Their Eyes Were Watching God

By: Zora Neale Hurston

Narrated by: Ruby Dee

Length: 6 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

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

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)

Stunning!! Inspiring the courage to love!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This book reveals that the "modern woman" was not born yesterday. She has been with us for generations and her courage to follow her own mind and heart inspires love in some and fear in others.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Janie will inspire me for the rest of my life. She was willing to search for her true self and to defend it once she found it.

What does Ruby Dee bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Ruby Dee and her magical voice brought me home to the South where the air is soft, but the realities often hard.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Finding herself...making her world.

heartwrenching

The narration and the story are well matched. It is a touching, gut-wrenching, and eye opening opening masterpiece. It's not an easy listen, but Ruby Dee gives life and nuance and understanding.

A Classic Novel, a Classic Performance

Would you consider the audio edition of Their Eyes Were Watching God to be better than the print version?

The dialect is hard to read but wonderful to hear in Ruby Dee's rendering.

What other book might you compare Their Eyes Were Watching God to and why?

HUCKLEBERRY FINN -- a classic journey of self discovery in a dangerous world, more so for a young person, especially a young black woman lacking family or money .

What about Ruby Dee’s performance did you like?

With men or women, young or old, she found something unique to convey.

Who was the most memorable character of Their Eyes Were Watching God and why?

the protagonist, a woman without means who prevailed in a frightening Jim Crow world by dint of intelligence and courage.

Any additional comments?

I was intrigued to learn about the founding of Eatonville, Florida where Hurston herself lived in one of the nation's only towns built and run by African Americans.

Brilliant

An unbelievably compelling story, characters that could walk off the page and set down next to you, and a narrator that did all of that justice with the most amazing voice. I would highly recommend this book, and in particular, the audio version.

The Best Book of my Young Life

The dialect can be confusing at times, but the story is great. It's kinda like a love story, but the protagonist is not a helpless woman that needs a man, well she is in the beginning, but the main story is Janie finding herself and her own voice.

Audible at its best

The story is wonderfully conceived and beautifully written. But what makes it unforgettable is Ruby Dee's narration. If you haven't listened to this book, you are missing out on a truly evocative experience.

incredible.

Ruby Dee's performance of this book brought to life the words of the author, no doubt how she herself imagined the words being heard.

Wonderfully done

What did you love best about Their Eyes Were Watching God?

I loved the narration done by Ruby Dee. She was simply wonderful, seasoned in her craft. She distinguished the characters and I loved how the meshed with the era

What other book might you compare Their Eyes Were Watching God to and why?

The closest I could associate would be the Twelve Tribes of Hattie.

Which scene was your favorite?

I loved the men playing cards and horsing around. Ruby did such a great job with the voices, I felt as though I was right there watching and listening trying to understand what the men were saying.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The end with Teacake's death, that touched me deeply. Janie went through so much but she had true love when she met Teacake and he loved his Janie. Janie did not laugh until she met Teacake. .

Any additional comments?

When I saw that Ruby Dee was the narrator, I said I just had to listen to this. I was pleasantly thrilled. She was such an artist and a professional. She connected you with each character and made you become a part of them. A narrator can make or break a book and Ms. Dee as always rose to the occasion. Hats off to you Ms. Dee!

Ruby Dee's the best

Ruby Dee's brought this story to life. I enjoyed it from beginning to end.

Sensational!

Ruby Dee's narration made the book live, as if watching it on the silver screen! I understood, sympathized, and even became Janie. A timeless Black masterpiece about discovering life, love, and self!