50 pages 1 hour read

Zora Neale Hurston

Mules and Men

Nonfiction | Anthology/Varied Collection | Adult | Published in 1935

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Mules and Men, Zora Neale Hurston collects and records Black folklore from the rural American South, divided into two main parts: one section featuring 70 folktales from Florida communities and another detailing her experiences with six hoodoo practitioners in New Orleans. The book includes a Glossary, Appendix, and supplemental introductions and an afterword in later editions. The book contains the use of racial slurs and epithets, including the use of the n-word.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Mules and Men by Zora Neale Hurston receives praise for its vivid portrayal of African American folklore and culture. Critics commend Hurston's narrative style and the rich authenticity of her ethnographic work. However, some note that the book's structure can occasionally feel disjointed. Overall, it is celebrated for its significant contribution to cultural preservation.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Mules and Men?

Readers who enjoy Mules and Men by Zora Neale Hurston are often intrigued by African American folklore, anthropology, and oral traditions. Fans of The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois or Beloved by Toni Morrison will appreciate Hurston's rich storytelling and cultural insights.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

960L

Book Details

Genre

Fairy Tale / Folklore

African American Literature

Anthropology

Topics

Anthropology

Race / Racism

Themes

Identity: Race

Identity: Language

Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies