46 pages 1 hour read

Zora Neale Hurston

Moses, Man of the Mountain

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1939

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Moses, Man of the Mountain by Zora Neale Hurston is an allegorical retelling of the biblical Moses story, recasting Moses as an African-American man who leads his enslaved people to freedom while incorporating African-American dialect, folklore, and culture. The novel parallels the oppression of the Hebrews in Egypt with the enslavement of African-descended people in the United States, highlighting themes such as the continual struggle for freedom, the presence of divine power in nature, and the political significance of storytelling. The narrative follows Moses's journey from his hidden birth and upbringing in Pharaoh’s palace, through his realization of his Hebrew roots, his flight from Egypt, his marriage to Jethro's daughter Zipporah, his divine encounter at Mt. Sinai, and his eventual leadership in guiding the Hebrews out of Egypt and towards the Promised Land. The story addresses topics of racism and enslavement.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Zora Neale Hurston's Moses, Man of the Mountain reimagines the biblical tale with rich, lyrical prose and cultural depth. Critics praise its vibrant storytelling and exploration of African American folklore. However, some find the narrative uneven and the blend of biblical text with folklore complex. Overall, it's celebrated for its unique perspective and literary craftsmanship.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Moses, Man of the Mountain?

A reader who enjoys Moses, Man of the Mountain by Zora Neale Hurston will likely appreciate rich folklore, historical reimaginings, and complex character studies. Fans of Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God or Toni Morrison's Beloved will find this novel's blend of African American culture and biblical retelling particularly engaging.

Recommended

Reading Age

16+years

Lexile Level

830L

Book Details

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Conflict

Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance

Emotions/Behavior: Hope

Genre

Education

African American Literature

Historical Fiction

Topics

Education

Religion / Spirituality