At
the time this book was originally published in 1937, it was not recognized as
the masterpiece it is today. Zora Neale Hurston has since become recognized as
a voice of her generation and the novel a widely acclaimed classic of the
Harlem Renaissance.
The
story follows Janie, a fair-skinned, black woman in the early 1900’s following
WWI. Navigating two disastrous marriages until meeting the love of her life, we
watch Janie come into her own power and confidence. Janie’s story is a tragic
one, yet does not end as hopeless.
The
novel, written in a deep southern, black dialect may be somewhat challenging
for some. One solution is the Audible version narrated by the brilliant actor,
Ruby Dee, who makes the patios come alive. With a poet’s eye, Hurston depicts
the black experience in the early 20th century with sensitivity and observed
human nature with a clear eye.
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