I thought this was surprisingly upbeat and cheerful for a novel about a young black woman in early twentieth century America.
While I wouldn't call Janie an archetypal feminist heroine the book was uncompromisingly clear that she can only be happy when she is allowed to be herself. And the only man who allows her to do that is the seemingly wildly unsuitable gambling toy boy.
I did shudder at his beating her being further proof of his love for her. But I think that was one of the few jarring notes in the novel, which is over 70-years-old so one has to make allowances for changing attitudes.
Her other two husbands insist on moulding her to their own image and unsurprisingly Jane feels stifled and longs for escape when she is married to them.
But when she returns home after the death of her true love I couldn't help thinking she wouldn't be quite so independent without the healthy bank balance left by the second husband.
I would rather like to have known how a single, financially independent and newly confident Janie managed the rest of her life.
It is very readable, quite funny at times and very dramatic towards the end. An unusual choice, I think, but definitely worth it.