The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman

By: Ernest J. Gaines

Narrated by: Tonya Jordan

This is a novel in the guise of the tape-recorded recollections of a black woman who has lived 110 years, who has been both a slave and a witness to the black militancy of the 1960s. In this woman, Ernest Gaines has created a legendary figure, a woman equipped to stand beside William Faulkner's Dilsey in The Sound and the Fury. Miss Jane Pittman, like Dilsey, has "endured", has seen almost everything and foretold the rest.©1971 Bantam Books (P)1996 by Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Gaines' novel brings to mind other great works: The Odyssey, for the way his heroine's travels manage to summarize the American history of her race; and Huckleberry Finn for the clarity of her voice, for her rare capacity to sort through the mess of years and things to find the one true story of it all." (Newsweek)

Excellent book

Wish this was a required reading back, it was so personal and interesting historically and emotionally. The reader made you really see the events. Highly recommend this book.

Totally enjoyable

The whole book was enjoyable and the audible was just as awesome. Really great book for young people. I love listening to the history, how life really was. So thankful life isn’t so messed up…even so, there’s still room for change. I will read or listen again….after I have time to digest this book. Thanks for this lovely story.

A classic

I remember when this first came out. I believe the movie came out first with Cecily Tyson. She was wonderful as were her makeup artists aging her from a young woman 110 year old.

It was a made for TV movie that one of my Junior High teachers illegally taped because he thought it was so important to show us.

I was extremely glad he did. I am also glad I reread it nearly five decades later. It still has a lot to say about our society.

The Autobiography of Jane Pitman

I watched the movie based on the story with Cicely Tyson portraying the main character. I believed it was based on a true story, but further research revealed Jane Pitman is a fictional character. However, it was a clear window into the plight, community, and struggle for truth, dignity , and required change for an afflicted people. The fight continues today.

Memories still live

This book reminds me of stories my grandfather passed down to us. He was the son of former slaves. Though this was a work of fiction, it made me think of people today who will never understand a character like Jane Pittman. She had to be strong when being weakest seemed easier. Young black people need to remember these stories so they appreciate life and rights. Young people or all races need to remember so let they understand all people have overcome something. Reading this, I'm reminded that we all can and should be better to each other.