Revisiting ‘Their Eyes Were Watching God’

There Is Confusion is a 1924 novel by Jessie Redmon Fauset that explores the themes of race, class, and identity within the African American community during the Harlem Renaissance. The story revolves around the experiences of Joanna Mitchell, a young black woman navigating the complexities of society. Joanna strives for success and recognition while confronting issues of colorism and social expectations. Fauset's novel delves into the aspirations and challenges faced by educated African Americans in a racially divided America. It offers a glimpse into the cultural and intellectual ferment of the Harlem Renaissance and its impact on individuals seeking self-determination.

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones tells the story of Roy and Celestial, a young African-American couple living in Atlanta. Their lives are torn apart when Roy is wrongfully convicted of a crime he did not commit. The novel explores the complexities of marriage, racial injustice, and personal identity through their experiences. It is a powerful exploration of love, loyalty, and the human impact of systemic injustices.

Set in Montgomery, Alabama in 1973, 'Take My Hand' follows Civil Townsend, a young nurse determined to make a difference in her community. The story unfolds as she encounters two young girls forced onto birth control, leading to a powerful exploration of family conflict and courtroom drama. The novel highlights themes of racism and injustice, offering a gripping narrative with unforgettable characters.

The novel follows Janie Crawford, an African-American woman, as she navigates through three marriages and her quest for love, freedom, and self-identity. Set in central and southern Florida, the story explores themes of race, gender, and identity, depicting Janie's transformation from a voiceless teenage girl to a woman who takes control of her own destiny. The narrative is marked by Janie's relationships with her husbands—Logan Killicks, Joe Starks, and Tea Cake—and her ultimate discovery of true love and independence.

The novel follows Tita de la Garza, the youngest daughter of the de la Garza family, who is forbidden to marry her beloved Pedro due to a family tradition. Pedro marries Tita's sister Rosaura instead, but his love for Tita remains strong. The story is told through twelve chapters, each representing a month of the year and including a Mexican recipe that correlates with the events in Tita's life. The novel explores themes of love, longing, and the power of food, set against the backdrop of the Mexican Revolution. Esquivel employs magical realism to combine the supernatural with the ordinary, creating a bittersweet tale of love and loss.

Getting Mother's Body is Suzan-Lori Parks's debut novel, published in 2003. It follows Billy Beede, a pregnant teenager in 1960s Texas, as she navigates her complicated life and family dynamics. The story is a reimagining of William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying, set in an African American context. Billy's journey involves exhuming her mother's body, rumored to be buried with valuable jewels, accompanied by a cast of eccentric characters each with their own motivations.