The Color Purple (Harvest Book) (Wildfire Books)

by Alice Walker

The classic, PULITZER PRIZE-winning novel that made Alice Walker a household name.

Set in the deep American South between the wars, THE COLOR PURPLE is the classic tale of Celie, a young black girl born into poverty and segregation. Raped repeatedly by the man she calls 'father', she has two children taken away from her, is separated from her beloved sister Nettie and is trapped into an ugly marriage. But then she meets the glamorous Shug Avery, singer and magic-maker - a woman who has taken charge of her own destiny. Gradually Celie discovers the power and joy of her own spirit, freeing her from her past and reuniting her with those she loves.

'One of the most haunting books you could ever wish to read ... it is stunning - moving, exciting, and wonderful' Lenny Henry

• ISBN10: 1780228716
• ISBN13: 9781780228716
• Publish Date: 5 June 2014 (first published 1 June 1982)
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 5 March 2021
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Orion Publishing Co
• Imprint: Weidenfeld & Nicolson
• Format: Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
• Pages: 288
• Language: English

Reviews

[ibeforem]

I first read this book when I was a teen, and just re-read it for my book club, roughly 25 years later. I knew it was a great book, but I had forgotten just how wonderful it is. I had also completely forgotten that it was an epistolary novel. One more thing I had either forgotten or it possibly went right over my head when I read it the first time -- some of the sex is a little bit graphic. Not in a bad way, just in a "oh, I don't remember THAT" way.

Celie is such a strong woman and a strong character, even when she feels like she is so weak she will die. Her love is so amazing, and her heart is so big that it can even contain forgiveness for those who have wronged her greatly in her life. This story has continued to touch me throughout my life. And, it's a pretty great movie too.

[mitabird]

3.5 stars

[justine_manzano]

This was such an emotional read. It's clear from page one that Celie is about to endure a heart wrenching journey, and there isn't much more that I can say that hasn't been said before. Some parts were painful to read, but I truly loved getting to know Celie. This book is filled with complex and troubled characters and Celie's pure and honest discussion with God as she endures and at times, learns to care about these characters and their ups and downs, is inspiring. I can very clearly see why this has received the acclaim it has. I wish I had read this ages ago.

[katie-wordsforworms]

I loved this book. I hadn't seen the movie, so I didn't know what to expect. I was surprised and challenged by the writing format. I was engrossed by the characters. Fabulous book, but keep a box of tissues nearby.

http://wordsforworms.com/2012/10/02/banned-books-week-the-color-purple-by-alice-walker/

[angelarenea9]

I liked this book a lot more than I expected to. It was quite a heartbreaking story all around. I loved Nettie (who was my favorite character) and I really enjoyed hearing about her trip to Africa. I thought it was interesting how the village held the roof plant as a sort of deity. I had a harder time getting through the other chapters because of the way that it was written. It was a good way to create a voice for the character but it was just not my style.