The present article examines the evolving role of autobiography, tracing its development from a literary genre to a valuable historical source. It highlights the growing academic and public interest towards life narratives and suggests that autobiography can function as a form of microhistory, offering a distinctive perspective on the experiences of individuals or groups within the broader scope of historical events.Using descriptive and narrative analysis, the article explores Mayrig, the autobiography of French filmmaker of Armenian origin Henri Verneuil. It demonstrates how a single personal narrative can illuminate the lives of Armenian refugees who settled in Marseille in the early 20th century. Verneuil’s detailed recollections—from his family’s arduous journey to their adaptation to a new and, at times, unwelcoming environment—show how seemingly minor details can reveal the broader context of a life story and contribute to a more nuanced understanding of a community’s past.

Keywordssemiotics of narrative microhistory autobiography personal narrative Marseilles Mayrig Henri Verneuil

The present article examines the evolving role of autobiography, tracing its development from a literary genre to a valuable historical source. It highlights the growing academic and public interest towards life narratives and suggests that autobiography can function as a form of microhistory, offering a distinctive perspective on the experiences of individuals or groups within the broader scope of historical events.Using descriptive and narrative analysis, the article explores Mayrig, the autobiography of French filmmaker of Armenian origin Henri Verneuil. It demonstrates how a single personal narrative can illuminate the lives of Armenian refugees who settled in Marseille in the early 20th century. Verneuil’s detailed recollections—from his family’s arduous journey to their adaptation to a new and, at times, unwelcoming environment—show how seemingly minor details can reveal the broader context of a life story and contribute to a more nuanced understanding of a community’s past.

Keywordssemiotics of narrative microhistory autobiography personal narrative Marseilles Mayrig Henri Verneuil