Could any of them have made stuff up? Maybe, even if they didn’t mean to. At a minimum we can say that their stories are real to them and are grounded in what we know from other sources. As far as the French Soldier example I am sure we might have a parallel Russian or Englishman to pair with it.
Also there are no wrong answers; just answers with supporting context.
THE NARRATIVE OF ALVAR NUÑEZ CABEÇA DE VACA
These are some digitized primary sources. Feel free to read them and discuss what is “not actual history” with the class.
The diary of a Napoleonic foot soldier is also another example.
Could any of them have made stuff up? Maybe, even if they didn’t mean to. At a minimum we can say that their stories are real to them and are grounded in what we know from other sources. As far as the French Soldier example I am sure we might have a parallel Russian or Englishman to pair with it.
@cecilkorik elaborates very well.