The Heart of a Woman

THE HEART OF A WOMAN continues Angelou's autobiographical series that begins with I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS and continues with GATHER TOGETHER IN MY NAME and SINGIN' & SWINGIN' & GETTIN' MERRY LIKE CHRISTMAS. It is the fourth "installment" in this series, and, while it is an interesting recounting of Angelou's life into the decade of the 1960's, it will be more instructive for the reader who has followed the series of books in their chronological order.

HEART continues in exactly the same vein as the earlier books: The reader sees an Angelou who, despite many unfortunate life experiences, has yet to develop discernment insofar as male companions are concerned. Consequently, she continues as the naive pawn of males who betray her childlike faith and trust in them. After seeing this theme replayed so often in the books thus far, the reader begins to wonder whether Angelou sees herself through some sort of "victim mentality," a self-destructive image resulting from an abused childhood. Was she really taken advantage of so often and so consistently in her life? Would a biography written by a thoroughly objective outside observer show us the same Angelou that she herself depicts? Or is the picture that we see in her books one that was painted with the brush of self doubt and inferiority fashioned from the instability of her formative years? The reader should bear in mind that what we are reading may be more of a psychological self-analysis than demonstrable history. That does not make the book any less revealing of its author; it merely means that the reader should be aware of the type of revelation he is viewing.

Angelou's racist attitudes persist more or less unabated in HEART. When she takes a role in the play "The Blacks," she refuses to believe that a white French playwright could possibly understand the "Black struggle" in America, nor does she trust the white men involved in the production of the play; at one point, she depicts one of them as a devious, dismissive racist when he refuses to pay her extra for having composed two songs for the play. Perhaps he was, but then we are not permitted to see his interpretation of the situation either. Angelou sees herself as the object of intimidation by white policemen trying to keep order at a demonstration outside the UN building and depicts herself as being saved by cadres of Black supporters who physically rally to her side in the street. Fearing abandonment in Cairo, Egypt by her African consort, referred to as her husband though never legally married, she refuses to consider approaching the American consulate for help because it represents White America. Again, Angelou's descriptions of such occurrences may indeed be quite factual, yet one must wonder whether her interpretation of them is not warped by her own prejudiced view of Caucasians. At one point, she does have the objectivity to quote a Black colleague who points out her "reverse racism" to her. I believe that it is important to remember that, as we are reading Angelou's books, we are being shown the world as it appeared through her eyes. Whether or not this is identical to the objective world is quite another matter. We must bear in mind that an autobiography reveals more about the mind set of its author than about factual occurrences.

This series of autobiographical books is valuable not only for unveiling the thoughts, concepts and opinions of their author but also for showing us how the rest of the world, i.e., the non-Black world, was perceived by a Black woman born into legalized segregation, forced to endure the social and economic inequalities fostered by a segregated society, and exposed to the heady atmosphere of the American Civil Rights movement. Regardless of our reaction to Angelou's personal self at this stage of her life, her descriptions of the world around her are very instructive, but it behooves the reader to maintain his own objectivity and to remember that it is Angelou's interpretation of the world that he is being shown. Next comes ALL GOD'S CHILDREN NEED TRAVELING SHOES, and I am curious to see how Angelou's perceptions of her world will have evolved by that stage of her life.

Maya Angelou's poetic wisdom about raising her son and navigating marriage were insightful and fascinating. Admittedly some parts were slower and more deliberately focused on her personal life but the overall narrative of support and liberation are clear throughout her writing.

Although I still admire Maya Angelou because of all she accomplished in her life, I could not get past some of the generalities she makes in her book. I found I disagreed on many issues with Angelou, and why wouldn't I? To point out the obvious, I am white, and she is black. But, that doesn't even matter. She is a woman who should reach far beyond me in philosophy and wisdom because I am merely a 16-year old girl. However, when Angelou talked about the mulatto bastards, I could not help being offended. I am not implying that race should be an issue in any way, but it is hard for me to understand why Angelou has this viewpoint. I guess I was hoping for more philosophy out of the book, not a story of her life.

Maya's continuing story, helps me to realize that although life may be happening all around us, we all have inner strengths. If we deal with life as we see it, and not allow others projections of how they would like our lives to be, infect us...then we have no choice but to grow. I liked the references to the real life people who worked towards change, and I liked the descriptions of their character, and what made them unique, yet sometimes foolish. Maya's writing flows so well, it's easy to get swept away and find yourself polishing off this book in one setting.

Beautifully written. Her stories from 1960’s mirror current events today, and the way in which she discusses her perspective and reaction to them is inspiring and motivating. I would have loved to meet her in person....

I have just finished The Heart of a Woman and I could not put it down once I started it. Angelou lays bare for all of her readers her heart, her life and her truth. What an amazing life she has lived. I read some reviews that criticized her for her honesty in regards to whites during the 60s. It was the 60s, racial barriers where still up strong and bared anyone of color from living the lives they so richly deserved, why should she be criticized for this? Would it be better that she lied and said how wonderful life was for blacks in this country during that time? It wasn't and that is the point that she is making in this book. That is the point that she is making as an African American woman, called to the forefront in the battle of discrimination.
I had to look on the cover to see when she wrote this book, it was 1981, how sad that in 26yrs we still see white America carrying the flag of superiority! I am truly glad that Angelou is still walking this earth to see that though the gains for civil rights are slow coming they are coming,regardless of what her criticizers are saying. Because if they are criticizing her for telling it like it was, then there is still a long path to journey to get us beyond the need for civil rights.
If you want to know what the 60's Civil Rights movement & Aparthied in South Africa was about this book will give you an accurate picture of one womans involvement. Two thumbs up for Angelou!

"The Heart of a Woman" tells of a courageous woman, Maya Angelou, who maintains a career as a dancer while raising a rebellious teenage son. She also identifies with the struggle and hardships of dealing with relationships. Her encounters with famous people such as Billie Holiday, Malcom X, and Dr. Martin Luther King, reflects strength in her writing and her passion for life. This book will inspire everyone to be successful in their everyday living. This great book will also bring out "The Heart of a Woman" in everyone.

Maya Angelou may or may not be a racist these days,,,i have no knowledge of her except that oprah seems to exalt her.....perhaps maya has matured or had some sort of epiphany in the time since shes lived this particular era of her life,,,but certainly she was an out and out racist during this chapter of her existence. But putting aside the constant white-bashing in the pages of this book, its still a book that fluctuates between being compelling, boring, irritating, and exasperating.
Its hard to enjoy the autobiography of someone who is smug, obnoxious,narrow minded,racist,mean-spirited, judgemental, over-dramatic, haughty, rash, foolhardy, and impulsive. The best i can say about her is that she had balls, she had good survival skills, and she always landed on her feet no matter what wrong turns she took in life.
It would be nice if this book could appeal to all people, or even all women, but her viewpoint at that time was so narrow and unenlightened that i suspect only a very small portion of the black population would be able to identify with her outlook.

Maya Angelou has set an example to all women. Reading this book is like listening to the richness of Maya's voice. It is full of wonder and yet struggle and survival of a woman so strong and yet volunerable but full of strength. Maya leads us by the hand through her world with a grace and style that only she can do. I loved this book and is one that I will share with it with all my women friends and family. It should be a "must" for reading by all women

This book makes note of Maya Angelou's life and struggles during the 60's. She discusses her membership to the Harlem Writer's Guild, her singing/theatrical career, and her lively travels to Africa. She discusses marriage, her relationship with her son and her mother. I recommend this book to everyone woman who is learning, while experiencing the ever-so-changing journey that life will take you on. After reading, you will be prepared to overcome all fears and achieve your dreams.

More than the story itself I think that I was more impressed by Maya's style of writing. I have always said that give me ten random paragraphs from different authors and I will always tell you which one is by Angelou. It's a very interesting story. It's a good read. However, I have read works by her that are better, which is why I give it 4 stars. She narrates about her life in Egypt, Ghana, and America. We are also given a closer look at her relationship with her son, her trials and difficulties. Go get it!

Maya Angelou's "The Heart of A Woman" is written with grace and delicacy. In it Maya undergoes many obstacles as a mother, friend, fiance and leader. Guy, her teenage son faces peer pressure and gets involved with the violence on the street. As a result, Maya baffles with separating work and catering to her fatherless son. The help from many friends like, John Killens, help Angelou to maintain faith. Also, Maya's dedication to the civil rights movements during the mid' twentieth century is a pure example of her being an organized and charismatic person. Maya is a woman who has fulfilled the scripture "faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains". What I admire the most is that a lot of the work Maya was handling was volunteer, so as a result she was not getting paid, which meant she was finding other means of survival. It takes a determined person to succeed. Despite of the many tribulations Angelou underwent, she persevered. From Maya I have learned that a leader is caring, devoted and brave.

When I first picked up this book, I thought to myself 'Ah yes another "Go Women" book. I started to read it. The extensive aray of emotions and thoughts this book provoked was amazing. I never thought a book could touch me so deeply. Sometimes, I laughed so hard I needed to put the book down, sometimes cried a river, sometimes threw the book across the room in disgust and anger for all the racial comments of both black and white races. One amazingly breathtaking story. I recently went to see Maya Angelou speak, the topic " Composing oneslef". The moment she was introduced and came on stage, I burst into tears. It was the most wonderful thing I have seen to date. I highly, highly recommend this book to all who want an amazing story and want to come away from a book with self-confidance, reasurance and re-newed self worth: I am Woman.

The first time I heard Maya A. speak, I had the little hairs at the back of my neck stand upright! I was moved and in awe.
I have read several of her works, all of which were cherished. However, after reading "Heart" I felt a deeper awareness. I am a middle class, white woman. I will NEVER understand the hate, fear, and anger experienced by anyone of color- no matter how much I learn, no matter how much I empathize. What I will share with all races is that emotions are emotions, no matter the color. Raising a child, falling in love and then realizing, "Oops, wrong one"...parental love, fear, anger...all make us human. I feel closer to this world for having forced myself to think about past misery and hatred. I wish my children the grace and dignity displayed by a remarkable woman. Thank You for reaching my soul.

The Heart of a Woman is simply excellent. I selected this book because it was part of the Oprah club. I read it (quickly) and since then have read all of her memoirs and had the tremendous privilege of seeing her in Ottawa, Canada when she spoke at our National Arts Centre in June 1998. I recommend this book to ANYONE.

Maya Angelou writes like if a Heart was directly in front of you and you felt every beat of it and also heard every sound of it beating. there is no other way to truly describe her greatness and honesty. she is truly a survivor and you feel every word she says if it was her last. this book takes you back to a particualr time that wasn't kind and also the movement and struggle and her being a Mother raising her son and dealing with the racial politics of the day and times. her words and how she stayed strong through the storm is a great testimony to her drive and will. i love her work and admire her Genius. to me Her poetry is the voice of America. nobody else like her.

In this world, where woman are taught that they are less than a man, and grow up feeling unworthy,
this book is manidtory reading. Maya shows us what is in our own hearts. She shows us our strength,
our importance and our purpose. Somehow, through her words, she gives "love" form.

As a reader of this wonderful book, I feel as if a part of me goes along with maya on her journey to survive in a world that is so unjust.As she tells her story, this biography seems to come to life as her powerful words take you, the reader, for a ride.
It all begins in the city of New York where she tells of her son Guy and herself living in a small apartment.Her musical ways get her to a place where she feels comfortable as far as living-wise.Her singing and acting career seem to really come out in the beggining of this novel.She tells of performing in the Apolo Theatre, which is a very famous Negro-American theatre.Maya's talent for the stage lands her a job in producing and acting in small caberets and plays.Maya begins to feel that something is missing in her life.That thing she needs is a man to support herself and her son.At a local bar, where she often went to get away form it all, Maya's hopes of having that gap filled seems to come true when she met a nice man by the name of Thomas Allen.They become aquainted and meet more times after. Eventually Maya and Thomas hit it off and become engaged to be married. Frineds along the way such as the killenses, who where the reason in which Maya and Guy moved there in the first place, encouraged them and were supportive of the marrige plans.Life seems to work in funny ways especially for Miss Maya Angelou.A speaker who came all of the way from Africa was at a friends house one afternoon for a party.This famous freedom fighters name was Vusumzi Make(pronounced mah-kay). Maya attended this party that afternon while her fiance was at work.Maya had gotten one look at this man and she knew right then and there that he was the one, he was everything she'd hoped for in a man."...I had not met such a man..." said Maya.Make later offered Maya to lunch several times.Maya thinking nothing of it while her fiance was off at work accepted each invitation. She began to have strong feeling for the man.One particular evening, Make asked her to marry him and to move out of this city to Africa where her son would grow up to be a wonderful African man.Of course Maya felt torn and thought long and hard but came to a conclusion in which to accept his offer; but to break the news to her fiance, that was another story.She told him the not so good new and like any person would he was upset and that was it.
Maya and Make then got married and now they could make thier plans to move to Africa.They followed through with those plans and started to what they thought was a better life. In fact life does not work that way at least not in Maya's case. Life seemed good for a while having thier expensive apartment with oriental rugs and royal furniture.But as life went on and Vus, Vusumzi, had more job that were not so close to home he would return with the scent of other girl and the make-up smudged all over his collar.Now Maya didn't jump to conclusions right off but after a while she new something was up and confronted about it numerous times.He explained that she was the only one he loved. But finally it got old and vus would come home very late sometimes not at all. This time when confronted Vus confessed to all of those girls in the past.He told her that being an African man he could have more than one wife to fulfill his needs.Maya was more hurt than anything, but she dealed with it like any women would she told Vus that she was taking Guy and leaving him and that she no longer had any romantic feeling for him anymore.
Time pressed on and a meeting with friends got Maya to stay for six months. When those six months were up She packed her things and headed off to Ghara.At this time Guy had graduated high school and was ready to go to collge. Maya herf that Ghara's college was a great one and only wanted the best for the one who ment the world to her.Maya would go and work as a writer at the Liberian Depeatment of Info.This all seemed like it would work out after all.Again something threw their planns off this time a little more serious.Guy had been involved in a severe car accident and had broken his neck and was put into a neck, arm and body cast.Guy recovered after in time and he headed off to be a man in college while Maya had to deal with the fact that her little bot was all grown up ready to face the world and to make a difference in someone's life!

This book was so wonderful that I ran out and bought all of Maya Angelou's novels. And the heart of a woman is still my favorite one. I am a young white female who hasn't experienced near what the author has, but she made me feel like I had. I could totally relate and it was hard to put the book down.

I would recommend this book to everyone, specially the guys

who lack the understanding of the way a woman feels. The best thing about the book for me is the fact that it has people that I know, which makes me connect to the book even better. I would give this book 4 out of 5 because it kept me interested and wanting to read more and more.

Women shows society that when they are pushed down they would always find a way to rise back up; and that should be in every Heart of a Woman.

For the longest time, women have been violated against and received no rights. They have been looked down upon and was thought of as only a person that bears children. But women have made they're way to any mans level. Unlike men, they deserve the rights that they have today. Their rights and freedom is something they've worked for and have earned. It was not something that was simply given to them. Maya Angelou helped every single woman receive the rights that they have now.

Very engrossing story. I loved it that it was all true. I remembered how stupid I felt when at the age of ten when I didn't know the Facts of Life! I enjoyed Maya relating how her son know that and got in trouble for enlightening his friends on the. school bus.

having read the majority of Maya Angelou's work i am aas in "LOVE" with her work as i am with her, the person. She writes beautifully about some harsh realities. She writes in an easy laid back manner that creates an atmosphere of familiarity and ease. Maya Angelou's pen is as soothing as her deep raspy voice. I began my love of her books immediately following her appearance on Sesame Street. I remember thinking ...I need to get to know more about this person I figured any one who moved me to tears singing with Elmo ( hard to picture isn't it?) was worth discovering...a journey I have enjoyed and found most rewarding

The story of her life that dealt with relationships was inspiring. Some of the things she went through could have been anyone's life. You have to strive in life to make things happen not just for yourself, but for others. Quite a woman.

After this read and inspiration I have decided to live like Maya unapologetic. This gives a glimpse into not just the heart but the mind of a great woman who I absolutely take as an inspiration for real living.

As an English major at Alcorn State in MS, I have read many books, bur this book has really twisted my stomach into a frenzy. This woman has boldness and strength that a lot of women today do not have. Her words were so enticing and to the point. The book kept me on my toes and urging me to want to read it more and more. I can only say that although this book was a bit biographical, it is very instrumental to the Black Woman under- standing the meaning of her heart!

This is a very good book. I liked that she just told the truth and did not seem to embellish. She also exposed herself as the true woman that she is. We understood at all times without the use of vulgarity. And last, by the time she was finished, I felt like I have met her personally.

In researching information about Maya I've found her writing can be absorbed and understood by even the most uneducated reader. Her positive reflections, regardless of race or religion of the reader, is easy to understand. One can only set down the book(s)and/or poetry feeling empowered and enlightened. I applaude her strenghth, courage and wisdom that is derived of her many life experiences,her belief in GOD and human spirit and the ability to never give up.

Maya has such an impeccable method of penning and conveying her prose!! This was a wonderful installment in her biographical sequence(s). I recommend this book to ALL (those mature and aged enough to handle the sometimes-explicit subject matter) because it brings so many pieces of American history together in such a uniquely stated manner!

I am a young white female, and I did not find that I was able to understand or relate to this novel. I was certainly privileged to be able to read Ms. Angelou's writing as she certainly is a wonderful writer. However I did not find that the book was able to reach out to those other than the ones living in her footsteps.

In addition to being a moving tale of a life filled with challenge, adversity, accomplishment and excitement, "Heart of a Woman" gives important insights to non-African Americans about their life situation. As a white woman, I am so grateful for the light Ms. Angelou sheds on the thinking and psyche of an African American woman. Until we, as whites, come to better understand this group's challenges and see the privilege we take for granted, we (whites) will continue to oppress. Thank you for a great story and many wonderful lessons. I will take them with me.

I was born and raised in India on the wrong side of the caste system. I worked hard to become educated and to come to America. Perhaps in the 1960s, America was not as fair as it is now, but it was still better than anywhere else. I find books like this, where people whine about the amount of melanin in their skin, offensive. Angelou comments often about how much she hates white people. This is stupid and it shows how uneducated she still is.

If she had written this in the 1960s, in the throes of it, it might be interesting as a historical piece, but now it just shows how racist she it. I'll bet she hates Asians, too. Even when she was abandoned in Egypt by a man she wrongly called her "husband," (even though they weren't married,) she wouldn't go to the American embassy for help because white people worked there. Every slight in her life, she attributes to white people being racist because she is black.

This book is filled with name-dropping and smug anger.

Minna

This book is a wonderful inspiration for women. Maya Angelou had many obstacles to overcome in her life, and not one stopped her. She has done so much in her life and this book takes you through a glimpse of it. It is an amazing journey and well worth the read.

'The Heart of a Woman' is as extraordinary as its author.

A brilliant lady who overcame incredible odds to make life for others, especially woman, a place where they did not have to feel like "second clas citizens".