I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
by Maya Angelou
My rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Maya Angelou's recollection of her first seventeen years had me spellbound on first reading. In the world's mourning fortnight after her passing, I meditatively reread this first and most highly acclaimed of her seven autobiographies.
Here was one master storyteller, a formidable intellect with a heart of pure, solid gold. Caged Bird catapulted Angelou to international fame and critical acclaim in 1969, launching a literary career that brought her dozens of awards and 30-odd honorary doctoral degrees.
While the conservative literary commentariat labelled this 'autobiographical fiction' because of Angelou's use of thematic development and other techniques common to fiction, the overruling consensus recognises it as true autobiography, but a genre she critiqued, changed and expanded.
Her use of understatement, self-mockery, humour and irony won hearts globally, despite right-wing objections to her depictions of lesbianism, premarital cohabitation, pornography and violence.
Though her graphic depictions of childhood rape, racism, and sexuality saw this book banned from many school curricula and library shelves, more have stuck loyally with it.
Her humour, drawn from Black folklore, sent strength to not only her ethnic tribal survivors of racism and oppression, it reached out to all, resonating especially for women of all shades and minority group readers of each conceivable kind. In parts so intimately told it was like sitting in her parlour, listening to her over coffee and cookies.
Her famously incisive take on society glows succinctly through each chapter and verse. I felt honoured to have been let in on her astonishing life.
Thank you, Maya Angelou, you were one gutsy, mindful saint who told it like it was with unparalleled grace and candour. You were a rare and precious role model for all who strive to express themselves through the written word. You lent spirit to generations and will continue to.
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