PVPF 2024

5 Best Memoirs of All Time

on Aug 30, 2022

Memoirs are those pieces of fiction that are never indeed fiction. They are either collections of stories from someone’s life or incidents that make or break someone’s life. They can span a lifetime or be about a single day, moment or incident. However they may be written, what they might contain, or what topics they explore, they are bound to leave us mesmerized. To dive deep into someone’s psyche is not just a gift but a treasure trope that allows us to reflect upon ourselves and witness the world in a completely new light.

On the occasion of ‘We Love Memoir Day,’ let’s look at the 5 best memoirs that changed our world and propelled us forward as a civilized culture.

Ants Among Elephants by Sujata Gidla

In Ants Among Elephants, Sujata Gidla, born in an untouchable community, traces the life of three generations of her family. The book shakes up the idea of freedom in newly Independent India. It focuses on the life of Sujata’s uncle KG Satyamurthy who was majorly involved in the Communist Struggle in Telangana. Sujata also narrates the extensive financial and physical hurdles her mother had to overcome owing to her caste and family background. We cherish this memoir because it checks your privilege and reveals how caste operates in disguise to maintain the status quo.

Once Upon a Life: Burnt Curry and Bloody Rags by Temsula Ao

Temsula Ao’s happy childhood in Jorhat, Assam, was cut short when she and her five sisters lost their parents. In her autobiography, she narrates the immense impact of the Christian missionaries on her during her time at boarding schools. Through humorous anecdotes, she tells her courageous journey, battling poverty and overcoming several obstacles to become one of the most respected authors of North East India. A fierce feminist and poet, Temsula’s memoir tells of her resilience and is written with searing honesty, making it a must-read.

Educated by Tara Westover

This is a truly harrowing story of a daughter of a survivalist Mormon family as she realizes the importance of education in her life. After her escape, she takes hold of her future, inspired by her brother’s college experience. In the book, she recalls her journey of attending two Ivy League Universities and genuinely owning the life she never knew existed. Her emphasis on the impact of education on her life helped her escape the prison of her ignorance and step into a world far more extensive than she could ever have imagined.

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

Shot in the head at point-blank range at 15 for standing up for women’s education rights, I Am Malala is the story of the girl whose story of bravery shocked and inspired the world to take a look at itself. Her tale of heroism is now immortalized in this piece as she reveals her mind, her life, and her experiences that symbolize the voices of the women who are fighting for their rights even now.

Becoming by Michelle Obama

As the former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama is widely renowned as one of the century's most inspiring and influential women. In this book, the bestselling author recounts her childhood in the southside of Chicago by balancing her career and motherhood, ultimately landing at the world's most famous address—the White House. Profoundly personal and motivating, this book is an inside look into Michelle Obama's eight-year tenure as the First Lady.

Conclusion

All these tales and more are written daily, but these are the ones we connect with best. Read these books and attain a fresh perspective of people's lives, regardless of how bizarre and out of the ordinary they may seem. Understand the world a little better and adapt to changes you resonate with.

If you have a list of memoirs you'd like to share with us, please do so in the comments below. We'll be waiting!