Their Eyes Were Watching God

This novel is superb on many levels: it has a page-turning story that you can’t put down; it offers a glimpse into African American life in the Deep South in the early twentieth century; and it’s chock full of memorable phrases like, “They couldn’t think to swallow spit” and “The higher the monkey climbs, the more you see his behind.”I’m an avid reader but can count on the fingers of one hand the number of books I’ve read twice. This is one of them.

Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston, is a powerful read for all. It teaches both men and women, adults and children, the power of respect, equality, love, and freedom, especially for women. This book is a solid 4 out of 5 and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great story, that is not overwhelming to read. In my opinion, the book starts slow and is sometimes difficult to read on, however don’t give up on it. About a quarter of the way through, my eyes were glued to this book. I felt a connection to Janie and I wanted to see how her life panned out. When I reached the final few pages, I was actually sad it was over (which shocked me because I was so bored in the beginning).This book originally grabbed my attention because it was narrated by a strong female character. Janie is a fair-skinned African American woman who grew up in poverty with her traditional grandmother, Nanny. Stuck in the time before “equality” existed, Nanny wanted Janie to live a life of leisure, something she was unable to have. She married Janie off to Logan Killicks at a very young age. Janie then left Logan to venture to a new town with Joe Starks who offered her a grandiose and comfortable life, where she didn’t have to work and he could show her off. In a naive way, she believed that Joe loved her and wanted nothing but the best for her, however as he became more obsessed with his store and his town, she became more oppressed by his harsh words and head kerchiefs he forced her to wear. As Janie moves onto her third marriage to Tea Cake, she finally finds the relationship she is looking for. She knew “he could be a bee to a blossom--- a pear tree blossom in the spring.” This was something she dreamed of, having a relationship wear she could lay under a pear tree and simply be in love.This book sends a powerful message about the importance of an equal relationship. Janie is oppressed by Logan and Joe, leaving her sad and lonely. When Tea Cake comes along and takes her to picnics, hunting or fishing, and teaches her to drive she realizes what she has been missing for years. He even chopped down a tree she didn’t like, along with “all those signs of possession” in Joe Stark’s house. Despite the strong relationship they have, Tea Cake still has control over Janie. He takes her money and goes off spending it without her permission, but she can’t say anything about it. This made me very angry. He also whips her when she talks to another man, though nothing was going on between them. He believes that “being able to whip her reassured him in possession.” She doesn’t let these things affect her because she loves Tea Cake and believes God is working in her life. When she comes to terms with this, she finally finds peace. At the end of the novel, when she is completely free of all relationships and ties to people, Janie is truly a happy woman. She is described pulling in “her horizon like a great fish-net” and “calling in her soul to come and see” the life in its meshes. At this moment her life is fulfilled.This book hit all emotions. I was sad and felt empathy for Janie, I was happy, and I was angry beyond belief. Sometimes I laughed, while other times I wanted to tell one of the characters off. This story that Hurston created is so relatable that I felt aspects of Janie’s life in my own, even without the many years of experience she had. I truly believe that I could go back and read this book in a couple of years and learn a whole slew of new lessons.

I love this book. It’s a love story. I’m not used to coming across two characters in a novel who simply adore each other and merit their mutual adoration. These days one always expects a “catch.” And indeed life will catch up with these lovers. But the impression remains a happy one.But a story alone does not make a great novel, and what makes this one great is that it is well written and downright fun to read. The author was courageous to put most of the book into dialect. I have no idea how politically correct this is or isn’t by today’s lights. But it worked for me, and it seemed to fit the many subsidiary characters in the book as well, who had story and joke after story to tell one another.There is no question that it all takes place against a background that is far from funny or happy. But for once there is a book that shows how genuine happiness can nevertheless emerge under trying circumstances. Also, the main character, a strong and interesting woman, pays her dues along the way. And she’s no angel – just regular folk. But that’s good enough.

It does great justice to the natural beauty of florida and the African American communities within.I cannot recommend it highly enough . Any high school teacher would reap dividends from including this work

Very well written story of a young girl finding her independent mind and voice and finally real love, partly thru some difficult marriages and overcoming (in part) the surrounding cultural norms.

This is - or, more realistically, should most certainly be - a classic, for those interested in long gone-by and extremely poetic description of how blacks used to live in America. The language, and the emotions portrayed, are so raw and so vital. Its a great read - highly recommended!

Cuando vi las malas reseñas tuve miedo de que el producto llegara deteriorado porque muchas de las malas reseñas es por este tema, pero me llegó en perfecto estado. Preciosa editorial. En cuanto a las malas reseñas porque es complicado de leer, sí, lo es, pero hay que informarse antes de por qué es complicado, investigar un poco. Yo ya lo sabía e iba preparada. Y es que la autora transcribió fielmente la forma de hablar de los afroamericanos, pero es algo que cuando te acostumbras y lees despacio, no encarna tantos problemas.

Authentische und mitreissende Geschichte! Besonders die besondere Schreibweise der Dialoge macht das Lesen sehr authentisch und flüssig. Klare Weiterempfehlung an alle

Opens a window on a fascinating place and time in history I had known nothing about.Written in beautiful poetic prose and dialect, the latter hard going but so vivid that the characters come to life.

A very beautiful story depicting the struggle that being a woman of color was like in the early 20th century! Janie’s character is a very interesting one, and I particularly enjoyed her growth throughout the novel!The writing style does take some getting used to but I think Zora Neale Hurston’s style adds so much authenticity to the story! Definitely a book to consider reading!