She is an erudite, personable writer and her narrative voice was strong. The passages on the harassment female comics face, the issues all women have to contend with regarding fertility and work were beautifully drafted and fiercely honest. I found this at times hilarious, like a bloody good night out with friends, at other points inspiring (how cliche).

Here is a woman who is unabashedly audacious, who writes with wit and assurance on the industry she loves. Her chapters on being a single mother, of staying in a frankly horrifying relationship because of the perceptions society has were utterly persuasive and compelling. I would like to bottle this message and send it to every teen who has ever been scared of being themselves. It is a feminist manifesto of sorts, urging women not to be a people pleaser, not to accept the status quo or uncomfortable situations because of fear or shame. I was truly shocked at how much I loved this book, I read it in two sittings today.

This is where the book transforms into an eye opening, thought provoking exposition on how society deals with confident, head strong women, with a fascinating insight into the comedy sector. With a few laugh out loud moments there wasn’t much to report until we get to the teenage years. This autobiography/memoir begins in Canada, with short punchy chapters that have funny How To titles. I thought maybe this will make me laugh, or be a light easy read. I truly didn’t know what to expect when I opened The Audacity from publishers Katherine Ryan is known globally for her confident comedy, starring in all manner of tv comedy, stand up panel shows and The Duchess on Netflix.

The audacity katherine ryan