Educated: A Memoir

Education — in particular higher education, going to a university — was never considered a choice, but something that I was meant to do. It was drilled into me starting from kindergarten that education is everything, and that excelling in it is the only way to move up the social ladder and live well. But growing up in India, you either had to excel academically or come from a well-off family to achieve this. When I learned that Europe offered free education at graduate and postgraduate levels, I was amazed at this possibility. The professors were invested, and resources were in abundance. Behold the advantage of socialism — providing equal opportunity to all who seek education. However, I realized, having lived here for two decades and having children of my own, that not everyone appreciated this system or took advantage of it.

Here in Europe, when there isn’t a tenfold pay disparity between the jobs of a supermarket cashier and a software engineer, and you don’t have to worry about how you will pay medical bills, going to university becomes more of an option than a necessity. There are easier alternatives — and that, in its own way, is a great thing. But it is not just about going to university, getting a degree, or landing a well-paid job. I personally feel that education, and the more of it you have, helps you grow and see the world differently — and that is exactly what you experience in this book through Tara Westover’s memoir.

What I still could not wrap my head around was why some people rejected the system, and why they chose hardship over comfort.

How choosing education changed her life and helped her grow. She talks about how she did not let her upbringing define her and how she chose for herself. It takes a lot of courage and confidence to break free of the beliefs and expectations of your parents. To choose for yourself and to take responsibility for your choices and to be okay with being rejected by your own family. It’s not an easy thing, and this makes you appreciate Tara Westover even more for who she is.

Well written and well read.

© 2025 Sindhuja Cheema Enzinger. All Rights Reserved.