77 pages • 2 hours read
Audre LordeZami: A New Spelling of My Name
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1982A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Gender / Feminism
LGBTQ
Women's Studies (Nonfiction)
Black Arts Movement
Identity: Sexuality