This is the fifth volume of Angelou's autobiography, which covers the time when she lived abroad, mainly in Ghana. Set around 1963/1964 when Angelou was 33, it explores a period when colonialism and empire were ending, and African states were taking over their own affairs. Many Black Americans, including Angelou, felt the draw of Africa.

Angelou is unafraid to address difficult issues, tensions, and her own mistakes. There were tensions and a level of distrust between Ghanaians and the new US community, which she bravely explores. The group from the US called themselves the “Revolutionist Returnees,” and the Ghanaians were warm and welcoming despite finding them puzzling.

The book describes a protest in front of the American embassy coinciding with Martin Luther King's march on Washington, which gained extra meaning with the death of W.E.B. DuBois in Ghana the night before. Angelou also shares her struggles with coming to terms with the fact that some modern-day Africans' ancestors had participated in the slave trade.

One of the most fascinating parts is the visit of Malcolm X to Ghana. He spends time with Angelou and her friends, and the reader gets a sense of his charisma and persuasive powers. It was just after his break with the Nation of Islam, and there is a telling description of a chance meeting with Muhammed Ali at an airport in Ghana.

As always, there is plenty of humour, and Angelou is skilled at mixing it with sad and difficult issues. For example, her reaction when she discovers her son is dating someone as old as she is.

The community of US citizens in Ghana moves on. Angelou briefly goes to Europe to act in a production of Jean Genet's The Blacks. Before leaving Ghana to work for Malcolm X, she visits a part of the country she hasn't been to before. It is a moving part of the book as she thinks she has found the area where her ancestors originated, perhaps an argument for collective memories. It is a fitting ending to a powerful book.

I had never delved into any of Maya Angelou's works until I came across this particular book. And let me tell you, it was an absolute revelation! It not only piqued my interest but also made me eager to explore more of her literary treasures.

Her writing is simply outstanding. The way she weaves words together is a true art form. Her strong, feisty spirit leaps off the pages and is palpable in her voice.

This book chronicles her time in Ghana, and it was truly fascinating to hear about her identity struggles. As she navigated between her black American identity and her new identity as a resident of Ghana, she had to make decisions about what to change and what to adapt.

It was a privilege to eavesdrop on her numerous conversations with expats while she was living in Africa. Their stories and experiences added another layer of depth to the narrative. In particular, her encounters with Malcolm X were truly captivating.

The book is a quick and engaging read. I finished it in no time, and I have a feeling it won't be the last of her books that I'll pick up. I'm already looking forward to delving into more of her works and uncovering the many gems that lie within.

While I have read some of her poetry and truly enjoyed it. Honestly, who is not moved by "Still I Rise?" However, this is the first of her biographies that I have read.

I am rather surprised by her arrogance. She goes to Ghana, lives there, and is angry that she is not paid many times more than the Ghanaian people. She is also angry that she is not given a car and a home just because she is American. She admits multiple times that she has no college degree, which is a requirement for the jobs she desires. She stubbornly refuses to learn to type and has no qualifications, yet she still feels she deserves to profit and live well off the country while the people of Ghana do not.

She meets a powerful man, a Chieftain, who invites her into his home, and she scolds his child because the child does not address her properly with enough respect.

She then goes to Germany and drags a Jewish man into a dangerous and unkind situation. She later feels bad about it, but it is another example of her selfishness and her inability to think of anyone else's safety or comfort but her own.

When she leaves, she says, "It seemed that I had gotten all Africa had to give me," but not once does she justify her being there. Not once does she tell us what she has brought back to Africa.

Her writing is beautiful, and this is a very quick, one-day read. I can see why people, especially Americans, like the book. However, I just found many of the talking points hard to take. I do think that there is important information in the book. The way that Blacks were (and are) treated in the US, and how one can go searching for a home, a place to feel safe and comfortable, and how difficult that can be. In comparison, I enjoyed Langston Hughes' "I Wonder as I Wander" much more as a travel book of the time, even if it is a bit earlier.

4.5 stars

Ms. Angelou shared another part of her life with us and I'm so grateful. Her words are like a gentle breeze that touches our hearts and souls. Through her stories, we get a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs she faced, and it gives us the strength and courage to face our own lives.

Her writing is so powerful and moving that it makes us feel as if we are right there with her, experiencing every moment. It is a privilege to be able to read her work and learn from her experiences.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for inspiration and a deeper understanding of the human spirit. Ms. Angelou's words will stay with you long after you have finished reading, and will continue to inspire you to be the best version of yourself.