One woman's struggle for independence. The author was part of the Harlem Renaissance of writers. This book tells the story of Janie who is first married to Logan Kennik, and older "safe" farmer; then to Joe Starks, a smoth-talking "respectable" man; but finally finds love with Tea Cake, a gambler and migrant worker. She slowly comes to realize her own desires and to stand up for herself. The timeframe of the book is roughly 1899-1930). Hurston uses the dialect of the poor southern negro, and she was criticized for that choice. At times it is hard to figure out what is happenening, but the writing is SO vivid!

Book club # 1 liked it very much. Book club # 2 was less enthralled - mostly because the dialect made it difficult to read for some members. Both groups had a great discussion, however.

UPDATE: 19May2012
For this third experience of Hurston's masterpiece, I chose to listen to the audio book, performed by the incomparable Ruby Dee. Wow! She gives such life to these characters, such immediacy and drama to the story line. Dee lets the listener live in the story – we enjoy the camaraderie of good friends and neighbors, feel the bone-weary ache of a long day spent picking beans, share the warmth of love, race with terror to outrun danger, and collapse under the strain of the inevitable. Dee’s performance deserves a 6th star!

This is one of the best novels I have ever read. I was immediately drawn into the story. The descriptions were so graphic that I felt I was there all the way with the characters. There is so much depth, so many issues explored.