A Cage Full of Monkeys: A Memoir

Within a context rarely imagined, Richard Souza writes of sex and love through a constellation of memories, from his first sexual experience at age five to his mother's last years. You will see how, in his youth, he choreographed life experiences-ones that made up the journey into his own heart, who he was, and who he became in spite of environment, circumstance, and fear. The raw, sensitive examination of sexual abuse that was embraced as an awakening makes A Cage Full of Monkeys a coming-of-age story like no other.

Souza has managed to write a memoir that reads like a novel... The town comes alive, as do the characters and his compelling struggle to harness memory to connect intimately with the journey of his heart.

-Karen Randall, English Studies Chair for the Schools of the Sacred Heart, San Francisco (Retired), recipient of the Herbst Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence

This is not just a memoir but a work of art. A brilliant, poetic storyteller, Souza relives his California life through uniquely filtered lenses.

-David Aretha, award-winning author and editor

In A Cage Full of Monkeys, Richard Souza takes an unflinching look at childhood sexual abuse, unrequited love, and the care of a parent with dementia in gripping, elegant prose.

-Douglas C. Haldeman, PhD, professor, John F. Kennedy University

A Cage Full of Monkeys filled me with so many feelings. It's all there-love, courage, empathy, wonder.

-Jackie Bruni, PhD, family relationships

A vivid exposure of the soul. Passionate. Brilliant.

-Elisabeth Miller, university professor, educational leader, teacher

Richard Souza was born and raised in the small farm town of Yuba City, California. He majored in English literature and dramatic art at the University of California, Berkeley. He now practices yoga daily and lives in Northern California with his life partner, Chris, three Afghan hounds, an occasional litter of puppies, and a feral cat, Lola. This is his first book.