Set in Florida in the early twentieth century, this is the story of Janie Crawford, a black woman in her forties, as told to her friend Phoeby. The granddaughter of a woman born in slavery, independent Janie evolves through poverty, trials, and three marriages.

Originally published in 1937.

Foreword / Edwidge Danticat -- Their eyes were watching God -- Afterword / Henry Louis Gates, Jr. -- Selected bibliography -- Chronology.