My Rating - 4 out of 5 stars
Publisher - Self-PublishedPublishing year - 2025
Language - English
ASIN - B0DZY1SSXX
Pages - 270
Book Review -
When I first came across The Great Indian Naturist, I will admit—I had little idea of what “naturism” even meant. It sounded vaguely environmental or perhaps spiritual.
But as I turned the pages of Pooja Gowda’s memoir, I found myself pulled into a world I never knew existed—a world of raw vulnerability, courage, personal freedom, and identity that challenges everything we’re taught about modesty and shame.
Naturism, as Pooja explains, is not about shock or exhibitionism. It is a philosophical belief in embracing nudity as a natural state of being, one that promotes body acceptance, mental liberation, and a return to authenticity. It is not rooted in sexuality, and this distinction is important.
Naturism is about comfort in one’s own skin, alone or in the presence of others, depending entirely on personal choice and safety. Before reading this book, I had no understanding of that nuance, and now, I deeply appreciate it.
Pooja's journey began nearly six years ago with the encouragement of a friend named Neha. What started as a private act of exploration slowly blossomed into a passionate commitment. Today, Pooja is a quiet force in the Indian naturist community—organising meetings, guiding newcomers, and advocating for this often misunderstood lifestyle, all while protecting her anonymity.
What struck me the most about this memoir was its duality. On the one hand, we see Pooja as a wife, mother, and daughter, performing her expected roles within the walls of a traditional Indian household. On the other hand, she’s navigating a parallel life—one built on secrecy, quiet defiance, and an unwavering belief in her truth.
Her husband and house help know she prefers to remain nude at home. But they’re unaware of the wider world she moves in—the private naturist groups, the online connections, the meetups, and the silent support system she has helped nurture.
The emotional weight of this dual life is woven delicately throughout the book. There’s a persistent undertone of guilt, fear of being discovered, and the burden of hiding such a significant part of herself from her loved ones, especially her mother and husband. And yet, there’s also an undeniable pride, a soft but steady confidence in living life on her own terms, even if it means doing so in secret.
As a reader, I could not help but wonder about her emotional landscape. I wish she had delved deeper into her inner thoughts, her fears, and the psychological toll of living in constant conflict. I wanted more vulnerability, more moments where we could sit with her as she processed shame, joy, or frustration. While her story is impactful and the information about naturism enlightening, I believe this memoir could’ve resonated even more deeply with a more introspective layer.
That said, the book succeeds in what it set out to do: introduce readers to the naturist philosophy, share a personal account of living it in a conservative society, and encourage body positivity and self-acceptance. Pooja's story is not just about naturism—it’s about courage. It’s about the quiet rebellion of choosing yourself every single day, even when the world doesn’t understand or support that choice.
The resources and references she includes toward the end of the book are a helpful bonus for anyone curious to explore naturism further, whether for personal interest, education, or deeper understanding.
For those already on this path, the book offers a sense of validation. For those unfamiliar, it presents a respectful, informative, and humanising lens on something too often judged or misunderstood.
The Great Indian Naturist is not just a memoir—it’s an invitation. To listen. To learn. To question. And perhaps most importantly, to hold space for different truths.
Would I recommend it? Yes—for the brave storytelling, the perspective it offers, and the way it dares to voice the unspoken.
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