“Their Eyes Were Watching God” is a classic novel that brilliantly explores the theme of identity. Taking place early 20th century Florida, the story follows a woman, Janie Crawford, throughout her three marriages as she searches for independence but is faced with tests and trials. She first marries a man named Logan Killicks a landowner who creates a marriage incapable of love. She soon runs off with the second man Jody Starks, who becomes a political figure in the town Eatonville who is cruel and uninterested. After mourning the loss of Jody, she finds a man named Teacake who is the first catalyst of love and freely allows Janie to exhibit her independence. She is not only faced with the trials of her marriages but faces violence, prejudice, judgment, racial tension, societal expectations, and a disastrous Hurricane all representing Gods destructive power and the fight for independence.
The book is a particularly good read especially if you like complex plots, a classic feel, and meaningful themes; however, due to the southern dialect and uneven chapter sizes it can be harder to follow. I personally followed the dialect fine, but the chapter lengths were very inconsistent some being 1 page and others around 18, which made the story somewhat monotonous. Nonetheless, the book is a good read and beautifully written classic.