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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Wonderful story of life.
Rather foul
Loved it!
One of few books that I’ve read more than once. Wonderful, well developed characters.
One of my favorite books of all time. Everyone should read this book.
One of the best book I have read and own .
I thought the book was great and beautifully written. I have southern roots and some of the characters reminded me of family members, especially Sophia.
A gem of a book ! Magnificent !
Great book
Wonderful read
One of the great African American woman writers. This beautifully written novel gives the reader access to insight into the unique experience of being Black, and female in the US.
Obtuse.
One of the few books where the movie does it justice
The author of this novel is quite descriptive in her writing and so the reader can easily see, hear and even sympathize with the characters. A beautiful story told by a most talented author.
The book is amazing. Truly amazing but it made me feel so depressed and I will never read it again. That being said its a classic everyone shoulde read once.
A Classic!
It was painful and beautiful
I am glad I read this classic
Brilliant!
A classic everyone should read!