Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, this novel about a resilient and courageous woman has become a Broadway show and a cultural phenomenon. A PBS Great American Read Top 100 Pick Celie has grown up poor in rural Georgia, despised by the society around her and abused by her own family. She strives to protect her sister, Nettie, from a similar fate, and while Nettie escapes to … and while Nettie escapes to a new life as a missionary in Africa, Celie is left behind without her best friend and confidante, married off to an older suitor, and sentenced to a life alone with a harsh and brutal husband.
In an attempt to transcend a life that often seems too much to bear, Celie begins writing letters directly to God. The letters, spanning twenty years, record a journey of self-discovery and empowerment guided by the light of a few strong women. She meets Shug Avery, her husband’s mistress and a jazz singer with a zest for life, and her stepson’s wife, Sophia, who challenges her to fight for independence. And though the many letters from Celie’s sister are hidden by her husband, Nettie’s unwavering support will prove to be the most breathtaking of all.
The Color Purple has sold more than five million copies, inspired an Academy Award–nominated film starring Oprah Winfrey and directed by Steven Spielberg, and been adapted into a Tony-nominated Broadway musical. Lauded as a literary masterpiece, this is the groundbreaking novel that placed Walker “in the company of Faulkner” (The Nation), and remains a wrenching—yet intensely uplifting—experience for new generations of readers.
This ebook features a new introduction written by the author on the twenty-fifth anniversary of publication, and an illustrated biography of Alice Walker including rare photos from the author’s personal collection.
The Color Purple is the 1st book in the Color Purple Collection, which also includes The Temple of My Familiar and Possessing the Secret of Joy.
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This is not a comfortable book. I felt so bad about the mistreatment of the main character, first by her father, then by her husband. I highly recommend it but it is not a book I will reread.
The book is so much better than the movie. I’ve added “The Color Purple” to my top five favorites right next to Octavia Butler’s “Wild Seed.”
This is one of my favorite books. It is so beautifully written and you experience Celie’s growth as a person with her and it helped me understand more about why some women accept abuse as being a part of marriage. I wanted so badly for her to succeed and to do so on her own terms. I thank Alice Walker for sharing her talent with us. This book more …
Kristina Kay Robinson presents 10 books to read after you’ve watched Lemonade one million times, including The Color Purple and Americanah.
“This list contains books that grapple with the notion of the feminine and the divine, and what happens to these concepts at the intersection of blackness.”
This book should definitely be a required read. The writers style is without pretense and at times brutally honest.
Told through letters written by Callie, an abused and neglected wife, The Color Purple made me cry, laugh and cringe when I first read it. It reminded me that legacy of abuse brought about by slavery continues through generations. The only way Callie escapes it is to align herself with strong, persistent women whose voices she finally begins to …
Alice Walker gives us a vivid description of an abused, uneducated black woman’s struggles. Throughout the book we are often told about Celie’s lack of education, and being black. Living in a world dominated by men in every way. Celie was taught to be submissive, hiding all her hopes and dreams. But with the help of Shug (her husband’s lover no …
I loved this book each character has depth. Each one faces regret, heartache, shame in their own way and you feel the right along each of their journeys.
I found this book at a local thrift store and got it to give it a try. It was really good. I like the story that was told. The characters were well written and had traits that I loved and hated. I finished this book so fast!
Alice Walker doesn’t pull any punches in The Color Purple. The main character is Celie, a poor black girl with the world against her. She’s brutalized by her existence, but when she meets Shug, she reclaims her womanhood and her inner strength. This book ultimately uplifts in the end. It is not a comfortable read, but it’s not meant to be. It …
Few books have affected me and resonate with me like this one has. It is so easy to wrap yourself up into the world Alice Walker created, and there are several moments throughout the novel that left me breathless. Alice Walker also establishes characters and protagonists you end up admiring by the end of the novel despite any apparent flaws or …
I read this book years ago and still remember how much I enjoyed Alice Walker’s writing ability. The characters in the book are woven together so well that the reader feels as if they are known to her. This book is a great read.
This book is so much better than the movie. One of the best books written. The plot is complex and Walker does a wonderful job giving voice to each character.
Wounderful storie of the life of and a struggle of her life .impacting storie
My Favorite book of all time! Awesome book! This book renders you speechless.
Had trouble connecting to this story. Very strangely written book. Didn’t see the movie and don’t want to because the book never spoke to me. Everyone seemed to love it but it wasn’t there for me. Odd man out this time, I guess.
awesome historical African American literature
A must read a modern day classic!
Very well written, well developed mostly wonderful characters who persevere and, despite the hard times, societal oppressions & economic hardships, find a way to own their joy, be themselves & thrive.
Excellent book. I enjoyed the movie but the book is much better.