The Feminist Orchestra Bookclub discussion

Let's get chatting about Zami! I'm only a few page in but loving it already....

You can start sharing your thoughts and feelings on the book at any point in your reading experience. If you are including specific details about the plot beyond the blurb please use this text to keep any spoilers hidden unless expressly opened by another member to read - you can let everyone know what point in the book the spoilers pertain to beforehand: <*spoiler*>This is the text that will be hidden.<*/spoiler*> (remove the asterixes*)

I just finished re-reading this. It definitely holds up. I loved that each of the women portrayed in this book feels three-dimensional. And in rereading it after several years I noticed how chronological the book is. I remembered the poetry of the language but not how much of a story this is if that makes any sense.

I’ve just started reading Zami, and I will be reading it intensely as it’s been requested by another library user and I only have four days to read it. I am immediately struck by the unusual language and format, and the impressive honesty for a book written in the early 1980s. It is fascinating and beautiful so far, while also exposing white bigotry and issues common to many families with immigrant parents.

I finished reading this about a week ago and it has really stayed with me. Definitely one of my favourite reads this year. Her prose is so beautifully poetic and unflinchingly honest that I couldn't help but be engrossed. There are so many issues that are highlighted here, not just homophobia but racism and poverty/inequality too. A wonderful and empowering memoir.

I agree. The book was gripping, beautifully written, and an incredible expose of multiple issues. Definitely one of the top books I’ve read this year. Thank you to this group for bringing it to my attention.