Submitted by Elaine Burns
Maya Angelou, the often published speaker of the American Black voice, died earlier this year. Her tributes were many and well deserved. To understand her impact it is essential that readers understand the time in which she wrote. To have been published, had plays produced, performed, and to have spoken at many memorable moments would be an accomplishment for any person today. However, to have accomplished this in the Forties and Fifties as a black woman is mind-boggling.
This is the seventh autobiography that Ms. Angelou has written. It details her life with her oft-absent mother, Lady. It is a work of stream of consciousness style that is often disjointed, leaving the reader scratching their head wondering where this is going.
There are unbelievable stories about the unending strength of her mother in somewhat shady dealings, and her indomitable spirit, believing that she, and therefore her daughter, deserved all that was accorded to ‘white folk’.
Maya Angelou’s career spanned 50 years. In her own words, she interpreted black culture to largely white America. She does this splendidly.
This is a good introduction to her works but not the best by far. It is short and easy to read. So if you want a feel for her writing this may be the book for you, however, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is by far an award-winning read.
Rating: 6/6 liked it as a sample of Maya Angelou’s writing
December’s read:The Orenda by Joseph Boyden
Friends of the Meaford Library:
Did you know that this month we donated 100 books to the GBSS library from the Net Shed? The selection was supervised by the Library staff and GBSS.
