Rating: Summary: a living zora Review: Valerie Boyd's biography of Zora Neale Hurston is an important corrective to the many myths which have swirled around this major 20th century American writer since her death in 1960. Of course, the myths began in part because Hurston died in poverty and obscurity, all her books out of print, but Boyd has done the needed research to present a full picture of the writer's life, and it's a picture that will add immensely to Hurston's stature. A writer of enormous talent who wrote not only novels (Their Eyes Were Watching God, 1937) but folklore (Mules and Men, 1935), Boyd shows how Hurston struggled against enormous odds. As an independent African-American woman, Hurston was constantly reinventing herself in order to overcome the racist and sexist limitations of her society. Boyd's biography will last a long time, and will help readers to rediscover the less familiar Hurston, both novels (Jonah's Gourd Vine, 1934, and Seraph on the Sewanee, 1948) and her autobiography (Dust Tracks on the Road, 1942).
Rating: Summary: An informative, entertaining read Review: What a monumental task -- telling the story of such a remarkable, complex literary figure. Valerie Boyd does an outstanding job of revealing Hurston's motivations, inspiration and personal character. I've always loved Hurston as a writer. Reading this biography fortified my respect for her talent and sheer will to create. This book provides a spiritual lift -- ZNH is solid evidence that creativity cannot be suppressed. Additionally, the book is a virtual tour of the Harlem Renaissance and some its most illustrious players, and a thoughtful chronicle of the black experience in the early 20th century. A must-read for students of African American history and culture.
Rating: Summary: Exceptional Biography! Review: While I cannot fault Hemenway's biography of Hurston for its scholarship, Boyd presents Hurston in a more empathetic light, giving us a better insight into her life and how it impacts her work. I disagree with a previous reviewer who said Boyd was too sympathetic. Empathy is a better word, which I believe is the distinctive characteristic of a first-rate biographer.
Rating: Summary: The Incomparable Zora Neale Hurston Review: Wrapped In Rainbows is the biography of literary giant, Zora Neale Hurston and chronicles her life from early childhood to her death in 1960. Valerie Boyd does an excellent job with her subject and her extensive research is apparent.Boyd paints a wonderful picture of Zora as a free spirit who has two loves, writing and black folklore. Zora's years of researching the folk history of black people is depicted as well as her burning desire to merge her two loves. Animated and full of spunk, Zora's story is told through the eyes of people who knew her and the back drop of American history. The Harlem Renaissance is also featured in glorious detail interspersing Zora's friendships and kinship with many of the writers and artists of that era and with the white patrons of black art and literature. Zora loved Harlem and in some of the descriptions in the book, the reader can almost see Zora strolling the streets of "Harlem City" as she affectionately called it. Fans of Zora Neale Hurston will thoroughly enjoy this account of her life and those who are unfamiliar with her will long to read her work. Wrapped In Rainbows is beautiful tribute to an awesome talent. Reviewed by: Diane Marbury (HonestD)
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