Audiobook Review: Their Eyes Were Watching God

Their Eyes Were Watching God
by Zora Neale Hurston
Narrator: Ruby Dee
Pages: 7
Published by HarperAudio
Publication Date October 31, 2005
Goodreads

Their Eyes Were Watching God, an American classic, is the luminous and haunting novel about Janie Crawford, a Southern Black woman in the 1930s, whose journey from a free-spirited girl to a woman of independence and substance has inspired writers and readers for close to 70 years.
This poetic, graceful love story, rooted in Black folk traditions and steeped in mythic realism, celebrates boldly and brilliantly African-American culture and heritage. And in a powerful, mesmerizing narrative, it pays quiet tribute to a Black woman who, though constricted by the times, still demanded to be heard.
Originally published in 1937 and long out of print, the book was reissued in 1975 and nearly three decades later Their Eyes Were Watching God is considered a seminal novel in American fiction.
Performed by Ruby Dee

Their Eyes Were Watching God is a book with accolades that I simply do not get. The writing is beautiful with an intriguing storyline however, it had me scratching my head. The dialect was a little jagged and the characters were not to my liking, yet I couldn’t put a finger on why. Then I recalled the main character’s name, Janie.

When I was growing up, way back in the 90s I loved The Face on the Milk Carton series with the protagonist being Janie Johnson. At the time I was enamored. How strong and Independent she was for finding her true self. I read this series a few years ago and through the eyes of an adult, I saw a spoiled child who leaned on others and mistakes it as independence. As much as I hate to compare these two Janies that is also how I saw Janie Crawford. It was like she was walking to a dark closet that contains a monster. There are signs all around telling her to turn back but she opens the door anyway.

While I wasn’t a fan of the characters, plot, or dialect I did find the writing to be lyrical and Ruby Dee’s narration was pitch-perfect. Unfortunately, I was frustrated from beginning to end and was happy to be done with it.

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