Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston was one of the best books I've ever read. It has been on my "to be read" stack for some time and is also on my summer reading challenge list. I knew I would be in Arkansas for a week and would need something to occupy my time, so I took the book with me. I am so thankful I did so because it was great company for two days! From the introduction by Edwidge Danticat, to the last page, I was hooked. I agree that this book should be considered a classic. The writing has transcended time.
Edwidge Danticat is the author of Breath, Eyes, Memory. I read that book about two years ago and was very impressed with Danticat's writing. It seems that Black women have the same issues wherever we're located on the globe. Danticat's introduction left me ready for Hurston's words. She explained why she considers it one of the best and I have to agree with her. Be sure to pick up the HarperCollins edition for Danticat's words.
As I began reading the book, I had to reread several passages because of the dialect, but adjusted quickly and was reminded that people in the South really do have our own way of speaking. Hurston does an excellent job of capturing the heart of us Southerners. The events take place in the 1930-40s, but are comparable to folks I know in my hometown in Southeast Arkansas.
Janie is the main character and the story follows her life. I loved Janie, she was such a strong woman and lived before her time. Many would say she was an idealist, but I beg to differ. She never gave up on her chance at true love and when it came she was ready. She decided to follow her heart and not the comments of others and for that I admired her. How many times do we worry about what others might think and say, even the year 2000?
So, hopefully, all of the books on my list will be as enjoyable as this and if so, this is going to be a great summer!
2 comments:
I went about rereading Their eyes a bit differently. I jumped right in and read those familiar words and was wowed how the first line of that novel still affected me. I think it is my all time favorite line in any novel because it is so true and it transcends race. Women remember what they want to and forget what they want. After reading Hurston's words I went to the introduction and read that. I was fascinated by the history of the novel and realized that I participated in the movement that brought this wonderful story back into the light of day. Read it for a college class.
I read Native Son quickly after finishing Hurston's book. It was a good story too but I felt so depressed afterwards. The copy I had had an introduction by Wright. I tried to read it but it struck me as pretentious and I found it very difficult to read. I marvelled how Wright's fiction was so welcoming and his commentary seemed so stilted and dry.
*jumping up and down* You read it, you finally read it! Miss you!
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