77 pages • 2 hours read
Zami: A New Spelling of My Name
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Book Brief
Zami: A New Spelling of My Name
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1982256
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
New York City • 1950s
1982
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Zami: A New Spelling of My Name is a biomythography that intertwines Audre Lorde’s coming-of-age story with West Indian mythology and her poetry, chronicling her life from childhood in 1930s and 1940s New York City to her exploration of identity as a Black lesbian in the 1950s, highlighting the struggles and joys of her relationships with women and her quest for self-expression and belonging amidst societal challenges. The book discusses childhood abuse and contains themes of suicide.
Emotional
Inspirational
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
23,100 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Zami: A New Spelling of My Name by Audre Lorde is praised for its lyrical prose and powerful exploration of identity, race, and sexuality. Critics admire its candid storytelling and emotional depth. Some find the non-linear narrative challenging, but many agree it's a poignant and transformative memoir. The work's blend of autobiography and myth-making is considered groundbreaking.
Who Should Read Zami: A New Spelling of My Name?
Readers who would enjoy Zami: A New Spelling of My Name by Audre Lorde are typically interested in intersectional feminism, LGBTQ+ memoirs, and poetry. Comparable works include Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and Jeanette Winterson's Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit. They appreciate rich, introspective narratives and explorations of identity.
23,100 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
256
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
New York City • 1950s
1982
Adult
18+ years
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