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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Read this many years ago, and plan to re-read it as I am currently learning more about racial reconciliation
Profound. This book changed me. I w read it 4 times and will read it again. And again.
A great book.
Definitely not for the sensitive reader. The book was emotionally-difficult to read, but reading it is essential for all people who know that Black Lives Matter.
A hard-core rendering of a hard-core subject.
A very important book. Many of my students were disturbed by the book, but almost all of them admitted that it is a necessary read.
Enjoyable
Reading this book many years ago inspired me to start my own journal with each entry being a prayer….Dear God…..
Some of the quotes have stayed with me for years. I especially think of the one about purple flowers and how God expects us to be grateful every time we see one.
This book lives up to all the hype. It’s a wonderful story with real, believable characters. I loved it.
I found this book to be engaging, well written, with believable characters and experiences. It is stereotypical in many ways, but I felt true to life and filled with twists and turns that kept me reading to the end.
Outstanding language and plot.
Loved the movie, not so much the book. I’m sure the author wrote in almost phonetic English for effect, but I thought I’d become illiterate by the time I was done.
This is a true classic, which lifts the lid on so many issues while being empowering & inspiring. So well written it’s addictive.
One of y favorite books!
I read and reread this book. I can’t help but love the characters.
It’s hard for me to read the stream of consciousness but it’s very good. The movie was excellent since it takes away having to decipher.
Wonderful, engaging, couldn’t put it down page Turner. This is a MUST READ. If you’re heart is still beating, and you haven’t read it, I’d recommend you get started. It should be mandatory reading for all Americans.
Provocative read about black strong independent women. A most read book
The book is always better than the movie.
This is a classic. Everyone should read it.
I read this book many years ago, but I remember that it was an excellent book. Unbelievable what all the main character went through.
Easy reading. Sometimes difficult to believe the way someone would treat their own relatives. I felt sorry for her because of the abuse she endured.