Their Eyes Were Watching God cover art

Their Eyes Were Watching God

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Their Eyes Were Watching God

By: Zora Neale Hurston
Narrated by: Ruby Dee
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About this listen

 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.

©1937 Zora Neale Hurston, Renewed 1965 John C. Hurston and Joel Hurston (P)1997, 2000, 2004 HarperCollins Publishers African American Classics Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Fiction Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking Africa

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Critic reviews

"For readers who know Hurston's work, this program will be a joy; for those who are lucky and wise enough to discover her here, it will be an exceptional experience." (AudioFile)
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This is breathtakingly wonderful. Ruby Dee's performance brings Zora Neale Hurston's words to life. Just amazing.

A gem.

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Hurston’s pulsating prose - essentially poetry in its density and intensity - is brought to life powerfully and atmospherically by a superb narrative performance. Ruby Dee evokes the verisimilitude of the novel and creates resilient, varied characterisation in what should be an enduring recording. Brilliant.

Vivid and life-affirming audiobook

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This book was so much more powerful listening to it with this performance. One of the best I’ve ever listened to.

Incredible reading

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The short but wonderful story of Janey...I loved it and Ruby Dee was an incredible narrator. So glad the book was reissued.

An unexpected gem

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I had never heard of Zora Neale Hurston and that is a crying shame because she stands up there with Toni and Maya and Alice. She needs to be given the same respect and wear the same crown. This book is ageless, timeless and oh so beautifully lyrical. Her characters are so wonderfully observed that they inhabit your imagination as fully formed beings. Ruby Dee is masterful in her craft at giving voice to the words on the page. This book is precious. Precious and priceless.

I feel like I just unearthed a stream of gold

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An absolute delight to listen to, Ruby Dee’s narration style had me hooked from the very beginning. Powerful story of Janie’s quest for a life worth living.

Beautifully narrated by Ruby Dee

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A fabulous classic, beautiful book of love, loss, race and racism. I still own and read years ago it years ago, but it was lovely to listen to it brought to life!

Their Eyes Were Watching God

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Fabulous insights into human behaviour and thinking. Peek into Black American lives in early 20th Century. Luxurious writing. Super narration. Loved it 😍

Fabulous writing and narration. Loved it 😍

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I really loved it. The narrators voice is perfect. I fell in love with Janie and Teacake, and all their wisdom.

Love is like the sea, its a moving thing

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I loved this book, absolutely charming, with wonderful characters, beautiful scenery, and a great plot.

The narrator was very good, and her voices and accents really brought the characters to life

Fantastic book

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