Book review of Their Eyes Were Watching God

by Zora Neale Hurston (Author)

Updated at: 24/02/2025

Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God is a poignant coming-of-age story following Janie Crawford's journey toward self-discovery in early 20th-century Florida. Returning to her hometown of Eatonville, Janie recounts her life, revealing three marriages that shaped her understanding of love, independence, and identity. From her arranged marriage to the controlling Jody Starks, to her liberating union with Tea Cake, Janie's experiences highlight the complexities of race, gender, and societal expectations within the vibrant backdrop of African American Southern culture. Through hardship and resilience, Janie ultimately finds her voice and embraces a life defined by self-acceptance and the pursuit of authentic happiness.

4.6 / 15,751 ratings

Review Their Eyes Were Watching God

Wow, "Their Eyes Were Watching God" – what a journey! I'm so glad I finally took the plunge and read Zora Neale Hurston's masterpiece. It was a richer, deeper experience than I anticipated. Going in, I knew it was a coming-of-age story about an African American woman in the early 20th century, but the depth of Janie's journey, and the way Hurston crafts it, truly surprised me.

It felt like listening to an old, captivating story passed down through generations. The narrative voice is so distinct; Janie's reflections are both wise and vulnerable, filled with the wisdom of lived experience. The gossiping women of Eatonville, their sharp tongues and keen observations, felt intensely real – a timeless depiction of community dynamics, the kind you could still hear echoing in communities today. That sense of familiarity, mixed with the historical context, created a fascinating and often unsettling tension.

The novel unfurls slowly at first, letting the reader settle into Janie's world. There's a deliberate pace to the storytelling, allowing the reader to fully absorb the beauty and hardship of her life. Then, BAM! The narrative really picks up speed with her relationships, each marriage a distinct chapter in her quest for self-discovery and fulfillment. Logan Killicks represents a stifling conformity, Jody Starks a deceptive control, and Tea Cake, oh Tea Cake, a whirlwind of passion, equality, and ultimately, heartbreaking loss.

I found the portrayal of the relationships remarkably nuanced. Hurston doesn't shy away from the complexities of human connection. Love isn't always idyllic; it can be messy, flawed, and even hurtful. Yet, the characters remain deeply human and relatable, their imperfections making them all the more captivating. The love between Janie and Tea Cake, in particular, felt profoundly authentic, a rare and precious thing in literature. Their scenes, especially the vivid description of their struggle through the hurricane, were some of the most memorable parts of the book. It was genuinely terrifying and exhilarating to experience the storm alongside them.

The book's ending is powerful. Janie's return to Eatonville isn't a simple happy ending; it's a quiet affirmation of self-acceptance and the strength found in weathering life's storms. It’s a testament to her resilience and the journey she's undertaken to truly know and love herself. It’s not a tidy conclusion, but a beautiful and honest one.

Hurston’s writing style, incorporating the dialect of the time, initially took some getting used to, but it quickly became an integral part of the story’s charm. It enhanced the authenticity, immersing me in the time and place, making Janie's voice feel even more powerful and real. The novel's relative brevity belies its depth and impact; it's a book that stays with you long after you've turned the final page. I’m already planning a reread, and I’m eager to explore more of Hurston’s work. This book has rightfully earned its place as a classic, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a powerful and unforgettable reading experience.

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