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 book has much to teach to everyone. It is recommended for Book Clubs, extra reading for high school classes and/or college.
awful i could NOT turn the first page
Excellent reading
LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK
Wonderful book…really brings things to life…
This book starts in such a haunting way. You expect the main character to never find joy, but she does, again and again, even though she lives a life that doesn’t offer a lot of it to be found.
I’m glad I waited to read this classic, because it’s allowed me to experience some tragedy in life, which in turn allowed me to connect and understand …
What a great book this is and one of my all time favourites, which in turn was made into a film with success. A truly hard hitting and emotional storyline and if you get the opportunity, read the book then buy the film and make sure you have your tissues at the ready.
The Color Purple taught so many people how to draw strength from their circumstances and use it to empower their growth
Great book. Much better than the movie
This is an interesting book. The characters are so vivid and realistic. The story gives you so much to think and talk about. Walker shows that even in the midst of tragedy not only can you survive but you can turn your life around and find joy and due to that journey you become a stronger and better human being.
Loved this book.
So sad because it’s how it was.
This is a ” Must Read”. If you loved the movie, you will really love the book. Aligns very closely but there is more of the story in the book. Alice Walker speaks to your soul…
Wonderful, rich characters that you cheered and jeered. This book is a work of art that tore at my soul and simultaneously amazed me how the human spirit could endure.
This was a life changing read for me even after seeing the movie over a hundred times.
A story that you will follow wanting to know each character and their story. Sad at times but also inspiring
I love this book!!!
I enjoyed it.
One of my top 10 books of all time.
I did not like this book