Book Review: Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

by J

This novel is not religious; instead, it focuses on the identity of a woman. Janie -- the main character of the story -- is an African American female who struggles to find true self. The entire story is about her journey from her Nanny's home to the everglades in Florida. Janie marries three men in her story: Logan Killicks, Joe Starks, and Vergible Woods/ Tea Cake.

In the beginning, Janie's Nanny controls her life by an arranged marriage with Logan. Unfortunately, Nanny does not recognize the lack of love Janie and Logan have for each other. The marriage ends when Janie runs away with Joe. She becomes the mayor's wife in the small, black town of Eatonville. Although Joe loves her, he still tries to control her. Joe thinks he is helping Janie by telling her what to do; he thinks of her as a doll he can dress and command. Janie does not have to run away from this marriage, because Joe dies from kidney failure. After Joe's death, Janie meets Tea Cake; he is the true love she had been searching for in her previous marriages.

Instead of living in the repression of her family or husband, Janie finds her own life. I enjoyed reading about a strong, female figure (most females like this novel). Janie's character is easy to connect to because everyone -- especially a teen -- struggles to find his or her place in the world. Please do not think that of Janie as a person who marries to anyone who comes down the road. She is just a person who desires to find love and her identity.

This novel may be a difficult read because it uses the vernacular (southern accent) constantly. Otherwise, it is an extremely novel to read. I recommend this book for grades 10 and up. There are some scenes, which may be inappropriate for younger teens.
 
NOTE: Takes place in the 1930s -- this is important to understand some sections of the book.