Description

Book Synopsis
From ‘one of the greatest writers of our time’ (Toni Morrison) – the author of Their Eyes Were Watching God and Barracoon – a collection of remarkable short stories from the Harlem Renaissance With a foreword by Tayari Jones, author of An American Marriage

Trade Review

‘wickedly funny’ THE OBSERVER NEW REVIEW

‘Published in one gorgeous volume for the first time … [these] stories are fascinating, harrowing and beautifully written’ Stylist

‘this collection reaffirms [Hurston’s] status as a truly visionary writer.’ Vogue UK

‘the rediscovery of [Hurston’s] work has been one of the literary joys of recent decades.’ The Financial Times

‘Illuminating’, ‘every day is a good day to read Zora Neale Hurston’s brilliant writing’ REFINERY29

‘[A] jewel of the Harlem Renaissance’ New Statesman

Hitting a Straight Lick With a Crooked Stick … helps illuminate Hurston’s path to iconic status’ ‘Add [Hurston’s] matchless powers of observation, exemplary fidelity to idiomatic speech and irresistible engagement with folklore, and the outcome is a collection of value to more than Hurston completists. Any addition to her awe-inspiring oeuvre should be met with open arms.’ New York Times Book Review

‘Fans and scholars of Hurston’s work and the uninitiated alike will find many delights in these complex, thoughtful and wickedly funny portraits of black lives and communities… [this] is a significant testament to the enduring resonance of black women’s writing.’ Washington Post

‘Decades on, this new collection is a powerful reminder of [Zora Neale Hurston’s] lasting resonance.’ Time Magazine

‘Fluid, polymathic voice; what a class act’ Naoise Dolan, author of Exciting Times

Praise for Barracoon

‘A searing reminder of how recently American slavery ended, and the depth of the pain it caused’ The Economist

‘A deeply affecting record of an extraordinary life’ Daily Telegraph

Barracoon and its long path to print is a testament to Zora’s singular vision amid so many competing pressures that continue to put us at war with ourselves’ Huffington Post

Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick

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    £9.49

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    RRP £9.99 – you save £0.50 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Wed 17 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Zora Neale Hurston

    3 in stock

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      Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
      Publication Date: 29/04/2021
      ISBN13: 9780008434342, 978-0008434342
      ISBN10: 0008434344

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      From ‘one of the greatest writers of our time’ (Toni Morrison) – the author of Their Eyes Were Watching God and Barracoon – a collection of remarkable short stories from the Harlem Renaissance With a foreword by Tayari Jones, author of An American Marriage

      Trade Review

      ‘wickedly funny’ THE OBSERVER NEW REVIEW

      ‘Published in one gorgeous volume for the first time … [these] stories are fascinating, harrowing and beautifully written’ Stylist

      ‘this collection reaffirms [Hurston’s] status as a truly visionary writer.’ Vogue UK

      ‘the rediscovery of [Hurston’s] work has been one of the literary joys of recent decades.’ The Financial Times

      ‘Illuminating’, ‘every day is a good day to read Zora Neale Hurston’s brilliant writing’ REFINERY29

      ‘[A] jewel of the Harlem Renaissance’ New Statesman

      Hitting a Straight Lick With a Crooked Stick … helps illuminate Hurston’s path to iconic status’ ‘Add [Hurston’s] matchless powers of observation, exemplary fidelity to idiomatic speech and irresistible engagement with folklore, and the outcome is a collection of value to more than Hurston completists. Any addition to her awe-inspiring oeuvre should be met with open arms.’ New York Times Book Review

      ‘Fans and scholars of Hurston’s work and the uninitiated alike will find many delights in these complex, thoughtful and wickedly funny portraits of black lives and communities… [this] is a significant testament to the enduring resonance of black women’s writing.’ Washington Post

      ‘Decades on, this new collection is a powerful reminder of [Zora Neale Hurston’s] lasting resonance.’ Time Magazine

      ‘Fluid, polymathic voice; what a class act’ Naoise Dolan, author of Exciting Times

      Praise for Barracoon

      ‘A searing reminder of how recently American slavery ended, and the depth of the pain it caused’ The Economist

      ‘A deeply affecting record of an extraordinary life’ Daily Telegraph

      Barracoon and its long path to print is a testament to Zora’s singular vision amid so many competing pressures that continue to put us at war with ourselves’ Huffington Post

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