10 Autobiographies That Can Convert You Into Non-Fiction Stan!

A much-anticipated and awaited autobiography, Spare by Prince Harry (Duke of Sussex) is a recollection of his life in the Royal palace. The book is ghostwritten by J. R. Moehringer (who wrote another autobiography we love, Andre Agassi's 'Open') and gives an unprecedented, raw insight into the British royal's life while focusing on the key moments that reshaped and defined his life. It also captures a detailed account of the aftermath of Princess Diana's demise, along with him falling in love, being an object of scrutiny in the public domain, and shows the conflicting dynamics that exist between the family.

Have you ever thought of the life of a female actor in the early days of theatre? Well if not, then you have to pick this one up. It is the theatrical and performing journey of Binodini Dasi, a Bengali actress who enters theatre in the nascent years and depicts prejudices and taboos that were associated with women, for not just being a part of the workforce, but also for working in the domain that was considered unacceptable for her gender.

Autobiographies definitely showcase a sense of self, but they also put forth a community and their lives, especially when they exist at the periphery with multiple intersecting socio-cultural identities. Black Boy shares the early life of Richard Wright, an American author, in Mississippi, with detailed accounts of his and his family's life in utter hunger, denial of resources, and discrimination. With his journey, the readers also get an insight into the degradation the African-American community faced, along with the hardships and the feeling of hunger that becomes as part of every day as breathing.

This Dalit autobiography might be the most life-changing thing that I have ever read. Sharan Kumar Limbale narrates his life in the Mahar community and puts forth the discrimination, dehumanisation, and deprivation of the community, through his life experience. His focus on the female community that exists at the nexus of gender, class, and caste is truly exceptional, and is truly a moving read, perfect for understanding the effects, practices, and repercussions of cast politics in the country.

Waiting For A Visa is the autobiographical work of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, and we very strongly recommend this one. Dr. Bhim Rao is an enigma, that broke all conventions and made the Dalit community aware of their rights. This book captures his own encounters and experiences with untouchability and narrates his early childhood, while also describing many experiences that happened to the community. It's a powerful work, which would push you to ask and reflect. We'd like to specially mention a graphic novel here, "Bhimayana", created and drawn by two Gond artists, Durgabai Vyam, and Subhash Vyam, and covers the life story of Bhimrao Ambedkar, with the most beautiful motifs and symbolism.

Part of the M.A. English curriculum (which is how I read it as well), The Diary of A Young Girl survives the story of 15-year-old Anne Frank, derived from her diary that she kept in hiding, while under the Nazi occupation. It recounts her love and her memories with her family, and depicts a story of the unbreakable human spirit and the resilient hope in kindness and empathy towards each other. It is a classic and, something that everyone should read atleast once

If you have loved 'The Heart Of A Woman' and 'Still I Rise', then you have to read about the extraordinary journey of their creator. Maya Angelou's autobiography, 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings' is an exceptional book that pens her journey as a writer, and with an account of her life as an African-American and experiences of deprivation, discrimination, and racism. This book holds her initial love of literature and self-expression, and is a very pleasurable read.

Marjane Satrapi is a who is French graphic illustrator and cartoonist has published her autobiographical series depicting her childhood during the Iran revolution and later life in Austria. She talks about growing up in drastic political changes with an extremist religious ideology, and beautifully represents the turmoil within oneself about identity, gender, politics, and finding a sense of belonging as an Iranian in the Western part of the world. The novel is in two parts, and we really can't recommend this one enough.

Munnu is an important one, for anyone who would like to understand the much stigmatised and alienated life of the Kashmiris. It is the autobiography of Malik Sajad who resides in the conflicted, centre-controlled part of Kashmir, and covers how everyday life unfolds for him and his community. He discusses many poignant ideas and compels his reader to think about how it feels like to exist in that everyday scenario. The book got much critical acclaim and was praised for representing convoluted topics in a very considerate and precise manner, and asks some very fundamental questions about humanity.