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Their Eyes Were Watching God

The essential American classic with an introduction by Zadie Smith
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( 378,264 ratings, 23,409 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Their Eyes Were Watching God, Zora Neale Hurston explores the life of Janie Crawford, a woman in early 20th-century Florida, as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Through a series of relationships and challenges, Janie seeks to find her own voice and independence, navigating societal and personal expectations. This novel beautifully captures themes of identity, love, and empowerment.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

If you appreciate powerful stories exploring self-discovery and love through vivid and poetic language, this novel may appeal to you. Set in the early 20th century, it delves into the journey of an African-American woman seeking her own voice amidst societal expectations. Fans of rich cultural settings and emotional depth will likely find this book captivating.

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Their Eyes Were Watching God

The 80th anniversary of Zora Neale Hurston's masterpiece - perhaps the most widely read and highly regarded novel in the entire canon of African American literature.

* Zora Neale Hurston's masterpiece is perhaps the most widely read and highly regarded novel in the entire canon of African American literature.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Introduced by ZADIE SMITH

'One of the greatest writers of our time' Toni Morrison

'She was stretched on her back beneath the pear tree soaking in the alto chant of the visiting bees, the gold of the sun and the panting breath of the breeze when the inaudible voice of it all came to her . . .'

When sixteen-year-old Janie is caught kissing shiftless Johnny Taylor, her grandmother swiftly marries her off to an old man with sixty acres. Janie endures two stifling marriages before she finally meets the man of her dreamsβ€”who offers not diamonds, but a packet of flowering seeds.

Their Eyes Were Watching God is one of the very greatest American novels of the 20th century. It is so lyrical it should be sentimental; it is so passionate it should be overwrought, but it is instead a rigorous, convincing and dazzling piece of prose, as emotionally satisfying as it is impressive. There is no novel I love more' ZADIE SMITH

Series: Virago Modern Classics

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Their Eyes Were Watching God is often celebrated as one of the greatest American novels, praised for its lyrical prose and the emotional depth of its narrative. Renowned author Zadie Smith describes the book as rigorously convincing and dazzling, managing to be both emotionally satisfying and impressive. The novel's poetic language and vibrant storytelling leave a lasting impact, making it a beloved classic.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780860685241

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 23 January 1986

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Virago Press Ltd

Contributors:

  • Introduction by Zadie Smith

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 21.0mm

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 240g

Pages: 256

About the Author

In the Harlem Renaissance of the 1930s, Zora Neale Hurston was the preeminent black woman writer in the United States. She died in 1960 in a Welfare home, was buried in an unmarked grave, and quickly faded from literary consciousness until 1975 when Alice Walker almost single-handedly revived interest in her work.

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