Their Eyes Were Watching God

by Zora Neal Hurston

I had enjoyed a short story or two of Hurston's and decided to tackle her most famous novel . . . interesting, but lacking.

The main character, Janie, goes through 3 husbands through the course of the story. Feminists love this book because they see this mixed-raced woman as an independent heroine who escapes her 1st controlling husband, asserts her dignity verbally and suffers the consequences with her 2nd husband, and loves the rakish ways of her last (and much younger) husband. I suppose that she is a pretty complete and developed character, if you consider unfailing independence and a good-looking figure to be the only necessary characteristics of your heroine.

Do I think that her first two husbands put her in a pitiable position?--sure. Do I admire the fact that she kept on going despite it all?--ok. Am I impressed by the person that she has become?--not really. For all her independance, she doesn't stand up for her innocence when her life is on the line in court towards the end, and her "strength" comes across more as cockiness and the ability to distance herself from others, rather than quiet strength reflecting the redemptive potential of suffering.

If you've read the book and can help me to see it's finer qualities--go for it and comment. Meanwhile, despite some good description and local color, it's not great enough to be going on my re-read list.