I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Title- I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings

Author- Maya Angelou

Publisher- Hachette Digital

Pages- 310

Rating- 4/5

Summary- Maya was only three years old when she along with her four year old brother Bailey were sent from Long Beach, California to their paternal grandmother's house in Stamps, Arkansas with only a porter to accompany them when their parents decided to end their marriage. Her life was not at all smooth, negligence from parents, sexual abuse at the age of barely eight and teenage motherhood, she had faced it all!

Review- It is the first part of the autobiography of Maya Angelou. The author has beautifully portrayed the sort of life in the 1930s where racism was quite prevalent. The fact that white doctors were not ready to treat black patients no matter how sick they were was quite shocking. The strong bond that she shared with her brother was enthralling.

Maya and Bailey's parents' divorce had a significant impact on their lives. Sometimes many years passed with no news from their parents. Throughout their childhood they were often shifted from one place to another. They could confide their feelings to no one but to each other, so they found solace in books. It was captivating to read about how Maya fought for and finally got the job which was meant only for whites. Her way of coping with sexual abuse at the mere age of eight and teenage pregnancy later on in life proved her strength beyond doubt. Later on when she started living with her mother, she was quite supportive in whatever Maya did.

It is a must read for anyone who loves to read because though it is a memoir, the wonderful language proficiency of the author makes it read like a fiction!