#Review: The Sensual Self by Shobha Dé

Shobhaa Dé’s The Sensual Self is part manifesto, part mirror—an unapologetic exploration of womanhood, sensuality, and desire in all its messy, glorious forms. Dé writes as if she’s speaking directly to the reader over coffee (or wine), nudging us to drop pretence and reclaim a relationship with our bodies and pleasures without shame. The book’s biggest strength lies in its tone—bold, witty, and free of moral hand-holding. It’s a refreshing counterpoint to the usual sanitized conversations around female sexuality.

That said, some sections feel uneven; Dé’s conversational style sometimes meanders, and a few arguments circle back to familiar territory. But perhaps that’s the point—the reclamation of sensuality isn’t a straight road; it’s repetitive, layered, and deeply personal.

What I loved most is that Dé doesn’t write about women—she writes to them. She dismantles the myth that sensuality fades with age, insisting instead that it evolves. Whether you’re nodding, squirming, or arguing in the margins, this book provokes thought. The Sensual Self isn’t a how-to guide—it’s a dare to live, love, and desire on your own terms.

Find this book here.