In THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD by Zora Neale Hurston, Zora breathes humanity into both her men and women, and allows them to speak in their own voices. The novel follows the fortunes of Janie Crawford, a woman living in the black town of Eaton, Florida.

One person the citizens of Eaton are inclined to judge is Janie Crawford, who has married three men and been tried for the murder of one of them. Janie feels no compulsion to justify herself to the town, but she does explain herself to her friend, Phoeby, with the implicit understanding that Phoeby can "tell 'em what Ah say if you wants to. Dat's just de same as me 'cause mah tongue is in mah friend's mouf."

Zora Neale Hurston(1891-1960) achieved fame and sparked controversy as a novelist, anthropologist, outspoken essayist, lecturer, and theatrical producer during her sixty-nine years. Her fictional and factual accounts of black heritage are unparalleled. She is the author of numerous books, including Jonah's Gourd Vine, Mules and Men, Moses: Man of the Mountain, Seraph on the Suwanee and her award-winning autobiography, Dust Tracks on a Road.

Back to Book Selections