The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman
by Ernest J. Gaines
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 370)
Read in January, 1996
This is a very impressive epic adorned with humor and founded in the lessons of overcoming tragedy either through battle or sheer resilience. As a novel itself it is wonderfully written in a lyrical prose with great, revealing dialogue. It is, however, much more than a novel.
I had to read it over ten years ago in eighth grade history class, yet I can still recall the many different stories comprising the biography, nearly chronicling all the various manifestations of race relations throug...more
I had to read it over ten years ago in eighth grade history class, yet I can still recall the many different stories comprising the biography, nearly chronicling all the various manifestations of race relations throug...more
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Read in March, 2008
recommended to Ivannah by:
1001 novels to read before you dierecommends it for: everyone
I read this book in two sittings. It wasn't easy at first, but once you got introduced to Miss Jane Pittman the rest was easy. How could you not love a character, a woman, so enduring? How could you not weep at the loss of her only "son". This story is written richly, and with so much emotion that you can't help but to pull for her. Though, the subject matter was dark, the book itself wasn't dark. There were times when you heart ached because of all the suffering, and despair. W...more
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Read in March, 2008
I adored this book. Its sensitivity in discussing relations among southerners of all ages and colors during a time when the courts were legalizing Jim Crow segregation was rich and provocative. Frankly, I thought the book did a better job of explaining life in the Jim Crow South than half the history books I read.
I'm sure it had a great ending, too, but unfortunately some a$$hole stole it, along with my car. And now the library wants $94 to replace. Ay yay yay.
I'm sure it had a great ending, too, but unfortunately some a$$hole stole it, along with my car. And now the library wants $94 to replace. Ay yay yay.
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Read in September, 2007
recommends it for:
anyone who enjoys narratives
Finished it a few days ago. It's heralded as a classic but so far the introduction was more interesting than the book itself. I got halfway through and was still waiting for something to happen. I was also looking for more reflection on the effects of the slave experience- the traces that it left on the mind, body and soul longer after it was legally declared "over." It came through but it wasn't as strong as I thought it was going to be. Overall I found the character to be lacklu...more
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Read in February, 2005
I first read this in order to teach it to 9th graders 3 years ago and fell in love with it. I was dreading teaching it again this year, but as I reread it, I fell in love with it over again. Its the book I teach that best sucks my students into the world of its characters.
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Read in February, 2008
recommended to Laura by:
Book Clubrecommends it for: Black History Month
The book started off well, but I basically finished it for a bookclub. The writing became disjointed, and I never felt like I connected to the character of Jane Pittman after she reached adulthood.
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Read in June, 2008
This book definetly was not my favorite, but it reminds you how the life of a slave in the south would have been.
Secret: There really is no Miss Jane Pittman.
The author interveiwed former slaves, and combined their stories into one fictional character's life.
Secret: There really is no Miss Jane Pittman.
The author interveiwed former slaves, and combined their stories into one fictional character's life.
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Read in October, 1999
recommends it for:
low-interest, apathetic high school students
I really like this book. I've taught it to my 9th grade classes, who were so captivated by this book that I didn't have the heart to tell them that it was fiction.
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Read in August, 1995
Despite its title, this is not a real autobiography. It was much later before I realized this. That said, that is not the reason this was a terrible book. It was just one of the most boring, inane diatribes I've had the misfortune to have been forced to read.
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Can you imagine living in two centuries - as a slave and as a free woman? And can you imagine all the wisdom and experience you could share with others? Then read this book! Jane's voice is clear, resounding, impelling.
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Read in July, 2007
This book really made me aware of how alot of things were back in the slavery days. I really liked this book and i would recommend it to anybody who likes history.
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Read in January, 1998
Pretty good novel about titular character as she goes from slave to 110 year-old woman. The Christian slant in this is disfavorable, but I enjoyed reading it.
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Read in June, 2008
I love anything Gaines writes! This is a fictional account (don't be fooled by the title) of a woman who lived from slavery to the Civil Rights movement.
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Read in October, 2007
So sad, but so real. The true-to-life dialect and narrative flow really helps "sell" this story. Miss Pittman was and is truly a woman to be admired.
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this was a very good book it was a great story of a black woman who lived through hard time but still survived through it all a 5 star book.
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As a teenager, this book really helped me "feel" the cost and crime of slavery. And the strength of the human spirit to survive.
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You won't know she's not real. Another Gaines classic that reels you in with description and emotion. You feel her joy and pain.
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Read in July, 2007
recommends it for:
anybody who is interested in books that involve life stories
I really liked this book. I liked it because I am really into racial books and books based upon people's lives.
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Read in March, 1997
recommends it for:
Kristen and Danielle
An excellent book about the life of a black woman living in the South. I just reread it this year.
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Read in January, 1991
Loved it when I read it. I'm afraid it would be too sad for me these days, though...
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