The Hazeley Family

The Hazeley Family by Amelia E. Johnson, published by Oxford University Press in 1992, is a 191-page novel written in English. Originally published in 1894, this work reflects the themes typical of “angel of the home” romances prevalent among American women writers in the late nineteenth century, while also presenting a unique perspective as it is authored by a black woman. The narrative centers around the belief that a happy home represents the pinnacle of human happiness, with women playing a crucial role in achieving this ideal.

Readers will find that The Hazeley Family explores the moral strength of its central character, Flora Hazeley, who embodies the values necessary to maintain family unity. The novel addresses themes relevant to Afro-American literature, particularly the importance of family and the challenges faced within it. By featuring “nonracial” characters, Johnson employs a strategy that many black writers used to navigate and challenge the racial stereotypes prevalent in the literary landscape of her time. This edition offers a contemporary opportunity to engage with a significant historical work that contributes to discussions around family dynamics and cultural identity.