Sorrow's Kitchen

School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up-- A succinct biography of the black novelist whose spirited use of dialect occasioned criticism from other prominent black writers, and who until recently was largely forgotten. Raised in Florida at the turn of the century , Hurston was indefatigable in her pursuit of self-improvement and an outlet for her acknowledged storytelling gift. Although it took many years, she put herself through Howard University, and then went on to Barnard for an advanced degree in anthropology. During these same years, her short stories made her an award-winning contributor to the literature of the Harlem Renaissance, from which she went on to write novels and compile collections of black folklore. Lyons is fond of her subject, and attempts to gild the lily--but Hurston, prickly as a cactus, refuses to gild. Her self-promotion, flamboyance, and inability to maintain stable relationships come through clearly. But so, thanks to the inclusion of generous passages from her various books, does her shining literary gift. While the cover does not grab, a 30-second booktalk using Hurston's traumatic family life or her experience with zombies in Haiti, a telling of one of her folktales, or a quick look at any of the excellent black-and-white photographs that grace the book will catch readers. Even on paper, whether it is in her words or her image, Hurston is a vibrant presence. Young adults who encounter her will come away enriched. A necessary enhancement for any collection that wants to present the depth and diversity of black history. --Ann Welton, University Child Development School, Seattle