Book Review: Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, was an entertaining and illuminating book. Hers is an incredible story that sheds light to…

Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, was an entertaining and illuminating book. Hers is an incredible story that sheds light to the issues of race and racism, gender through an incredible coming of age story.

One of the things that stood out for me throughout, was the support she received throughout her early years: from her family (esp her brother and granny) and mentors (eg Mrs Flowers). I love this because it underscores how important support systems are for people in structurally disadvantaged positions.

The most memorable trauma she narrates is one of being sexually molested and later raped by her mother’s partner at the age of 8. She narrates the torment — both physical and mental — that she went through: whether, when and whom to report to, testifying in court, the self-doubt and guilt following her testimony, the death of her abuser. This story overshadowed everything else in the book, especially everything that comes after.