Member Reviews

This book is a breath of fresh air. Not only does it expose us to new material from Hurston but work that has been out of print for decades. This is a deeper dive into Hurston who can sometimes come off as an literary enigma, but is always committed to the depth and language of Blacks in America without pandering to class notions or a white gaze.

Was this review helpful?

An essay collection more for completists and academics. I enjoyed it because Hurston is a down to earth and plainspoken writer, but it's a lot of material.

Was this review helpful?

Zora Neale Hurston had an incredible talent for writing profoundly unsettling fiction that settles deep in your bones and stays with you for a long time, and this collection of essays demonstrates that she's just as skilled in writing sharply compelling and memorable nonfiction as well.

This collection is comprised of essays, articles, and works of literary criticism that Hurston produced over many decades of prolific writing, and they present an excellent picture of her development as a writer and as a thinker. The organization of these essays into thematic sections contributes significantly to understanding them as a whole.

Was this review helpful?

A really interesting work --
those readers who have a passing acquaintance with Hurston will likely find this gives them a deeper understanding of her work and thought.
If you're well versed in Hurston's material, you may find that it opens new perspectives on her writings.
Either way, this is an important entry in the canon of American non-fiction and well worth the time for
anyone who wants to learn more about Hurston.

Was this review helpful?