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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A classic. Wonderful and realistic story.
I read the book after seeing the movie. Of course the book was wonderful. The characters were unforgettable. The story was inspiring, sad and joyful. It’s been many years since I’ve read it. I need to read it again. But I would definitely recommend this book to read.
A classic.
Its a really good book, thanks for the insight
I’ve not seen the movie and somehow I missed reading the book until now. What a piece of writing this is! It deserved every award it received and all of the attention it garnered. A must read for any lover of novels.
Wonderful characters, heartbreaking story.
I know most people like it, for me it was just OK
Held my attention and made me very angry at how true much of it was and is. I grew up in Okla. and saw way too much of this stuff.
Yes the movie is wonderful, but the book should be savored slowly for the wonderful writing, and slow character building. And then you can read it again.
Definitely an American classic. A must read.
One of the best books I’ve ever read! (And I’ve read a lot!)
I read this in a literature class. Read it slow, reflect often. It is deeper than the surface read.
If you are thinking that it is exactly like the movie, you’d be wrong. The book has many of the scenes, but a lot of the depth was sanitized. It is the evolution of a woman who starts as a victim and overcomes everything to become of fully realized human being. She discovers her voice, sexuality and her relationship to those around her.
The characters of this book (which is epistolary in form) are unforgettable. Celie who has a long history of being beat down. Shug who teaches Celie how to enjoy life. And that living a enjoyable life is a way of honoring God. Inspirational in its message.
This book was out of my comfort zone. But once i saw the format and started reading, I was hooked. It is an OMG! You gotta read this kinda of book. So glad i try it.
I love being transported to a time and circumstance beyond my experience!
I read this because I love the movie. I was not disappointed. Very rarely, do you have a book & movie that complement each other as well as Alice Walker’s book and Steven Spielberg’s movie.
LIFE CHANGING LITERATURE
This book follows families throughout the years. It explores extramarital affairs and spousal abuse. It is filled with some tragedies but the ending was beautiful.
I read this book and saw the movie years ago. On rereading it recently, O found it even better. The characters are so well drawn and the story is so moving.