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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Excellent. Read it twice.
This is a contemporary American classic. Walker is a marvelous writer who opened the dialog about being a black woman and a lesbian.
This is a great classic.
An absolute work of literary artistry, and deservedly a classic.
One of the top ten in a lifetime, no doubt at all.
An easy to read novel set in older times. The writing style of letters made it a quick and interesting read. There wasn’t a big character transformation nd the novel made you think.
The Color Purple is a wonderful book. It tells the story of Celie, a poor woman who is stuck in a terrible marriage not of her choice and the abuse she suffers at her husband’s hands. It also tells the stories of Celie’s sister, a missionary in Africa and of Celie’s friends.
These characters seem real. They stayed in my mind for a long time. It’s …
More. Detail. Than. Movie
Great story book and movie completely different
This is a witty story . I would like to congratulate you on you version of ,The Color Purple “!It is an original story . I like the timeframe in witch this version was written and the creativity in the story especially The character “Sealy! Again congratulations.
I am the original author of the Story, Book, Musical -God is trying to tell me …
Alice Walker tells a story in such a unique way, using phrases and spelling out words as they sounded. This tragic and tear jerking story about love between sisters is uplifting.
Good for YA readers
A very memorable, unique story that I highly recommend.
Classic
It’s another favorite for me.
One of my -if not my-
favorite book
It is inspirational. It shows how one person can rise beyond their past experiences and discover who she truly is.
“The Color Purple” as her dress.
For those people who want a happy ever after , this isn’t one.
The Color Purple” it’s abiut respect and caring fir the people around you , and maybe finding a passion in your time.
Exceptional
This is one of those stories that stays with you. I’ve read it several times and always find it touching. Astonishing how Alice Walker is able to show such tenderness and mercy even in the midst of great cruelty. She deftly mines the human experience with a soft eye, managing the difficult balancing act between unflinching truth and deep …