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Imitation of Life
A bestseller in 1933, and subsequently adapted into two beloved and controversial films, Imitation of Life has played a vital role in ongoing conversations about race, femininity, and the American Dream. Bea Pullman, a white single mother, and her African American maid, Delilah Johnston, also a single mother, rear their daughters together and become business partners. Combining Bea’s business savvy with Delilah’s irresistible southern recipes, they build an Aunt Jemima-like waffle business and an international restaurant empire. Yet their public success brings them little happiness. Bea is torn between her responsibilities as a businesswoman and those of a mother; Delilah is devastated when her light-skinned daughter, Peola, moves away to pass as white. Imitation of Life struck a chord in the 1930s, and it continues to resonate powerfully today.The author of numerous bestselling novels, a masterful short story writer, and an outspoken social activist, Fannie Hurst was a major celebrity in the first half of the twentieth century. Daniel Itzkovitz’s introduction situates Imitation of Life in its literary, biographical, and cultural contexts, addressing such topics as the debates over the novel and films, the role of Hurst’s one-time secretary and great friend Zora Neale Hurston in the novel’s development, and the response to the novel by Hurst’s friend Langston Hughes, whose one-act satire, “Limitations of Life” (which reverses the races of Bea and Delilah), played to a raucous Harlem crowd in the late 1930s. This edition brings a classic of popular American literature back into print.
352 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 1932
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1215 people want to read
About the author
Fannie Hurst
91 books29 followersFannie Hurst was born in Ohio, grew up in St. Louis and spent her adult life in New York City. She is the author of 17 novels and more than 250 short stories, as well as plays, screenplays, memoirs, essays and articles. Her best-remembered works are those turned into films, including: Imitation of Life, Back Street, Humoresque, The Younger Generation, and Young at Heart. She was active in a variety of progressive Jewish, social justice, labor, peace and women’s organizations. A lifelong philanthropist, Hurst willed her considerable estate to her alma mater Washington University and to Brandeis University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
November 30, 2015
If you haven't seen either the 1934 or 1959 versions of Imitation of Life, this review will have some spoilers, because I discuss how the book is different from its cinematic descendants. I am trying to be cagey about the details, but I'm sure something will slip through that might impact your enjoyment, so read on at your own risk.
Imitation of Life is the demonstration of the sad reality that the book is not always better than the movie. Or, in this case, movies. Sometimes, the changes in a screenplay improve a story immeasurably.
In preparation for reading "Born to Be Hurt" which is about the filming of the 1959 version of Imitation of Life, I re-watched the 1934 and 1959 films, and have now read the novel. I rank the three with the novel itself at the bottom.
Bea Pullman is a very young widow and mother forced to make her own way in the world after her husband dies. First, however, we are treated to several chapters on her confusion as to how babies are made, and to the abusive treatment doled out to her by her ridiculous father.
Once she meets Delilah and Delilah moves in, the story gets marginally better, but even when this novel was written this had to be a privileged white woman's view of how a "loyal" black person would behave. It was very hard to read some of the childish nonsense that Hurst had Delilah say; it's difficult to read when one's eyes are rolling so acrobatically.
I found Bea to have as much backbone as a jellyfish. How we are to believe that this character became a mogul is beyond me, given that she can't even manage to tell the people she loves the simplest of truths, or stand up for herself in even the most basic of ways.
And then there's Delilah who, in both films, is a strong, loving and honorable person. Here, she's written as a cartoon - every reference to her is about how moving her "bulk" around is an effort for her, and for everyone who attends to her in her final illness. And there's the simpering, childish gratitude she displays toward Bea, who has gotten rich on her (Delilah's) creations and using her face as the trademark. If you have seen the films, (spoiler coming) you know that Delilah dies at the end. In the novel, she dies while quite literally kissing Bea's feet. Spare me.
That's just the tip of a very frustrating iceberg. The relationships are shallow, the characters ridiculous. I wanted to see how the novel differed from the films, and now I have. The novel suffers in comparison in just about every way.
Imitation of Life is the demonstration of the sad reality that the book is not always better than the movie. Or, in this case, movies. Sometimes, the changes in a screenplay improve a story immeasurably.
In preparation for reading "Born to Be Hurt" which is about the filming of the 1959 version of Imitation of Life, I re-watched the 1934 and 1959 films, and have now read the novel. I rank the three with the novel itself at the bottom.
Bea Pullman is a very young widow and mother forced to make her own way in the world after her husband dies. First, however, we are treated to several chapters on her confusion as to how babies are made, and to the abusive treatment doled out to her by her ridiculous father.
Once she meets Delilah and Delilah moves in, the story gets marginally better, but even when this novel was written this had to be a privileged white woman's view of how a "loyal" black person would behave. It was very hard to read some of the childish nonsense that Hurst had Delilah say; it's difficult to read when one's eyes are rolling so acrobatically.
I found Bea to have as much backbone as a jellyfish. How we are to believe that this character became a mogul is beyond me, given that she can't even manage to tell the people she loves the simplest of truths, or stand up for herself in even the most basic of ways.
And then there's Delilah who, in both films, is a strong, loving and honorable person. Here, she's written as a cartoon - every reference to her is about how moving her "bulk" around is an effort for her, and for everyone who attends to her in her final illness. And there's the simpering, childish gratitude she displays toward Bea, who has gotten rich on her (Delilah's) creations and using her face as the trademark. If you have seen the films, (spoiler coming) you know that Delilah dies at the end. In the novel, she dies while quite literally kissing Bea's feet. Spare me.
That's just the tip of a very frustrating iceberg. The relationships are shallow, the characters ridiculous. I wanted to see how the novel differed from the films, and now I have. The novel suffers in comparison in just about every way.
June 29, 2019
Watching the 1959 adaptation of this novel has long been a rite of passage in my family. Who can watch the film without crying at one or several points? When I was a young adult I discovered there had been an earlier adaptation of the film in 1934. Neither film stays completely true to the original plot of the novel. In fact, having seen both films made me enjoy the book far less than I would have if the order had been reversed. For people who've seen either of the film versions this will be a disappointing read. However, I admire Ms. Hurst's courage in writing and publishing such a novel during the early thirties when many of the themes of her book were taboo.
September 5, 2015
There are so many things to say about Imitation of Life that I’m unsure where to begin.
Spanning several decades, Imitation of Life follows Bea Pullman as she goes from sheltered teenage girl to business mogul. Delilah, her ever-loyal black maid, sticks with her through thick and thin.
Imitation of Life is the sort of book that invites discussion. There are multiple ways to interpret the story and characters. And yes, for modern readers, there’s an uncomfortable undercurrent of racism. The deeper I got into the book, though, the more I felt that, in comparison with some modern books and especially movies, Imitation of Life gives its African-American characters more depth than many modern portrayals, which are often little more than more acceptable stereotypes (which in no way excuses the racism in Imitation of Life). There’s no revisionist history at play here, no protagonist steeped in modern values. Instead we have a flawed woman of her time. Part of what’s interesting about Imitation of Life is that despite the problems with race, in some ways it was progressive for the 1930s.
See what I mean about this book inviting discussion and debate?
Women’s rights and feminism also play a role, which ties directly into the somewhat depressing ending. Having read the book, I’d say the ending is less a rebuke of feminism and more a critique of a life lived out of balance, of the problems of elevating money and material success above everything else. But I could see how someone could interpret it differently, which is part of what makes the book so engaging.
Imitation of Life has its flaws, but I finished it thinking it should be taught more regularly in college-level English classes. It invites multiple interpretations and advances a variety of topics in a way that doesn’t result in clear, simple answers. Reading it, I kept coming back to the thought that if the author or even the protagonist were a man, Imitation of Life would be heralded as a serious novel worthy of debate. Instead it’s wrongly labeled as a silly melodrama about women, and that’s a shame.
It’s been a while since I read a book that left me so conflicted about its message and meaning, where I could accept any number of theories and theses as being perfectly plausible. I’ve read too many novels in recent years that are billed as literary yet have their themes and symbolism laid out as clearly as expected from a child’s easy reader. For me, just the uncertainty of Imitation of Life makes it worth a read. Highly recommended.
Spanning several decades, Imitation of Life follows Bea Pullman as she goes from sheltered teenage girl to business mogul. Delilah, her ever-loyal black maid, sticks with her through thick and thin.
Imitation of Life is the sort of book that invites discussion. There are multiple ways to interpret the story and characters. And yes, for modern readers, there’s an uncomfortable undercurrent of racism. The deeper I got into the book, though, the more I felt that, in comparison with some modern books and especially movies, Imitation of Life gives its African-American characters more depth than many modern portrayals, which are often little more than more acceptable stereotypes (which in no way excuses the racism in Imitation of Life). There’s no revisionist history at play here, no protagonist steeped in modern values. Instead we have a flawed woman of her time. Part of what’s interesting about Imitation of Life is that despite the problems with race, in some ways it was progressive for the 1930s.
See what I mean about this book inviting discussion and debate?
Women’s rights and feminism also play a role, which ties directly into the somewhat depressing ending. Having read the book, I’d say the ending is less a rebuke of feminism and more a critique of a life lived out of balance, of the problems of elevating money and material success above everything else. But I could see how someone could interpret it differently, which is part of what makes the book so engaging.
Imitation of Life has its flaws, but I finished it thinking it should be taught more regularly in college-level English classes. It invites multiple interpretations and advances a variety of topics in a way that doesn’t result in clear, simple answers. Reading it, I kept coming back to the thought that if the author or even the protagonist were a man, Imitation of Life would be heralded as a serious novel worthy of debate. Instead it’s wrongly labeled as a silly melodrama about women, and that’s a shame.
It’s been a while since I read a book that left me so conflicted about its message and meaning, where I could accept any number of theories and theses as being perfectly plausible. I’ve read too many novels in recent years that are billed as literary yet have their themes and symbolism laid out as clearly as expected from a child’s easy reader. For me, just the uncertainty of Imitation of Life makes it worth a read. Highly recommended.
May 5, 2017
Does Imitation of Life have its flaws? Absolutely. It's not perfect. But here's the thing: look at the year it was first published in; 1932. Now, look at the issues it addresses: race, gender, single working mothers in the workforce, inequality, family issues. And all of this from the early 30s. I think for that alone, the book deserves a lot more credit.
August 27, 2017
Outstanding! As black women I understand the pain that Sarah-Jane went through (not saying that I don't want to be black). At the time it was hard for a black girl to go around saying 'Yes, I am black and what?' (Especially when you don't look it) Without having the fear of somebody beating you, killing you or sexually assaulting you. We cannot put the full blame on her. 1933 was the worst time for a black person to feel free😟
I've first watched this film when I was about 7... and I still love it till this day!!!
I've first watched this film when I was about 7... and I still love it till this day!!!
September 3, 2008
I love a pulpy melodrama as much as the next dame, but this was not one of my favorites. It took me a while to get over, or get used to, the dialect used for the Delilah character. It's so jarring to read that sort of thing now. The plot was fairly interesting, but only the main character, Bea, had any depth.
I was interested in comparing the novel to the film version I had seen (the Douglas Sirk one, with Lana Turner) & found that they'd really taken a lot of liberties with the film (I know, shocking).
If you're looking for good stuff of this sort, I recommend "Now, Voyager" by Olive Higgins Prouty or "Laura" by Vera Caspary, both recently reissued by the Feminist Press in their Femmes Fatales series (that sounds like I work for them, but really, I don't).
I was interested in comparing the novel to the film version I had seen (the Douglas Sirk one, with Lana Turner) & found that they'd really taken a lot of liberties with the film (I know, shocking).
If you're looking for good stuff of this sort, I recommend "Now, Voyager" by Olive Higgins Prouty or "Laura" by Vera Caspary, both recently reissued by the Feminist Press in their Femmes Fatales series (that sounds like I work for them, but really, I don't).
February 10, 2014
I admit to being a fan of domestic fiction, especially when there’s a tough, plucky woman at the center. Having seen the 1959 film starring Lana Turner, I was surprised to find that the novel’s protagonist was not a materialistic narcissistic widow torn between her career as an actress and the man she loved. Instead, Bea Pullman is a female David Levinsky. Although not an immigrant, she is nevertheless a “greenhorn,” a woman forced out of the domestic sphere into a world where women have no place. A widow at 18 with an infant and a disabled father to support, Bea lies in bed at night thinking of how to sell maple syrup and then sugar candies. Using her late husband’s business cards announcing “B. Pullman,” she passes as a man in order to be taken seriously by her customers and her investors. And she discovers a knack for branding and knowing that consumers want not just a waffle with maple syrup, but an illusion of security and hominess. Playing on her name, she creates replicable “Pullman” waffle shops, dining cars which instead of black Pullman porters a smiling maternal “Mammy” serves up food. Bea is a genius in exploiting American racial perceptions to market products. True, it’s hard today to stomach Hurst’s descriptions of Delilah, the Aunt Jemima figure, whose image promotes the candies and waffle houses. And the dialect is dreadful. Nevertheless, the link between Delilah and Bea goes beyond the stereotype of mistress and domestic. It draws on Hurst’s relationship with Zora Neale Hurston (who was Hurst’s secretary and sometimes traveling companion. All in all, this is a much more interesting and complex novel about women’s lives and relationships than I expected.
April 29, 2014
I've seen both film adaptations of this novel; each have their pros and their cons.
One has to prepare themselves to read novel in which are a reflection of one's history and experience as minority or disenfranchised member of any society whether be as a woman, person of color, mentally, physically or economically disabled etc. Reading a novel written over 70 years ago is bound to cause some uneasiness but also causes one to ponder and reflect on how things have changed and also just how much things have stayed the same. I suggest that anyone reading this novel take the time to read foreword as well as the criticisms and praise for Mrs. Hurst depiction of urban life, women in the early 20th century, race relations and the plight of the "tragic mulatto".
One has to prepare themselves to read novel in which are a reflection of one's history and experience as minority or disenfranchised member of any society whether be as a woman, person of color, mentally, physically or economically disabled etc. Reading a novel written over 70 years ago is bound to cause some uneasiness but also causes one to ponder and reflect on how things have changed and also just how much things have stayed the same. I suggest that anyone reading this novel take the time to read foreword as well as the criticisms and praise for Mrs. Hurst depiction of urban life, women in the early 20th century, race relations and the plight of the "tragic mulatto".
September 11, 2015
The book is only okay, not nearly as good as the movie. In the movie, they wisely cut out all the endless unnecessary pages before Bea meets Delilah. The book also going on and on about Bea's work, which got to be a little laborious after a while. It just was not that interesting. And, the way Delilah was written, with all the awful dialect, was hard to understand. We would have gotten that she was not educated without SO MUCH over the top bad grammar. It was just offensive. Don't read the book, watch the movie. There are flaws in the movie, but it is much better than the novel.
August 12, 2015
An emotional roller-coaster! Bea Pullman's life as a daughter, wife, mother and successful businesswoman is fraught with drama and tragedy, a very good read. Its topics include women in a man's world, racism, mother love, and the price we pay for independence. Compare and contrast with Mildred Pierce.
August 13, 2017
This was a great story. The book was written in 1933 and had an old style that was fun, but kind of hard to read. Most of the book was just great - but there were parts that dragged. The ending was really good.
Now .... the book has been made into 2 movies - one from 1934 and another from 1959! I have both on DVD that I ordered with the book. So I'll see what Hollywood did with the story!
Now .... the book has been made into 2 movies - one from 1934 and another from 1959! I have both on DVD that I ordered with the book. So I'll see what Hollywood did with the story!
Want to read
September 8, 2008I love both versions of the movie (w/ Claudette Colbert & w/ Lana Turner)--I always cry @ the end! The book sounds great.
July 4, 2015
So uncomfortably racist.
December 20, 2017
The movie is a lot better don't waste your time reading thank God I seen the movie first
November 7, 2008
In Imitation of Life, Bea Pullman, a woman whose husband has died, leaving her to rear her child and take care of her invalid father, journeys through her life trying to make her way in a man's business world. She hires a black woman, who also has a daughter and who is the epitome of the mammy image, and she helps build Bea's career by making waffles and candies, reminiscent of Aunt Jemima. Delilah's daughter Peola is very light skinned and can "pass," which causes a rift between mother and daughter. Also, Bea is semi-emotionally stunted and is unsure how to really love. This novel is actually very complex in its themes and power struggles, and there is a lot to discuss in regards to this book, especially with women, race, and class. The only thing I didn't like was that a moderate portion of the book is devoted to Bea's business ventures, which is not so enjoyable to me. Also, I did not care for Hurst's style a lot of the time (but I know some people who did like it).
November 24, 2008
This bears only a slight relation to the 30s film version and practically no relation to the 1959 one, but is interesting to read, nonetheless. The biggest difference is that film treatments have always left out Bea's father. However, fans of the color film should be prepared that this story is about success in the food business and not about show business at all. The style of writing may be a little inaccessible at first to younger readers, but try to hang in there!
March 19, 2014
Preceded "Mildred Pierce" by a decade or so but the two books are rather similar, i.e., mother forced by life into becoming a businesswoman who gains success but not happiness. Found the dialog from most characters very stiff and unrealistic; it often obscured the plot. Read this as a prelude to the recent "Bird, Snow," book out now. Might try that in a month or so. Disappointed that Hurst did not take the racism issues very far. Thought Hurst needed a firm editor!
January 15, 2017
Similar to Nella Larsen's "Passing", Imitation of life reveals both the physiological and psychological effects of racism and white privilege. The daughter feels the struggle as "passing" for white is much more reasonable than to disclose her true identity as an African American since they are shunned in society. She is living a kind of double life by being in denial of her race and saving herself the discrimination and hatred for her race.
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July 8, 2010I was a little disappointed because I'm a fan of the movie and the book is somewhat different in that the main focus is Bea's life with a little of what happens to those around her (Delilah, her dad, her daughter, Peola [Delilah's daughter:]). Those other relationships, with the exception of her dad who didn't make it to the book, were more prominent in both versions of the movie.
January 30, 2013
The book is okay, but it has some problems. Firstly, I expected Delilah to have a more significant role; however, I feel like she is such a static character - especially compared to Bea. Secondly, that ending was horrific. It was a poor "gotcha" plot twist that was obvious ever since Jessie returned home. Aargh! I was hoping for better.
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October 19, 2010i seen the movie but didnt get to read the book.My granma introduced me tothe movie...she used to cry at the ending. wow thank you Goodread !I thought the movie was tar baby...lol no wonder i could never find it.
August 5, 2016
Really interesting novel - very different tone and outcome than the Lana Turner movie. Part of what the book illustrates is how women in the 1930s were (perhaps inadvertently) punished by society for being too successful.
February 4, 2013
Have been reading this book since October and am glad I finally finished it. Have seen both versions of the movie plenty of times over the years and was quite surprised at the differences found within this book.
October 7, 2012
So different from the movie; the movie is so loosely based on the book. Yet, each is a powerful message. I debated 4 stars but went with 5. Though somewhat wordy for modern audiences I couldn't put it down. I really understood the title with the book. I'm glad I saw the movie first!
June 6, 2013
The 1934 movie is fantastic and bears almost no resemblance to the book, which is absolutely horrible. The movie is a brilliantly-done story about friendship and racism. The book is a rambling feminist rant.
October 12, 2008
the two great tear jerking films ever are based on this book. printed in 1932; it's fun to read in the vernacular of that era.
November 16, 2009
Amazing .....
March 3, 2010
was good, but for the first time i thought the movie(s) better than the book, creepy!
May 9, 2011
Love it, A true tear jerker.
July 26, 2012
An old book but I just loved the movie so I read the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews