New releases from Black Country, New Road, Anouar Brahem, and Jaywalkers
Self-discovery as a black woman
MARJORIE MAYO enjoys an engaging biography of an exceptional African-American novelist, anthropologist and folklorist

Zora Neale Hurston
Cheryl R Hopson, Reaktion, £12.99
THIS is the story of an exceptional African-American woman, a creative writer, an anthropologist and a folklorist, who grew up in the Deep South in the post-reconstruction period.
Although she was born into a virulently violent, white supremacist society, she succeeded in gaining artistic and professional success through sheer determination and talent, becoming a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance.
Cheryl R Hopson’s biography explores Zora Neale Hurston’s life and works, emphasising her remarkable achievements, whil recognising some of her inherent contradictions.
More from this author

While the group known as the Colourists certainly reinvigorated Scottish painting, a new show is a welcome chance to reassess them, writes ANGUS REID

ANGUS REID recommends an exquisite drama about the disturbing impact of the one child policy in contemporary China

The phrase “cruel to be kind” comes from Hamlet, but Shakespeare’s Prince didn’t go in for kidnap, explosive punches, and cigarette deprivation. Tam is different.

ANGUS REID deconstructs a popular contemporary novel aimed at a ‘queer’ young adult readership
Similar stories

RON JACOBS reviews a new biography of the American poet who revolutionised the perception of black writers in the creative milieu of the day

JOHN GREEN marvels at the rediscovery of a radical US photographer who took the black civil rights movement to her heart

JENNY FARRELL traces the critical role that the CPUSA played in the education of Harlem’s greatest man of letters

ALEX WHITE reveals the radical side of Maya Angelou in her newly uncovered writing from Egypt and Ghana