martattack reviewed Zami by Audre Lorde
Review of 'Zami' on 'Goodreads'
3 stars
Beautifully written, an account of the coming of age of a Black, lesbian woman in NYC.
So much admiration for this woman, who had it so hard to even survive. This is also the very first time I read about a lesbian woman's experience, who also happens to live in the middle of the 20th century (not very lesbian friendly) (also not very Black friendly). Her experience as woman and as lesbian can and have spoken to me. But indeed, as she very poignantly describes, her experience as Black AND lesbian is totally different than that of her white lesbian friends. BAM intersectionality explained, before the term was even coined.
As I write this I realize how fascinated I am with these autobiographical books where women of colour tell their stories (it's the 3rd one this year). The thing is....... WHY hadn't I read these before. Why have I been …
Beautifully written, an account of the coming of age of a Black, lesbian woman in NYC.
So much admiration for this woman, who had it so hard to even survive. This is also the very first time I read about a lesbian woman's experience, who also happens to live in the middle of the 20th century (not very lesbian friendly) (also not very Black friendly). Her experience as woman and as lesbian can and have spoken to me. But indeed, as she very poignantly describes, her experience as Black AND lesbian is totally different than that of her white lesbian friends. BAM intersectionality explained, before the term was even coined.
As I write this I realize how fascinated I am with these autobiographical books where women of colour tell their stories (it's the 3rd one this year). The thing is....... WHY hadn't I read these before. Why have I been urged and pushed to read """The classics""" - i.e. old books written by white males???? (Ok and the occasional Victorian white lady)
These books are an excellent opportunity to not only read beautiful stuff but also see the world through a whole new set of eyes. This is SO important!!! I am learning so much at 28 just by reading and empathizing with women who write their very own stories on a piece of paper. Sadly I've been missing on these stories ALL MY LIFE. SAD!
