THE HEART OF A WOMAN

What a woman! What a heart! African-American poet/activist Maya Angelou continues to lead a significant, eventful life -- some early episodes of which she reveals in this fascinating memoir. It focuses on her relationships with men, especially with her fatherless son, during the tumultuous '60's. Writing with a lyric simplicity, she's often frank, but rarely candid. As performer, she narrates with the same distinctive, measured dignity that has become familiar from her many televised poetry readings. The abridgment is a bit too brief for those wanting to hear more about Godfrey Cambridge, James Baldwin and her other pals. But it does serve to highlight, namely the development of her touching relationship with her son as he entered manhood and independence. Y.R. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: NOV/DEC 97]