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My Cursed Vagina: A memoir
A heartfelt and incredibly funny memoir about love, life and fortune.
'In this memoir, Lally takes the reader on a drunken, dare-devil ride into the depths of dramaturgy and disease. A poetic, no-nonsense reflection on a full creative life that may have only just begun, Lally's first book made me want to go back to whom I used to be. If you love TMI then this book is for you.' Brendan Cowell
'This is gold. There is only one Lally Katz.' Claudia Karvan
'Katz's book is completely addictive and mystical, just like her perspective on the world ... and her vagina.' Yael Stone
'I only wish every book gave me as much pleasure as this one. Lally Katz is an original—the queen of TMI—and My Cursed Vagina is hilarious, fearless, and perfectly, absurdly candid. Is it wrong to hope for more drama in her life, just so she'll write a sequel?' Steve Toltz
Thirteen years ago, a shopfront psychic told me my vagina was cursed. She was a scam artist, but she was also right. The stories in this book follow the different forms this curse has taken and how it foiled me as I travelled the world looking for love. They are personal and very specific stories about sex, dating, marriage and motherhood. And about how sometimes the things that alter our paths lead us to the right place.
What happens when a shopfront psychic tells Lally Katz her vagina is cursed? Is it a terrible scam or has a truth been spoken?
In My Cursed Vagina Lally shares the many forms this hex takes as she travels the world looking for love, compulsively writing down everything as she goes. These are hilarious and heartbreaking stories of disastrous dates, hopeful sex, straight-talking friendships, a surprise marriage, the adventure of motherhood and the strange gifts of illness, by a woman who embraces everything life has to offer. Importantly, this is a story about how sometimes the unexpected leads us to the place we should land.
'In this memoir, Lally takes the reader on a drunken, dare-devil ride into the depths of dramaturgy and disease. A poetic, no-nonsense reflection on a full creative life that may have only just begun, Lally's first book made me want to go back to whom I used to be. If you love TMI then this book is for you.' Brendan Cowell
'This is gold. There is only one Lally Katz.' Claudia Karvan
'Katz's book is completely addictive and mystical, just like her perspective on the world ... and her vagina.' Yael Stone
'I only wish every book gave me as much pleasure as this one. Lally Katz is an original—the queen of TMI—and My Cursed Vagina is hilarious, fearless, and perfectly, absurdly candid. Is it wrong to hope for more drama in her life, just so she'll write a sequel?' Steve Toltz
Thirteen years ago, a shopfront psychic told me my vagina was cursed. She was a scam artist, but she was also right. The stories in this book follow the different forms this curse has taken and how it foiled me as I travelled the world looking for love. They are personal and very specific stories about sex, dating, marriage and motherhood. And about how sometimes the things that alter our paths lead us to the right place.
What happens when a shopfront psychic tells Lally Katz her vagina is cursed? Is it a terrible scam or has a truth been spoken?
In My Cursed Vagina Lally shares the many forms this hex takes as she travels the world looking for love, compulsively writing down everything as she goes. These are hilarious and heartbreaking stories of disastrous dates, hopeful sex, straight-talking friendships, a surprise marriage, the adventure of motherhood and the strange gifts of illness, by a woman who embraces everything life has to offer. Importantly, this is a story about how sometimes the unexpected leads us to the place we should land.
- GenresMemoirNonfictionHumor
320 pages, Paperback
Published February 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 24, 2026
She’s so me but worse. I wanna meet her at the Melbourne writers festival in May omg
May 24, 2026
An honest and highly entertaining over-share about the drama, danger and difficulties in her creative life.
“This is one if the craziest things you’ve ever said. And you’ve said so many crazy things.”
I was drawn to this book by the very intriguing title and eye-catching cover! I love a no-nonsense and unique memoir, and this definitely delivered. I love how Lally Katz approached this process; she had me laughing along with her, wanting to offer her a hug, flinching at times and generally appreciating her honest vulnerability.
4.5 stars
“This is one if the craziest things you’ve ever said. And you’ve said so many crazy things.”
I was drawn to this book by the very intriguing title and eye-catching cover! I love a no-nonsense and unique memoir, and this definitely delivered. I love how Lally Katz approached this process; she had me laughing along with her, wanting to offer her a hug, flinching at times and generally appreciating her honest vulnerability.
4.5 stars
January 19, 2026
If I had to summarise Lally’s life in this memoir, I’d definitely describe her intentions as “doing it for the plot”. Although this is non-fiction (a rare read for me), Lally’s life is occasionally so ludicrous that at times it felt like fiction. With every new person she meets, she ponders on what type of “character” they’d be in her life - when deciding if she should go to a nightclub with a stranger or head back to her hotel, she chooses the option that might lead to a better story.
Written in first person, we really get all of Lally’s thoughts and emotions during each pivotal moment of her life. I definitely agree with the review of “If you love TMI then this book is for you”. I requested this book from the lovely team at Allen & Unwin purely because of the title. I didn’t know who Lally Katz was or anything about her work in the theatre/film industry. It was really interesting to learn about her life and what motivated her to make certain choices. I definitely feel a lot more cautious and reserved in comparison - Lally threw her life and money into the hands of strangers, including psychics and some questionable men that I just couldn’t fathom trusting. Although it made for an interesting story/plot, I couldn’t help but be stressed out during my read.
I had to stop myself multiple times from googling Lally’s name and seeing how her story ends. What chapter of her life is she on now? Who does she end up with? Does she have kids? Is her vagina still cursed?
Without too many spoilers about said “cursed vagina”, this book also touched on STDs, ovarian cysts, miscarriages and hysterectomies - definitely keep that in mind if that may be triggering for you to read, as these events are recorded in depth. Reading this book happened to coincide with a particularly bad week of PCOS related cramping on my part, so the book felt even more immersive 😅
If you’re looking for a memoir that’s unfiltered, raw and refreshingly TMI, then grab a copy of My Cursed Vagina! (Out Feb 3rd 2026) Thank you A&U for the proof copy! 💖
Written in first person, we really get all of Lally’s thoughts and emotions during each pivotal moment of her life. I definitely agree with the review of “If you love TMI then this book is for you”. I requested this book from the lovely team at Allen & Unwin purely because of the title. I didn’t know who Lally Katz was or anything about her work in the theatre/film industry. It was really interesting to learn about her life and what motivated her to make certain choices. I definitely feel a lot more cautious and reserved in comparison - Lally threw her life and money into the hands of strangers, including psychics and some questionable men that I just couldn’t fathom trusting. Although it made for an interesting story/plot, I couldn’t help but be stressed out during my read.
I had to stop myself multiple times from googling Lally’s name and seeing how her story ends. What chapter of her life is she on now? Who does she end up with? Does she have kids? Is her vagina still cursed?
Without too many spoilers about said “cursed vagina”, this book also touched on STDs, ovarian cysts, miscarriages and hysterectomies - definitely keep that in mind if that may be triggering for you to read, as these events are recorded in depth. Reading this book happened to coincide with a particularly bad week of PCOS related cramping on my part, so the book felt even more immersive 😅
If you’re looking for a memoir that’s unfiltered, raw and refreshingly TMI, then grab a copy of My Cursed Vagina! (Out Feb 3rd 2026) Thank you A&U for the proof copy! 💖
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Well, frankly speaking, I requested a review copy of this book because of the title [how can you not? 😅].
It's a memoir written by Lally Katz, a playwright born in the USA, who moved to Australia as a child.
Quickly approaching forty, Lally tried hard to get a meaningful relationship, yet she kept finding herself in and falling into disastrous dates and breakups. She's anxiously holding on into a psychic 🔮 who told her that her vagina is cursed as how she'll find the love of her life.
It's an entertaining read, full of humour and i read this in one sitting during one of my quiet weekend.
PS: I'm glad I found that I'm not the only one think that going into MRI machine is like a deep meditation, a really good quality alone time. 😆
It's a memoir written by Lally Katz, a playwright born in the USA, who moved to Australia as a child.
Quickly approaching forty, Lally tried hard to get a meaningful relationship, yet she kept finding herself in and falling into disastrous dates and breakups. She's anxiously holding on into a psychic 🔮 who told her that her vagina is cursed as how she'll find the love of her life.
It's an entertaining read, full of humour and i read this in one sitting during one of my quiet weekend.
PS: I'm glad I found that I'm not the only one think that going into MRI machine is like a deep meditation, a really good quality alone time. 😆
March 9, 2026
Told with heart and humour, Lally Katz has delivered a memoir about life and love that will have you crying…both from laughter and from heartbreak. My Cursed Vagina is a memoir unlike any I have read before.
This memoir covers everything from hilarious, heartbreaking and disastrous dates, to honest friendships, drunken nights, marriage and the motherhood journey.
Katz is definitely the queen of the overshare, and in places it will have you cringing from third hand embarrassment, but it’s the TMI writing style that really draws you in to her story.
If you’re looking for a unique memoir that reads like a work of fiction then I’d recommend My Cursed Vagina.
Thank you to Allen & Unwin for a copy to read.
This memoir covers everything from hilarious, heartbreaking and disastrous dates, to honest friendships, drunken nights, marriage and the motherhood journey.
Katz is definitely the queen of the overshare, and in places it will have you cringing from third hand embarrassment, but it’s the TMI writing style that really draws you in to her story.
If you’re looking for a unique memoir that reads like a work of fiction then I’d recommend My Cursed Vagina.
Thank you to Allen & Unwin for a copy to read.
April 10, 2026
An honest and humorous read, so relatable in some parts and very cringy in others.
January 10, 2026
I had never heard of Lally Katz but I saw this book reviewed in the Guardian and had to read it.
A little bit Sex and the City, Golden Girls and Dear Dolly (yes I’m that old), the honesty of Kurtz’s storytelling had me laughing and cringing in equal measure, at events and thoughts all too relatable. The brutal vulnerability she shows throughout this book is both comforting and confronting. At time like a car crash you can’t look away from, feeling admiration at her strength and resilience and at times wanting to give her a hug or a slap, she lays herself bare on the page.
In a world where exuding perfection is the norm, her raw honesty about her strengths and flaws is a total breath of fresh air. If you’re looking for a book about someone who’s got it all together, this is definitely not the book for you. But if you’re wanting to feel like you’re spending time with the best friend you can share absolutely everything with run, don’t walk, to get this book.
Thanks to Allen & Unwin and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. #MyCursedVagina #NetGalley.
A little bit Sex and the City, Golden Girls and Dear Dolly (yes I’m that old), the honesty of Kurtz’s storytelling had me laughing and cringing in equal measure, at events and thoughts all too relatable. The brutal vulnerability she shows throughout this book is both comforting and confronting. At time like a car crash you can’t look away from, feeling admiration at her strength and resilience and at times wanting to give her a hug or a slap, she lays herself bare on the page.
In a world where exuding perfection is the norm, her raw honesty about her strengths and flaws is a total breath of fresh air. If you’re looking for a book about someone who’s got it all together, this is definitely not the book for you. But if you’re wanting to feel like you’re spending time with the best friend you can share absolutely everything with run, don’t walk, to get this book.
Thanks to Allen & Unwin and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. #MyCursedVagina #NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Lally Katz, My Cursed Vagina A memoir, Allen & Unwin, February 2026.
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
In her acknowledgements, Lally Katz expresses gratitude to three of her teachers for helping her recognise her potential as a writer. I was a colleague of one of those teachers. So, while I did not have Lally Katz in any of my classes, I heard a great deal about this vibrant writer who was seen as an honour to teach. The teachers’ accolades highlighted her notable talent and the enthusiasm she brought to her classes. Lally was a young woman with superb creative skills. It is no surprise that she has become an esteemed playwright, and now she has written this poignant, funny, sad, and raw memoir. It depicts an absorbing journey from which is difficult to disengage: one more page must be read, another anecdote considered, Lally must be given another chance to defy the curse, and one more story in which she does not. Success or not, what she does achieve lives in the memory. The writing is a joy, the story immense, and Lally Katz’s outlook one of courage, humour, and enthusiasm. Her memoir is a monument to a woman who loves her life, its despairing and happy moments, those which are life giving, and those that are so challenging that the potential for damage threatens.
Lally Katz moved from Miami, USA to Canberra, Australia as a child, spending her pioneering creative years in Australia, with successfully staged plays Australia wide and internationally. In 2010 she is thirty-two, and in America on a Churchill Fellowship, and it is with this memory she begins her memoir. However, the central theme is the impact of her visit to a psychic whose dire prediction provides the name for the memoir and much of its action. Her title and honesty with which she approaches her life takes the reader through love affairs; sexual encounters, successful and otherwise; herpes; miscarriages and birth. Some of the stories are humorous, some are transparently not. However, all are engaging and incredibly human. Many are exploits that can only be imagined - some of us do not have Katz’s courage and headlong approach to living.
This is a memoir to be read, cried over, laughed with, and admired. I am thrilled to have been able to meet this vibrant and courageous woman, who was once a student I passed in a school corridor and heard about in the staff room, if only once again second hand though her writing. Lally Katz’s memoir is one to be savoured.
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
In her acknowledgements, Lally Katz expresses gratitude to three of her teachers for helping her recognise her potential as a writer. I was a colleague of one of those teachers. So, while I did not have Lally Katz in any of my classes, I heard a great deal about this vibrant writer who was seen as an honour to teach. The teachers’ accolades highlighted her notable talent and the enthusiasm she brought to her classes. Lally was a young woman with superb creative skills. It is no surprise that she has become an esteemed playwright, and now she has written this poignant, funny, sad, and raw memoir. It depicts an absorbing journey from which is difficult to disengage: one more page must be read, another anecdote considered, Lally must be given another chance to defy the curse, and one more story in which she does not. Success or not, what she does achieve lives in the memory. The writing is a joy, the story immense, and Lally Katz’s outlook one of courage, humour, and enthusiasm. Her memoir is a monument to a woman who loves her life, its despairing and happy moments, those which are life giving, and those that are so challenging that the potential for damage threatens.
Lally Katz moved from Miami, USA to Canberra, Australia as a child, spending her pioneering creative years in Australia, with successfully staged plays Australia wide and internationally. In 2010 she is thirty-two, and in America on a Churchill Fellowship, and it is with this memory she begins her memoir. However, the central theme is the impact of her visit to a psychic whose dire prediction provides the name for the memoir and much of its action. Her title and honesty with which she approaches her life takes the reader through love affairs; sexual encounters, successful and otherwise; herpes; miscarriages and birth. Some of the stories are humorous, some are transparently not. However, all are engaging and incredibly human. Many are exploits that can only be imagined - some of us do not have Katz’s courage and headlong approach to living.
This is a memoir to be read, cried over, laughed with, and admired. I am thrilled to have been able to meet this vibrant and courageous woman, who was once a student I passed in a school corridor and heard about in the staff room, if only once again second hand though her writing. Lally Katz’s memoir is one to be savoured.
February 24, 2026
The most joyful overshare I’ve had the pleasure of being trapped in
As a gay man, I feel uniquely qualified to say this: sometimes a woman sits you down, looks you dead in the eyes, and goes, “So anyway, here’s an extremely detailed update about my vagina,” and you have two choices. You can panic… or you can lean in like it’s the juiciest group chat voice note you’ve ever received.
I leaned in.
Because My Cursed Vagina is EXACTLY that energy, unapologetic, chaotic, hilarious, and weirdly profound. It’s like the sealed section of a teenage magazine grew up, got artistic, got sick, fell in love, had a baby, and decided to tell you everything with absolutely no shame. And thank god for that.
This isn’t my usual genre, but how could I not request an ARC from Allen & Unwin with a title like this? The premise is already iconic: a shopfront psychic tells Lally her vagina is cursed, and even though the psychic is probably a scammer… she might also be right. What follows is a wild, vulnerable, laugh out loud memoir about sex, dating, illness, marriage, motherhood, and the way life keeps throwing you sideways until you land where you’re meant to.
What makes it work is Lally’s voice. It’s first person, raw, and so immediate you feel like you’re in the passenger seat while she drives straight through every messy moment with one hand on the wheel and the other hand typing the world’s most unhinged diary entry. There were parts where I genuinely thought, “This cannot be real,” and then remembered: oh no, it is real, some people just live like a tornado in a trench coat.
It’s also surprisingly tender beneath the chaos. There’s a lot of laughter, but there’s also real vulnerability - about body stuff, fear, joy, and the strange ways pain can reshape a life. And yes, there are topics here that many of my female readers will connect with deeply - but I’m not about to mansplain that. Consider me the supportive gay bestie in the corner, clutching my pearls, whispering, “Tell me EVERYTHING.”
If you want a book that feels like gossip, confession, catharsis, and comedy all at once, this is it. If you miss the nostalgic thrill of reading something you “shouldn’t” be reading at 14, but with adult wisdom and emotional depth… also this.
Basically: it’s TMI, and it’s glorious.
As a gay man, I feel uniquely qualified to say this: sometimes a woman sits you down, looks you dead in the eyes, and goes, “So anyway, here’s an extremely detailed update about my vagina,” and you have two choices. You can panic… or you can lean in like it’s the juiciest group chat voice note you’ve ever received.
I leaned in.
Because My Cursed Vagina is EXACTLY that energy, unapologetic, chaotic, hilarious, and weirdly profound. It’s like the sealed section of a teenage magazine grew up, got artistic, got sick, fell in love, had a baby, and decided to tell you everything with absolutely no shame. And thank god for that.
This isn’t my usual genre, but how could I not request an ARC from Allen & Unwin with a title like this? The premise is already iconic: a shopfront psychic tells Lally her vagina is cursed, and even though the psychic is probably a scammer… she might also be right. What follows is a wild, vulnerable, laugh out loud memoir about sex, dating, illness, marriage, motherhood, and the way life keeps throwing you sideways until you land where you’re meant to.
What makes it work is Lally’s voice. It’s first person, raw, and so immediate you feel like you’re in the passenger seat while she drives straight through every messy moment with one hand on the wheel and the other hand typing the world’s most unhinged diary entry. There were parts where I genuinely thought, “This cannot be real,” and then remembered: oh no, it is real, some people just live like a tornado in a trench coat.
It’s also surprisingly tender beneath the chaos. There’s a lot of laughter, but there’s also real vulnerability - about body stuff, fear, joy, and the strange ways pain can reshape a life. And yes, there are topics here that many of my female readers will connect with deeply - but I’m not about to mansplain that. Consider me the supportive gay bestie in the corner, clutching my pearls, whispering, “Tell me EVERYTHING.”
If you want a book that feels like gossip, confession, catharsis, and comedy all at once, this is it. If you miss the nostalgic thrill of reading something you “shouldn’t” be reading at 14, but with adult wisdom and emotional depth… also this.
Basically: it’s TMI, and it’s glorious.
November 11, 2025
I don't often leave my reviews here (laziness is a curse, although not as bad as one on your vagina) but when I saw that no one had yet written one I couldn't resist.
One of the easiest books to give a 5 star rating to.
I wasn't familiar with the work of Lally Katz before reading this (clearly I was living underground), but I certainly wasn't going to go past a book with this title. And wow did it live up to its name. I've never known a vagina to be cursed before but with my anxiety, I'll now be worried about my own forever more.
As noted above, I requested this book purely due to the title. I sat down with it and thought "I'll just read the first few pages, see what it's like". Well, cue a couple of hours later and it would seem I have read the whole book in one sitting. I just couldn't stop! This was like sitting down with an old friend for a natter. It's in parts sad but also joyous and just so damn funny and I'm pretty sure Lally and I are now best friends (albeit rather one-sided).
This book is for the Dolly Alderton fans, but it's also a book for just about anyone who wants to read an entertaining, brutally honest story of love, loss and adventure.
Really wished this was published in December so I give it to everyone I know for Christmas.
(read thanks to Allen & Unwin via netgalley)
One of the easiest books to give a 5 star rating to.
I wasn't familiar with the work of Lally Katz before reading this (clearly I was living underground), but I certainly wasn't going to go past a book with this title. And wow did it live up to its name. I've never known a vagina to be cursed before but with my anxiety, I'll now be worried about my own forever more.
As noted above, I requested this book purely due to the title. I sat down with it and thought "I'll just read the first few pages, see what it's like". Well, cue a couple of hours later and it would seem I have read the whole book in one sitting. I just couldn't stop! This was like sitting down with an old friend for a natter. It's in parts sad but also joyous and just so damn funny and I'm pretty sure Lally and I are now best friends (albeit rather one-sided).
This book is for the Dolly Alderton fans, but it's also a book for just about anyone who wants to read an entertaining, brutally honest story of love, loss and adventure.
Really wished this was published in December so I give it to everyone I know for Christmas.
(read thanks to Allen & Unwin via netgalley)
April 16, 2026
3.25
I had actually never heard of Lally before picking up this book, and of course I ended up googling her afterwards.
This was a raw and refreshing read. It felt like a genuinely real memoir, not something overly planned or carefully shaped to highlight only certain moments for maximum impact. Maybe it was, but it never came across that way.
Right from the beginning, we’re told to expect something like a diary, and I’m always drawn to that kind of open, unfiltered vibe. Lally really delivers on that. The storytelling feels unique and personal (yet relatable at times… yes it does) , and it’s genuinely compelling to follow. She lays her vulnerabilities out in a way that makes it hard not to laugh and cry along with her. I especially could not believe the parts with Cookie and then Bella.. and I’m still wondering where Cookie went!
I also liked how some of the more TMI moments didn’t feel overly heavy, even when the topics themselves probably should have been. You could argue that the book only skims the surface of some pretty serious stuff, but I think that balance actually works. It acknowledges those experiences without turning the whole book into something weighed down by grief and pain for hundreds of pages.
I had actually never heard of Lally before picking up this book, and of course I ended up googling her afterwards.
This was a raw and refreshing read. It felt like a genuinely real memoir, not something overly planned or carefully shaped to highlight only certain moments for maximum impact. Maybe it was, but it never came across that way.
Right from the beginning, we’re told to expect something like a diary, and I’m always drawn to that kind of open, unfiltered vibe. Lally really delivers on that. The storytelling feels unique and personal (yet relatable at times… yes it does) , and it’s genuinely compelling to follow. She lays her vulnerabilities out in a way that makes it hard not to laugh and cry along with her. I especially could not believe the parts with Cookie and then Bella.. and I’m still wondering where Cookie went!
I also liked how some of the more TMI moments didn’t feel overly heavy, even when the topics themselves probably should have been. You could argue that the book only skims the surface of some pretty serious stuff, but I think that balance actually works. It acknowledges those experiences without turning the whole book into something weighed down by grief and pain for hundreds of pages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2026
I won’t lie, the title of this book was well and truly the reason why I requested it - and I wasn’t familiar with Lally Katz prior to reading this, but I’m glad this book found me.
I didn’t quite know what to expect, but when I got an email from Allen & Unwin saying this was “one of the funniest books of 2026”, my interest was piqued.
Reading this book feels like having a little chat with a friend - the vulnerability of Lally to share the good, bad and the ugly is admirable. Downright hilarious - at others, painfully relatable. I’m sure a lot of women will be able to relate to some part or other of this memoir and I was so enthralled I probably could’ve finished it in one sitting if it wasn’t so late at night when I started it.
I also didn’t know she was Australian so it was fun to read about her career in the Australian Arts scene and little name drops to other aussies like Yael Stone and Josh Thomas.
I’m really glad this was my first book of the year and I’ll definitely be recommending it to other women I know.
Thank you Allen & Unwin for the eARC via NetGalley
I didn’t quite know what to expect, but when I got an email from Allen & Unwin saying this was “one of the funniest books of 2026”, my interest was piqued.
Reading this book feels like having a little chat with a friend - the vulnerability of Lally to share the good, bad and the ugly is admirable. Downright hilarious - at others, painfully relatable. I’m sure a lot of women will be able to relate to some part or other of this memoir and I was so enthralled I probably could’ve finished it in one sitting if it wasn’t so late at night when I started it.
I also didn’t know she was Australian so it was fun to read about her career in the Australian Arts scene and little name drops to other aussies like Yael Stone and Josh Thomas.
I’m really glad this was my first book of the year and I’ll definitely be recommending it to other women I know.
Thank you Allen & Unwin for the eARC via NetGalley
December 6, 2025
The title is sure to stop you in your tracks and so it should. Lally Katz is a fabulous playwright and her autobiographical book is equally good. Her style is arrestingly honest and by page two we’re swept along with her psychic advice, her love life and her wonderful family and friends. Switching between Australia and the USA and a few other countries were on the journey. Being half Jewish ( the wrong half) gives us a glimpse of into a life I wouldn’t necessarily believed possible until Lally laid it bare. We’re a best friend as well as an echo of the wonderful neighbour, Anna from Neighbourhood Watch. It’s so relatable in some aspects and so totally out of the world in others. A great combination. The perfect summer read. Thanks to @netgalley for the advance copy to read and to @Allenandunwin for the patience of publishers who waited eleven years for the book to come into its time.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
When the email from Allen and Unwin arrived in my inbox seeking expressions to review this book, I nearly didn’t request it - it’s a memoir, and I’m not normally a non-fiction reader. But the title made me stop and go back. And I’m so glad that I did.
My Cursed Vagina is chaotically candid from start to finish. I mean - it’s exactly what you expect from a book with this title. It’s relatable; Lally writes about experiences so many of us have shared, and it’s raw and real. I laughed, on many occasions and then found myself asking if I should be laughing - I felt deep empathy for Lally through some of her tougher times, and pure happiness for her for others.
If you love a story filled with chaos, a whole lot of TMI, then I would recommend you read My Cursed Vagina.
Thank you to Allen and Unwin for an early review copy of this fantastic memoir.
My Cursed Vagina is chaotically candid from start to finish. I mean - it’s exactly what you expect from a book with this title. It’s relatable; Lally writes about experiences so many of us have shared, and it’s raw and real. I laughed, on many occasions and then found myself asking if I should be laughing - I felt deep empathy for Lally through some of her tougher times, and pure happiness for her for others.
If you love a story filled with chaos, a whole lot of TMI, then I would recommend you read My Cursed Vagina.
Thank you to Allen and Unwin for an early review copy of this fantastic memoir.
December 30, 2025
Thanks to Allen & Unwin for an ARC of this book to read and review.
To be honest, I’ve never heard of Lally Katz before requesting this book to read and review, the title of the book had me curious.
I’m not the biggest reader of Non Fiction, and did struggle with reading this book, but in saying that it was an overall interesting read and insights into Lally’s personal and professional life.
I’m not sure if this would be a book I’d pick up and buy if I saw it on shelves at the bookstore, but if you’re a fan of Lally’s or avid Non Fiction reader, then no doubt you will enjoy it.
To be honest, I’ve never heard of Lally Katz before requesting this book to read and review, the title of the book had me curious.
I’m not the biggest reader of Non Fiction, and did struggle with reading this book, but in saying that it was an overall interesting read and insights into Lally’s personal and professional life.
I’m not sure if this would be a book I’d pick up and buy if I saw it on shelves at the bookstore, but if you’re a fan of Lally’s or avid Non Fiction reader, then no doubt you will enjoy it.
January 28, 2026
I couldn’t put this down. I read it in one afternoon.
It funny, then Raw, real and then heartbreaking. It has so many levels.
Lally is so reflective in where she goes wrong with her choices in life. It’s also amazing to see her change as life goes on. It’s also refreshing to see someone else’s life in a similar view and to understand that the ups and downs of life happen to everyone.
This does discuss many medical issues and miscarriages so be warned if this does trigger you. But I found this refreshing with how open this was.
I loved every minute of this book!
It funny, then Raw, real and then heartbreaking. It has so many levels.
Lally is so reflective in where she goes wrong with her choices in life. It’s also amazing to see her change as life goes on. It’s also refreshing to see someone else’s life in a similar view and to understand that the ups and downs of life happen to everyone.
This does discuss many medical issues and miscarriages so be warned if this does trigger you. But I found this refreshing with how open this was.
I loved every minute of this book!
May 15, 2026
A book club directed read/listen.
I found it slow and someone called it an over share. I was lucky enough to never have a miscarriage I don't know if this book would help someone going through that experience or not. Not for me to say.
Lally reads it herself and her thick American accent comes as a shock when you're expecting an Aussie! The New York psychic's voice is a ripper!
I don't think this authors life has broad enough appeal to be a book of wide interest. To be fair if she read a book about my life she'd die of boredom. Anyhoo I'll keep a look out for her theatre and tv work
I found it slow and someone called it an over share. I was lucky enough to never have a miscarriage I don't know if this book would help someone going through that experience or not. Not for me to say.
Lally reads it herself and her thick American accent comes as a shock when you're expecting an Aussie! The New York psychic's voice is a ripper!
I don't think this authors life has broad enough appeal to be a book of wide interest. To be fair if she read a book about my life she'd die of boredom. Anyhoo I'll keep a look out for her theatre and tv work
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Lally takes us on a journey through love, loss, friendships with humour and grace. It made me want to visit a pyschic on the streets of New York.. and well herpes.. never did I think I would be laughing so much about an STI.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Allen and Unwin for a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Allen and Unwin for a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 24, 2026
This book is equal parts wickedly funny as it is sad and it is just the right amount of TMI!
So many moments throughout are relatable and I truly felt seen and understood reading Lally’s words.
Every woman 20-100 years old should read this book!
I read it in one sitting, truly loved it and couldn’t put it down ❤️
So many moments throughout are relatable and I truly felt seen and understood reading Lally’s words.
Every woman 20-100 years old should read this book!
I read it in one sitting, truly loved it and couldn’t put it down ❤️
April 25, 2026
This was such a great read. I felt from the beginning that the author might struggle with an ending (she alludes to this throughout) and I did feel it was slightly weak and undone. This didn’t disappoint me though because the rest of the book was so funny, engaging, and well written. 4.5 stars
April 29, 2026
I really loved this book. It made me laugh out loud in moments, and it also made me feel deeply seen as I could relate to so many of her experiences. It’s also made me look at my own life through the lens of being inside of a story.
May 20, 2026
I'll definitely come back to this, got 1/3 in but health issues intervened. I loved it, especially as all the early part I knew about. I was in the audience of her show, I knew the health issues etc. Cannot wait to finish reading
February 11, 2026
My favourite dramatist - the most witty and imaginative stage writer around - now has a book. What’s not to love about this?!
February 26, 2026
This book brings the reader directly into the writer's mind. It's a woman's mind. It's every woman's mind.
March 15, 2026
3.75. Lally’s voice is hilarious, there were parts where I truly laughed out loud
March 27, 2026
Gosh what a ride, Lilly certainly wasn’t afraid to share was heartfelt funny and sad in times, the constant let downs and pick me ups felt like a rollercoaster ride. A good read and tale of a woman
March 30, 2026
Binged it but a bit tmi for me. Appreciate the author's stone cold bravery and commitment to the bit.
April 27, 2026
Katz is an American-Australian playwright and she has written a very honest, funny and real memoir.
I found her a rather annoying person, but it was an interesting read.
3.5 stars from me,
I found her a rather annoying person, but it was an interesting read.
3.5 stars from me,
May 1, 2026
Hilarious, relatable, vulnerable and thoroughly entertaining.
March 10, 2026
A hilarious, terrifying, and humbling account of relationships, sex, reproductive health, and fertility. Lally is a playwriter through and through as shown in her storyline. The cursed vagina thread makes for a cohesive read as she navigates through her questionable but relatable dating pattern. Her candid memoir is as refreshing and as nuanced as the female genitalia itself.
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