The Day I Learnt to Fly Again by Sunanda Ladha | Book Review

The Day I Learnt to Fly Again by Sunanda Ladha is a memoir that speaks quietly but stays with you long after you finish reading it. This is not a dramatic, fast paced story meant to impress. Instead, it is a reflective and deeply personal account of a woman who realises that somewhere along the way, her self identity went missing.

At its core, this book is about a woman who understands that without her surname, her roles, and the expectations attached to her, she feels invisible. One incident becomes the turning point where she begins to question how little she had prioritised herself and how fear had slowly taken control of her decisions. From that moment onward, the book traces a journey filled with uncertainty, emotional loss, and the difficult task of starting over.

What is The Day I Learnt to Fly Again about?

This memoir explores life after everything familiar begins to fall apart. It talks about loss, shaken faith, self doubt, and the overwhelming feeling of having no clear future plans. There is no sense of safety or certainty, and the author does not pretend otherwise. Instead of rushing towards healing, the book allows confusion and vulnerability to exist honestly, making the narrative feel deeply relatable.

A significant part of the story deals with financial fear. Credit card debt, money anxiety, and the constant pressure of survival are addressed openly. Rather than treating money as something to be feared endlessly, the book slowly reframes it as something that needs understanding and confidence. This shift feels especially relevant in today’s world, where conversations around money are often avoided, particularly by women.

Themes explored in The Day I Learnt to Fly Again

One of the strongest aspects of this memoir is its emotional honesty. The author does not shy away from her mistakes. She acknowledges them, accepts them, and still makes it clear that acceptance does not mean staying comfortable in unhealthy patterns. The book repeatedly encourages questioning, learning from the root of problems, and not being afraid to ask even the simplest questions.

The themes of self identity, self acceptance, courage, and inner strength run throughout the book. It also touches upon misleading situations, cyber crimes, bullying, and the emotional exhaustion that comes with constantly feeling unsure of oneself. These themes are woven into the narrative naturally, without sounding instructional or preachy.

Writing style and reading experience

The writing style is simple, direct, and emotionally transparent. At times, it does feel repetitive, but that repetition works as reassurance rather than a flaw. It feels as though the author is gently reminding the reader that healing is not linear and that falling back into fear does not erase progress.

What makes the reading experience comforting is the tone. This book does not feel like advice being imposed on the reader. It feels like someone sharing their lived experience honestly, allowing the reader to take what resonates and leave what does not.

Healing through small moments

Nature, silence, meditation, and small pauses play a meaningful role in the book. Transformation does not happen through dramatic breakthroughs. It happens through consistency, persistence, and learning to sit with oneself. The memoir also highlights the importance of talking to people, networking, rebuilding life from scratch, and slowly creating a sense of peace without forcing it.

Final thoughts on The Day I Learnt to Fly Again

The Day I Learnt to Fly Again by Sunanda Ladha feels less like a memoir and more like a mirror to society. It reflects the lives of many women who underestimate their own potential, who live through fear rather than confidence, and who forget that self identity is something they are allowed to reclaim.

This is not a story about perfection or success. It is a story about acceptance, learning, and the courage to continue even when certainty is missing. For readers looking for books on self discovery, healing, women’s memoirs, or overcoming fear and financial anxiety, this book offers quiet comfort without unrealistic promises.

Sometimes, learning to fly again begins with acknowledging how far you have already come, even if the journey still feels unfinished.