Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
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Web ID: 15626691Exploring Life
The author of this book is an excellent storyteller who makes the plot clear and easy to read. I would say 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' is a documentary of the journey of a young girl growing up to find her true voice and the things in her life that matter to her. I like its authenticity, which matches the time period. It draws me so much in because of its fantastic characterization and settings based on the author's personal experiences, making the story more convincing and realistic. Every single character sounds alive. Fascinatingly, the protagonist grew from obedience to the things and people she didn't truly love or agree with to resistance and daring to say "no" to them. I feel like everyone has these moments in life where we have to submit to social judgment and people's stereotypes, but we need to stick to the values we believe in and make adjustments to the negativity we encounter. Compared to the world and billions of people, we are so tiny and invisible, but this planet is composed of tiny little creatures like us. We matter. However, it's a necessary thing to find what we truly live for and what the meaning of life is so that we have a reason and support to hold on to the life and world we contribute to. We don't find it alone, but with people and things we have been through. See where we are at; see who our eyes are watching. We do not get to decide every single thing in our lives, but we always have a choice to make our lives unique and disparate from others.
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Five connected themes
Self-discovery and identity: The protagonist Janie Crawford embarks on a journey to find her own identity and purpose in life, which is the central theme of the book. Feminism and gender roles: The book challenges the traditional roles assigned to women and the limitations placed on them by society, and explores the idea of female empowerment and independence. Love and relationships: The book examines the different forms of love, including romantic love, familial love, and self-love, and how they shape our lives and experiences. Racism and segregation: The book explores the issues of racism and segregation in the United States, especially in the South, and how they affect the lives and experiences of black Americans. Legacy and heritage: The book reflects on the importance of legacy and heritage, and how our experiences and stories shape who we are and how we view the world.
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Beautiful Prose with an Ageless Story
"Ships at a distance have every man's wish on board. For some they come in w/ the tide. For others they sail forever on the horizon, never out of sight, never landing until the Watcher turns his eyes away in resignation, his dreams mocked to death by Time. That is the life of men. Now, women forget all those things they don't want to remember, and remember everything they don't want to forget. The dream is the truth. Then they act and do things accordingly." p. 1 When a novel starts off w/ imagery like this, I know I will be in for a really enjoyable read. "Their Eyes Were Watching God" is a classic for a reason, and it's not just the startlingly current, feminist voice of a protagonist written 'way back in 1937. Zora Neale Hurston has an absolutely lyrical way w/ words and if you read it for no other reason, read it for the beautiful use of English found on nearly every page. THEN, read it as the story of a woman finding her own voice, staying true to her own self, even when her constraining society wants her to act differently. I don't always approve of Janie's choices, but I really LOVED reading her story. I'd just really like share more lines: "Every morning the world flung itself over and exposed the town to the sun." p. 51 "The salt pork box was in the back of the store and during the walk Mrs. Tony was so eager she sometimes stepped on Joe's heels, sometimes she was a little before him. Something like a hungry cat when somebody approaches her pan w/ meat. Running a little, caressing a little and all the time making little urging-on cries." p. 73 "The wind came back w/ triple fury, and put out the light for the last time. They sat in company w/ the others in other shanties, their eyes straining against crude walls and their souls asking if He meant to measure their puny might against His. They seemed to be staring at the dark, but their eyes were watching God." p. 160. Ahhhhhhh..... 5 well-earned stars. I wish I had read it years ago.
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My favorite book of all time
She is one of the most unread, amazing American writers. She is able to draw you into tge exact scene she is portraying. I love this book and recommend it to everyone.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
A Classic from the Harlem Renaissance!
With lyrical prose, Zora Neale Hurston explores womanhood, independence, love, friendship and partnership. This is a compelling read and a beautiful love story, but, be warned (no spoilers!): this is also a tragedy. This story will haunt me for years to come, but the beautiful telling will also remain as a certain spark in my memory. I know from years of bookselling that this is often a school assignment; while it pleases me that this book has such wide readership, I feel this book should not be forgotten by those who are long out of school and away from required reading. If you read it in school, I would encourage you to revisit it in your middle years as well!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Timeless
This is such a powerful book that needs to be read. It's one that will stay with you long after you read it. I loved Janie, she was such a strong Black woman who no matter how many people wanted her to change, she stayed true to herself. I absolutely loved Janie's relationship with Tea Cake, and how Janie seemed to really find love after two not so great marriages. Not only did Janie find love, but Janie found herself. This book also discusses racial inequality and the treatment of Black people. For some, the dialect may be difficult to read.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com