A review by lafate
The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman by Ernest J. Gaines

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This is my third book by Ernest J. Gaines, and it is my favorite of his so far. I remember the movie from 1971 when I was young. I plan to watch it again in the next few days. I listened to Cicely Tyson's autobiography last year, which is why I wanted to read this. Tyson plays Pittman in the movie. 

The book does say it's an autobiography, but it is a work of fiction that reads like real life. Jane was born into slavery and lived for many decades more. We see the world through her eyes - what changed and what didn't. This book is just as important in 2024 because things still have not changed enough. 

I listened to the audiobook narrated by the late Lynne Thigpen. She left us too soon. She narrated some other books as well.