Notes

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most important works of twentieth-century American literature
nduring Southern love story
wit, beauty, and heartfelt wisdom
captivating voice of a woman
live in sorrow, bitterness, fear, or foolish romantic dreams
story of fair-skinned, fiercely independent Janie Crawford, and her evolving selfhood
life marked by poverty, trials, and purpose
remains relevant and affecting today
highly regarded novel

classic piece of literature
could not put it down
beautiful storyteller
stand heads above many of the other pieces of literature
cannot recommend it enough
opens up shortly after Emancipation
where African Americans were freed but not free
early Black community and one of the strong women in that community
imagine and feel what it might have felt like to live during this time in the community
masterful work

The most special part of Zora Neale Hurston's writing is that she takes subjects that society wants to segment into "good" or "bad" and makes them human -- thereby making them complicated. Subjects like infidelity, domestic abuse, killing for self-protection, killing as an act of mercy, colorism, white savior complex, poverty, female pride, female submission, moral relativism... You name a tough topic, and Hurston handles it in this book with a deft touch rarely found in today's world.

Hurston gives a window view into a place that shows a growing or blossoming of a woman's life. It journeys on a three-fold path from Janie's life with her grandma through 3 marriages that unfold new discoveries of Janie as she awakens to the power of her ability to lead herself. Hurston was ahead of her time in the sense that she was already living as one who did not need to fight the battle but had arrived and 'was.'

very nearly a perfect novel

levels, layers, textures, and nuances to the characters and their intentions. There are modes of language, characterization, dialect, motivation, conflict, and desire that can go on forever in a classroom or book club discussion. I fell in love with the woman with so much pain from men, but always willing to feel love. You will be entangled in the world of these people so quickly you will not believe it. I suggest you download the audible version so you can take in the dynamics of Ruby Dee reading Hurston's beautiful language.

I can't remember the last time I read a book that moved me as deeply as 'Their Eyes Were Watching God." But like all "great" books, it may not be for everyone. A Millennial reader, for example, might be inclined to lose patience with a woman who spends 20 years of her life with a couple loser husbands before meeting her one true love. Even though there is no story without that context. It's also possible that an older generation of women readers, Baby Boomers, for example, may be more inclined to sit quietly and say nothing, while nodding and smiling gently in response to a Millennial reader's impatience.

The man who finally enters Janie's life and steals her heart is not without flaws. But. He knows how to love her. Deeply, unconditionally, joyfully. There is no "happily ever after" for Tea Cake and Janie, but what he gives her in the brief time they are together is life: fully realized, fully lived.

A remarkable work of literary fiction by a skilled and soulful writer who knew stuff.

Zora Neale Hurston catches the spirit of African-Americans at that time and masterfully relays it to readers with a skilful mix of vernacular and formal English. This book is somber, insightful, relatable, and witty. More than once its blending of humor and imagery that is so uniquely Black caught me off guard, sending me into fits of laughter. Conversely, the journey and trials that Janie goes through are near heartbreaking. That this book was published in 1937 and still so powerful is a testament to the author's skill. Those who are not familiar with African-American or Caribbean dialect may find this a more challenging read, but it is well worth it.