Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
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Book Reviews of Their Eyes Were Watching God
Book Review: Git you some empowerment, sistah!
Summary: 4 Stars
Zora Neale Hurston was a pretty talented writer. This slim book is alleged to be her magnum opus, and it does have its merits. It shouldn't be overpraised, however, simply because of the skin-tone and genital configuration of the author...which, in these times, is probably asking too much. (If students held in captivity are forced to read A BLACK FEMALE WRITER, you could do a lot worse--a whole lot worse--than ol' Zora.)
Hurston has a mostly pleasing style, with few-and-far-between intrusions of pretension (plenty of jargon-laden pretension can be found in the forward and afterword, though)...the black vernacular is a bit wearying after a while, but the plot moves briskly--sometimes extremely briskly--and is never boring. (The novel hits its stride, however, only upon the introduction of Tea Cake.)
I'd wager a few bucks that this was one of Oprah Winfrey's book selections...but that should not be held against it. It may seem a credible bagatelle to a white devil like myself, but I'm sure there are many black women for whom this could be, like Alice Walker, the most important book in their lives.
Book Review: a precious slice of black Americana and Florida history
Summary: 4 Stars
"Their Eyes Were Watching God" is one of those so called "American classics" that I knew I should have read but I feared it was some overly self-indulgent, weepy Oprah book. Thankfully I did read it and it GREATLY exceeded my expectations. The story chronicles the life of a young black woman as she evolves from a confused teenager to a mature, confident woman. Her world is the poor, black towns of segregated Florida in the 1920s-1930s. Although she has a rather insular existence the author shows the reader the warmth, humor and lust for life these communities had. The pace of the story is rather prosaic with the exception of some serious drama towards the end. Yet strangely, the lack of pace is not a bother since "rhythm of life" captured by the author fully engages the reader.
Hopefully "Their Eyes Were Watching God" gains readership beyond African-American Literature 101 classes. A masterpiece? Perhaps not, but something special in its own right. Yet I also need to add that non-Americans might find the author's use of the local dialect to be incomprehensible or at least burdensome.
Book Review: A must-read for lovers of american literature and Florida history
Summary: 4 Stars
"Their Eyes Were Watching God" is assigned reading for the 9th grade at my children's school and I like to try to keep up with them (in literature, if not math/science.) I'm so glad that I did. The book is both a beautiful work of literature and a fascinating period piece providing insight into the Harlem Renaissance, the lives of rural African Americans during the 1930s, and rural Florida life. As a work of literature, the book moves jarringly from startling poetic passages to black dialect. The 9th grade complains that it is a somewhat slow read because of the changes in style. I found it very rewarding, however. I did not give it 5 stars because I felt that-- in spite of the extraordinary use of language -- the story-telling was a little weak and choppy.
In addition, I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Florida history. The descriptions of working "down in the muck" at the edges of the Everglades are fascinating. Also, then, as now, not everyone heeds hurricane warnings and the description of the storm is fantastic!
Book Review: a wonderful story of love and self-discovery
Summary: 4 Stars
I agree with previous reviewers who felt the dialect Hurston uses is difficult to become accustomed to. Because of this, I couldn't give it five stars. Nonetheless, I would urge you to hang in there, as the effort it takes to "decipher" the dialogue is rewarded with a marvelous story. Set in Florida in the early 20th century, Janie lives the first half of her life for (and according to the expectations) of others. Only later in life does she begin to live her life for herself and on her own terms.
The book is truly a classic in the sense that it transcends time and race - we all, at one point or another, must take responsibility for our lives and live as we see fit. Only after Jeanie does this does she find not only love, but true happiness. It is a powerful, moving story that richly rewards the reader who works through the initial challenge of "deep Southern." Highly recommended.
Book Review: Dreamy little novel
Summary: 4 Stars
I still think fondly of this book, all the way back to high school. This is one of those incredible literary experiences that stays with you whether you loved it or hated it, and frankly I quite liked it.
The writing is deep, descriptive, and powerful, focused so much on the world around, nature.
The story, however, is deeply personal and rather feminist, that of a girl who is simply trying to be herself and find out who she is. This leads to various bad marriages until she finds her true love.
Throughout is thought-provoking words on nature, mankind, and the role of women in society.
It's heartbreaking, but also powerful and poignant.