From the prolific Harlem Renaissance writer Zora Neale Hurston, ‘Spunk’ and ‘Sweat’ are thought-provoking short stories set in the heart of African-American communities following the civil war.

‘Spunk’, first published in 1925, is set in an all-Black community in rural America and poses the question of whether moral strength is more powerful than physical strength. Spunk Banks is described as a ‘giant’. He is unafraid of anything or anyone, but when he openly flaunts his affair with Lena Kanty, Joe Kanty’s wife, could it be his superstition rather than a physical weakness that is his downfall?

‘Sweat’, first published in 1926, is an early feminist story, presenting the contrasting lives of a married couple: the sweat and toil of Delia and the leisure and privilege of her abusive husband, Sykes. When it becomes apparent that both want their relationship to end, Sykes appears to be willing to go to horrific measures to ensure Delia is out of his life for good.

Zora Neale Hurston explores themes of fortitude, integrity, and early intersectional feminism. Portraying contemporary issues in the everyday lives of Black people, Hurston was an important literary figure in the Harlem Renaissance.

This collection has been published together with an introductory essay on the Harlem Renaissance and would make a wonderful addition to the bookshelves of Zora Neale Hurston fans.