Breaking Free; A Memoir of Education & Resilience

Book Stats: Educated written by Tara Westover. Published on 18th February  2018. Genre is memoir/autobiography

With time to spare I turned to the row of books glittering under the influence of incoming sunrays. Going through the titles I finally decided on a short novel. Reading in the warmth of the kitchen was a new experience for me. Let me share my thoughts on it.

The novel is a memoir revealing the story of Tara Westover's journey from her isolated life in the rural Idaho with a close-minded family to earning a PhD from Cambridge University.

If I talk about the themes in the novel I would say the main theme is the quest for self-discovery but it also explores the themes of family and education.

Talking about the writing style that Tara used in the novel I would say it is raw, honest, reflective and descriptive making it the perfect combination for the storyline.

The author really has a talent for painting a vivid picture that evokes emotions in the reader with her words. This makes it easier to visualise the story and make them feel every emotion she experienced along the way. The reader can't help but be pulled into the story forming a connection with it.

The straightforward prose makes it smooth read, where the reader gets a glimpse into her inner thoughts as she navigates through the challenging journey. The strength to break free from the confines of her bringing is truly inspiring.

The transition between the past and present is seamless. The attention to detail and the use of sensory descriptions breathes life into the experiences she recounts.

With this memoir the author also sheds lights on the importance of education and its impact on the mind and life.

The complexities of family relationships are shown realistically. The struggle that one experiences when they try to reconcile with the past was vividly described by the author.

The main message you get is that an immediate connection is formed when like minds meet.

The negative point that some readers might say about this novel are about those negative experiences that the author experienced like abuse, negligence, and trauma at hands of her family because they are uncomfortable to read for some while for others they are potentially triggering.

Another point is the lack of insights into her family's behaviour and beliefs but to me I don't think it is a problem because the author doesn't live in the minds of her family so any insight she offered would be her  assumption.

Another point is those people who have led a well life would find it hard to connect with the story because to understand pain one must experience pain. They will consider it as an embellished story but I know how hard it is and what strength it takes to unveil the troubled past.

Although the book is deeply insightful, I would not suggest it to all readers because it might not be suitable for them due to it's dark and challenging subject matter.

But despite all that it is still gripping and thought-provoking read, offering a unique perspective on the power of education and pursuit of self-empowerment.

It is a testament to the resilience of human spirit and transformative power of knowledge. It is an inspiring and a moving read.

Placing the book back on shelf I went to grab my bag, hugging my mom and waving her goodbye I left for the campus.

Deciding to take a walk and enjoy the morning breeze. The serene atmosphere was just right and I let my thoughts wander.

Talk to you later. Have a good day.