No, Their Eyes Were Watching God is not a true story. It is a work of fiction written by Zora Neale Hurston and published in 1937.
The novel tells the story of Janie Crawford, an African American woman in the early 20th century, as she navigates her journey to self-discovery and empowerment through her relationships and personal experiences. While the characters and events in the story are fictional, they are deeply rooted in the real historical and cultural context of African American life in the South during that era.
Hurston drew upon her own experiences, observations, and the oral traditions of her community to create a rich narrative that resonates with truth and authenticity. Thus, while the plot is made up, it reflects themes and realities that were significant to many, making it a powerful commentary on race, gender, and identity rather than a recounting of actual events.