Their Eyes Were Watching God

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An American classic, this luminous and haunting novel follows Janie Crawford, a Southern black woman in the 1930s, as she transforms from a free-spirited girl into a woman of independence and substance. This poetic love story, rooted in black folk traditions and infused with mythic realism, boldly celebrates African-American culture and heritage. The narrative pays tribute to a black woman who, despite societal constraints, demanded to be heard. Originally published in 1937, the book experienced mixed critical acclaim and was somewhat forgotten after Zora Neale Hurston's death. However, she was rediscovered by black authors in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with Alice Walker's 1972 essay "In Search of Zora Neale Hurston" playing a pivotal role in reintroducing her to a wider audience. Long out of print, the novel was reissued following a petition at the 1975 Modern Language Association Convention. Today, it is regarded as a seminal work in American fiction. This edition features a new foreword by celebrated novelist Edwidge Danticat, commemorating Hurston's unique voice in America's literary canon and highlighting the book's remarkable publication history.