator will arrive first at their office building. While this may seem like an exaggeration or even outright fiction to some readers, others argue that it is entirely possible given what we know about Wall Street culture during the 1980s.
Ultimately, whether or not Liars Poker should be considered a memoir is up for debate. However, regardless of its classification, there is no denying that it remains an important piece of literature for anyone interested in understanding Wall Street culture during the 1980s.
Conclusion
While there may be disagreement over whether or not Liars Poker should be classified as a memoir, there is no denying the impact that the book has had on our understanding of Wall Street culture. Through his own personal experiences, Michael Lewis provides readers with a unique and often shocking glimpse into the world of bond trading during the 1980s. Whether you consider it a memoir, an exposé, or something else entirely, Liars Poker remains an important piece of literature for anyone interested in understanding the excesses and absurdities of Wall Street culture during that time period.
