Book Review – I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Publisher: Virago Press 1994
ISBN 978-0-86068-511-1
This is the first of 6 books which make up Maya Angelou’s autobiography. Angelou has also written many other books ranging from poetry to childrens books and a cookery book.
This book covers her first 16 years. Her life in Stamp, Arkansas living with her grandmother and her brother Bailey along with her disabled uncle. Then her time spent living with her mother for a year in California, back to Stamp again and then back to her Mother again.
It tells of race issues from a black childs point of view which is enlightening. The writing style is clear and intelligent and the autobiography flows nicely although I did find it a little slow and hard work at times. There was a point mid-way through where I felt like giving up on the book and her other sequels but I am glad I persevered as it picked up again almost like a huge ocean wave.
I will at some point be reading the next book in her autobiographical series – Gather Together My Home.
Personal read 3/5 as I enjoyed it but found it hard work at times.
Group read 3/5 as I feel not all members would persevere to the end. There are issues raised which would generate good discussions.
