Book Review: Unladylike: A Memoir

Unladylike, like the name suggests, is a memoir of Radhika Vaz. The title couldn’t be more apt, given the way she is living her life. Unladylike breaks away from stereotypes. But on a deeper reading you would feel that almost every girl and woman in India would find something to identify with Vaz. I don’t know who is living the ladylike life then. Having said that, it is refreshing to read about her life. She is strong willed and quite brave to do things that many would think but not venture on.

Her writing is witty. I like that she has been able to find the ability to laugh at herself. In the new age era of comedy, I find few stand up comedians who have the time to pause and laugh at themselves. Most of them are busy making a mockery of others. Underlying this wit, like in most humour, I find that there is an honest presentation of her insecurities, dilemmas and challenges. Wrapping it up in humour makes you kind of trivialise the whole thing but I admire her for the effort that she has put in towards finding herself, on living life on her own terms, of choosing which compromises to make and which to fight against, of finding humour in what can be otherwise the greatest life challenges. Recommended read for all.