The truth in 'Hillbilly Elegy' lies in the reflection of the social and economic hardships faced by many in Appalachia. The opioid epidemic, lack of job opportunities, and family breakdowns are real issues there. Fiction comes in when the author might have exaggerated certain emotions or relationships to make the story more engaging. It's like he took real - life problems and wove them into a story that, while based on truth, has some fictional elements to make it more marketable as a memoir.
In 'Hillbilly Elegy', one fact is the real depiction of the Appalachian culture and the economic struggles there. Fiction might be some of the more dramatized family interactions. For example, the poverty and the lack of opportunities in the region are real facts. But some of the dialogue and the extreme scenarios in family feuds could be fictional elements added for the sake of storytelling.
One way is to research the Appalachian region's actual history and social conditions. If the book describes something that aligns with historical data like high unemployment rates in the area, it's likely a fact. If a situation seems too extreme or overly dramatic for the context, it could be fiction. For example, if a character's reaction to a minor event is overly exaggerated, it might be a fictional device.
Another aspect is the portrayal of complex family dynamics. There are often multi - generational stories, with characters influenced by their parents' and grandparents' experiences. The family can be a source of both support and conflict, which is vividly shown in this type of fiction.
It's considered a true story to a large extent. The events and situations depicted in Hillbilly Elegy have roots in the author's real life, offering insights into his upbringing and the challenges he faced.