Zami

Publisher's Summary

Audre Lorde pioneered "biomythography" in Zami: A New Spelling of My Name, originally published in 1982. In this extraordinary tale, Lorde weaves a narrative tapestry out of the threads of her own life - from her family's immigration to New York through her own coming of age - and the lives of the women who shaped her.

As an added bonus, when you purchase our Audible Modern Vanguard production of Audre Lorde's book, you'll also receive an exclusive Jim Atlas interview. This interview – where James Atlas interviews Elizabeth Alexander about the life and work of Audre Lorde – begins as soon as the audiobook ends.

This production is part of our Audible Modern Vanguard line, a collection of important works from groundbreaking authors.

©2003 Audre Lorde (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Critic Reviews

"Among the elements that make the book so good are it's personal honesty and lack of pretentiousness, characteristics that shine through the writing, bespeaking the evolution of a strong and remarkable character." ( The New York Times)

Zamiis a fast-moving chronicle. From the author's vivid childhood memories of Harlem to her coming of age in the late 1950s, the nature of Audre Lorde's work is cyclical. It especially relates to...the women who have shaped her. Lorde brings into play her craft of lush description and characterization. It keeps unfolding page after page." ( Off Our Backs)

"Filled with finely distilled reflection, as sage and resonant as ancient wisdom literature." ( Ms. Magazine)
"[H]er perfectly ripened prose moves along in seemingly effortless sentences that are vivid, charming, nostalgic, hilarious, rich, succulent, sensual, and erotic, but always at the service of the art." ( Women's Review of Books)

My first Audre Lorde

Truly, one of the most intimate stories of personal growth and all things associated. I must've closed my eyes and whispered, "Yes" inside my head at least a dozen times while both crying and laughing. I've already listened to this book twice, and look forward to reading it again, when, I'm certain it will have a completely different meaning.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

LOVVVVEE!

I love this book! See feel and feel extremely connected to the author. it poetic but clear and concise. excellent writer.

unlike any memoir or autobiography you'll read.

I loved Audre Lorde's lyrical writing. I loved the narration, but did put the speed at 1.15x.

Incredible Story

Lorde's story has been on my to-read list for a long time. A beautifully written and amazing book, "Zami" shows the power within immigrant and black literature to expand what is commonly referred to as the American literary canon. While revered in some circles, it's almost crimimal how she's often neglected. Being able to identify as we are is critical for our own well being, but also integral as a rich and diverse nation. This book speaks to yet another story of growing up black in America during one of its many trying eras, which if you are black (and especially black and queer) is nearly every era. Outside of poetry and quotes, I don't know how Lorde's prose work escaped my own reading until now. I'm so glad her voice is now in my head.
Lastly, the epilogue/interview to this audiobook is fascinating. I really like how Audible is incorporating these into their works.

Underrated Read

This was such a good book! The performance was wonderful and the book was so well written I could picture everything clearly. More people need to know about this book and give it a read and or listen.

incredible

I love the depth and beauty of Audre Lorde's writing.
I love the way she defines and expresses love and loving.
I love the way she infuses poetry in her memoir.
I just love it.

loved it

I never thought I'd be reading such a thoughtful, detailed, beautiful story of a lesbian life. So many times while reading this book I found myself thinking about what it would have meant to me to hear these stories 10 years ago as a younger girl. I've never heard such accurate descriptions of what it's like to be a lesbian of color with an immigrant background (although I'm Latin and not Black, so our experiences are not the same in many ways, they are alike more than I'm used to). This is one of the most healing experiences I've had with a book. I'll definitely be reading it again and again.

Moving through the Veins!

Loved it! Robin Miles' beautiful voice makes Audre come alive, as if we were college roommates.

A lilting narration<br />

I loved this book - my first audiobook. the narration was perfection! I would listen before bed and would have the best sleep although it required a lot of replaying, which was fine!

life changing

audre lorde describes the textures of oppression.
great performance
excellent writing
I wish I read this 20 years ago