The Color Purple

by Alice Walker
The Color Purple cover
Good Books rating 4.44
Literary Fiction
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99–£10.99 Hardback • £18.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 44
  • Added: 2025-08-15
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • Published: 1983-01-01
  • Formats: 96
  • Reviews: 4

'The Color Purple' is a deeply emotional and profound novel that follows the life of Celie, an African American woman in the early 1900s, as she overcomes hardship and finds her voice. Through a series of letters, the novel explores themes of racism, sexism, and self-empowerment, offering a poignant and unforgettable narrative. /n/nWinner of both the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the American Book Award, this novel is celebrated for its powerful storytelling and its impact on literature. Alice Walker's work is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of love and community.

Reviews
Reddit - Recommended Books · 2025-08-15
unforgettable 4.75

An unforgettable story about a southern woman overcoming abuse and racism, the narrative is compelling and emotionally gripping.

The reviewer expresses strong admiration for the book, describing it as an amazing and compelling tale of a downtrodden woman battling the dual oppressions of sexism and racism in the American South. They emphasize how the story stays with the reader long after finishing, underlining the emotional impact and depth of the protagonist's struggle and growth.

Quick quotes

    An absolutely amazing book.

    The story of a southern, downtrodden woman fighting against the tyranny of men and racism is incredibly compelling.

    One of those books that will stay with you long after reading.

Nebeep Book Reviews · 2022-01-12
courageous 4.50

A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that bravely tackles difficult topics like abuse and sexuality with honesty and depth.

The reviewer acknowledges the novel's critical acclaim and its courageous exploration of sensitive issues such as rape, incest, domestic abuse, and homosexuality. They appreciate its unflinching honesty and the emotional complexity Alice Walker brings to the characters and their experiences, making it a profound and essential read.

Quick quotes

    It's no shock to me that The Color Purple is a Pulitzer Prize winner.

    It is able to deal with rape, incest, domestic abuse, homosexuality with honesty and depth.

    A profound and essential read that explores difficult topics courageously.

Julia's Books Blog · 2021-02-09
powerful 4.50

This novel powerfully explores feminist themes and the harsh realities of racial segregation, delivering a deeply moving story of resilience and personal growth.

The review highlights the novel's fitting choice to address feminist issues intertwined with racial discrimination, emphasizing how it captures the struggles of African American women in a segregated society. The story is portrayed as a poignant journey through hardship to empowerment, resonating with readers on themes of identity and liberation.

Quick quotes

    The Color Purple was a particularly fitting choice, given its feminist themes and exploration of racial segregation and discrimination.

    It captures the struggles of African American women in a segregated society.

    The novel delivers a deeply moving story of resilience and personal growth.

The Guardian · 2007-06-23
powerful 4.00

They acknowledge the novel's challenging beginning but commend its uncompromising portrayal of life's harsh realities. The reviewer values the story's themes of survival and resilience.

The Guardian's review points out that the novel's initial intensity can be off-putting, but it ultimately praises Walker's unflinching portrayal of life's hardships. The reviewer appreciates how the story delves into the complexities of human resilience and the ability to find hope in the face of adversity. They also highlight the novel's unique narrative style, which adds depth to the characters' journeys.

Quick quotes

    The Color Purple has such an uncompromising beginning that many never got any further, including, to Alice Walker's sorrow, her mother.

    The novel's exploration of survival and the ability to take control of your own life is both powerful and moving.

    Walker's unflinching portrayal of life's harsh realities makes the story both challenging and deeply rewarding.

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