One's first memories are often vicarious: one is told that one did something or was involved in something; one dramatizes it and folds the image falsely into the annals of the truly remembered.
In Anthony Burgess's book "Little Wilson and Big God," the author explores the concept of early memories and how they can be shaped by others' narratives. Often, our first recollections are not direct experiences but rather stories told by family or friends. This means that our memories may be dramatized or embellished, creating a false sense of involvement in events.
Burgess highlights the idea that this vicarious form of memory can lead to a blending of real and imagined experiences. As we recall these moments, they become integrated into our personal history, influencing our identity and perception of the past. This process raises questions about the authenticity of our memories and how they are constructed over time.