Top

We have updated our Privacy Policy Please take a moment to review it. By continuing to use this site, you agree to the terms of our updated Privacy Policy.

Jonah's Gourd Vine

On sale

13th February 2020

Price: £9.99

Selected:  Paperback / ISBN-13: 9780349012223

Disclosure: If you buy products using the retailer buttons above, we may earn a commission from the retailers you visit.

BY ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL WRITERS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY

With a new introduction by JESMYN WARD

‘Fierce, insightful and often devilishly funny’ COLIN GRANT, GUARDIAN

‘One of the greatest writers of our time’ TONI MORRISON

‘A bold and beautiful book’ CARL SANDBURG

Born on the wrong side of the creek, John Buddy Pearson, the son of a slave, has come a long way since his shoeless days. With some schooling, a job and marriage to clever Lucy Potts, his fortunes are looking up. But, unable to resist the lure of women or a fight, he’s forced to flee town or face life on the chain gang.

John finds himself in Sanford, Florida, and sends for Lucy and the children. There, he discovers a talent for preaching, and, with the support of his wife, becomes pastor of Zion Hope Church, rousing his congregation with his fervent sermons. He is now a pillar of the community, respected and popular. Before long, though, he is praying for his own sins – for his powers of persuasion aren’t limited to the pulpit and the town won’t stand for his philandering ways.

Originally published in 1934, this is Zora Neale Hurston’s first novel.

What's Inside

Read More Read Less

Reviews

Maya Angelou
Zora Neale Hurston was a knockout in her life, a wonderful writer and a fabulous person. Devilishly funny and academically solid: delicious mixture
Colin Grant, Guardian
Fierce, insightful and often devilishly funny, her satirical writing is particularly biting
Toni Morrison
One of the greatest writers of our time
Carl Sandburg
A bold and beautiful book, many a page priceless and unforgettable