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What I Really Think of The Color PurpleTom J.

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The Color Purple: A Novel Paperback – December 10, 2019

by Alice Walker (Author)

4.6 27,399 ratings

Book 1 of 3: The Color Purple

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Pulitzer PrizeWinner, 1983
National Book AwardWinner, 1983

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Read the original inspiration for the new, boldly reimagined film from producers Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg, starring Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, and Fantasia Barrino.

Celebrating its fortieth anniversary, The Color Purple writes a message of healing, forgiveness, self-discovery, and sisterhood to a new generation of readers. An inspiration to authors who continue to give voice to the multidimensionality of Black women’s stories, including Tayari Jones, Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, Jesmyn Ward, and more, The Color Purple remains an essential read in conversation with storytellers today.

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award

A powerful cultural touchstone of modern American literature, The Color Purple depicts the lives of African American women in early-twentieth-century rural Georgia. Separated as girls, sisters Celie and Nettie sustain their loyalty to and hope in each other across time, distance, and silence. Through a series of letters spanning nearly thirty years, first from Celie to God, then from the sisters to each other, the novel draws readers into a rich and memorable portrayal of Black women—their pain and struggle, companionship and growth, resilience and bravery.

Deeply compassionate and beautifully imagined, The Color Purple breaks the silence around domestic and sexual abuse, and carries readers on an epic and spirit-affirming journey toward transformation, redemption, and love.

“Reading The Color Purple was the first time I had seen Southern, Black women’s literature as world literature. In writing us into the world—bravely, unapologetically, and honestly—Alice Walker has given us a gift we will never be able to repay.” —Tayari Jones

“The Color Purple was what church should have been, what honest familial reckoning could have been, and it is still the only art object in the world by which all three generations of Black artists in my family judge American art.” —Kiese Laymon

From the Publisher

THE COLOR PURPLE by Alice Walker. Now a major motion picture! Read the original inspiration!

WARNING: California’s Proposition 65

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Reading The Color Purple was the first time I had seen Southern, Black women’s literature as world literature. In writing us into the world—bravely, unapologetically, and honestly—Alice Walker has given us a gift we will never be able to repay.”
—Tayari Jones

“The Color Purple was what church should have been, what honest familial reckoning could have been, and it is still the only art object in the world by which all three generations of Black artists in my family judge American art.”
—Kiese Laymon

“A novel of permanent importance.”
—Peter S. Prescott, Newsweek

“Indelibly affecting … Alice Walker is a lavishly gifted writer.”
—The New York Times Book Review

“A story of revelation . . . One of the great books of our time.”
—Essence Magazine

“A work to stand beside literature of any time and place.”
—San Francisco Chronicle

“Places Walker in the company of Faulkner.”
—The Nation

“Remarkable expressiveness, color, and poignancy . . . not only a memorable and infinitely touching character but a whole submerged world is vividly called into being.”
—The New York Review of Books

“Richly evocative . . . a vibrant fugue of devotion and search for love.”
—Los Angeles Herald Examiner

“A national treasure . . . A rare and lovely book.”
—The Cleveland Plain Dealer

“A saga filled with joy and pain, humor and bitterness, and an array of characters who live, breathe, and illuminate the world.”
—Publishers Weekly

“My go-to comfort novel is The Color Purple, by Alice Walker. Even though it touches on difficult subject matter like child abuse and forced marriage, this story believes that human kindness, courage and love can defeat any challenge. Its big, beautiful happy ending is heartfelt and hard-won. Every single time I read this book, I walk away as a slightly better person than I was when I picked it up.”
—Tayari Jones, The New York Times

“The miracle of the National Book Awards choices in 1983, which included Naylor’s The Women of Brewster Place and Walker’s The Color Purple, meant that books that sounded in me in new and more complete ways were held up as models of great literature. It meant that Walker’s and Naylor’s works could garner much wider publicity and acclaim, and more easily find their way to small, rural libraries around the country.(…)While Naylor provided witness and reason for my people, Walker provided witness and reason for my place.”
—Jesmyn Ward, The Washington Post

About the Author

Alice Walker won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award for her novel The Color Purple. Her other novels include By the Light of My Father’s Smile and Possessing the Secret of Joy. She is also the author of three collections of short stories, three collections of essays, seven volumes of poetry, and several children’s books. Born in Eatonton, Georgia, Walker now lives in Northern California.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin Books; Reprint edition (December 10, 2019)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0143135694
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0143135692
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ HL670L
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.3 x 0.8 x 7.95 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #2,972 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #10 in Black & African American Historical Fiction (Books)
- #105 in Classic Literature & Fiction
- #355 in Literary Fiction (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.6 27,399 ratings

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Alice Walker
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Alice Walker (b. 1944), one of the United States’ preeminent writers, is an award-winning author of novels, stories, essays, and poetry. In 1983, Walker became the first African-American woman to win a Pulitzer Prize for fiction with her novel The Color Purple, which also won the National Book Award. Her other books include The Third Life of Grange Copeland, Meridian, The Temple of My Familiar, and Possessing the Secret of Joy. In her public life, Walker has worked to address problems of injustice, inequality, and poverty as an activist, teacher, and public intellectual.
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Christopher A. Hubert
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27,399 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book has a depth of emotion and touching story about love. They appreciate the insightful exploration of life for black women. The characters are believable and strong, with parallels between the narrator and another character that show their development. Readers praise the real and raw plot as well as the captivating and riveting pacing. Overall, they describe the book as beautiful and honest, with vivid imagery and honesty.

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Emotional content Insight Character development Storyline Pacing Beauty Color purple Writing style

223 customers mention "Emotional content"201 positive22 negative

Customers find the book's emotional content engaging. They appreciate the personal letters that add depth to the story and bring positive changes. The book is described as heartwarming, touching, and a touching love story. Readers praise the author's ability to craft scenes of sadness and joy within the same few pages. They find the characters relatable and empathetic, with physical and emotional traits that make them feel vulnerable and strong. Overall, the book is described as a beautiful story full of humor, tragedy, love, and inspiration.

"...compared to the well-drawn characters, the wide scope, the emotional fulfillment, and the positive changes that most of the characters undergo." Read more

"...I felt that the ending was satisfying, and that I could be happy knowing that Celie found peace in her later life...." Read more

"...You are a life well lived - vulnerable, strong, unapologetic. “What if we be just friends?” has so much more meaning now...." Read more

"Inspiring, beautiful and made me cry from the beginning. I read this novel in less time than expected, and couldn't put it down." Read more

162 customers mention "Insight"162 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides insightful perspectives on black women's lives. It sheds light on a subject they are unfamiliar with and offers valuable context for the movie. Readers describe the narrative as engaging, moving, and reflective. They appreciate the spiritual or religious themes in the book.

"...This is not an easy read, but it sure is an important one...." Read more

"It won a Pulitzer for a reason! Incredible insight on life in the South for a black woman in the early 1900’s...." Read more

"...But the major characters are clearly defined and change during the novel and, unlike many novels, the changes are clearly explained and well..." Read more

"...I liked being able to read a story from a perspective that I have never encountered before...." Read more

110 customers mention "Character development"105 positive5 negative

Customers find the characters believable and strong. They appreciate the parallels between the narrator and other characters that show their development. The book portrays love and meanness, but also shows the sisterhood among women.

"...There are so many strong female characters in here, the resilience of these women is phenomenal...." Read more

"...But these are quibbles compared to the well-drawn characters, the wide scope, the emotional fulfillment, and the positive changes that most of the..." Read more

"...For example, the novel has two strong female characters who helped teach Celie to be independent...." Read more

"...But as the chapters progress you being to see the characters aren't shallow and the events did impact them deeper than you saw on the surface...." Read more

59 customers mention "Storyline"44 positive15 negative

Customers enjoy the book's storyline. They find the details and depth of the plot engaging, with a realistic plot that keeps them focused. Readers appreciate the honest, raw tales and truths that keep them reading. The book is described as an intellectual and wonderful storyteller, dealing with God, racial prejudices, gender, and the idea that everyone has a different life story. It is based on real world events and worth the literary awards it received.

"...author wrote this novel to elaborate on the fact that everyone has a different life story and that everyone’s stories are different...." Read more

"...This is a book about change, RESILIENCE, the passage of time, the nature of love, forgiveness, so MUCH that is profound and inspiring...." Read more

"...have their own struggles, conflicts and flaws; this gives the novel a more realistic feel to experience both Celie and Nettie’s struggles, and the..." Read more

"...The story seems huge and the family tree is complicated with parents, step-parents, unacknowledged parents, forced marriages, lovers and mistresses,..." Read more

50 customers mention "Pacing"43 positive7 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pacing. They find it captivating, riveting, and inspiring. The story is described as a fast read that makes them feel like Celie.

"...example, the novel has two strong female characters who helped teach Celie to be independent...." Read more

"...Walker utilizes the themes of friendship, family, bonding, and love as a means for this...." Read more

"...It was amazing to watch Celie become the woman she was meant to be with help from her friend Shug. It is a heartwrenching story of resilience...." Read more

"...I could better judge the pacing, the characters and their development throughout Celie's lifetime, and the undercurrent of her and Nettie's sisterly..." Read more

40 customers mention "Beauty"40 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging. They appreciate its vivid imagery, honest portrayal of life in the South for African-Americans, and unique writing style. The story is described as rich and detailed, with a compelling narrative that resonates with readers.

"...It uses detailed imagery to paint a picture of all of the characters, their physical and emotional attributes...." Read more

"...Also handled with astonishing subtlety and perceptiveness was the interplay between men and women, black and white, involving both need and..." Read more

"...The Color Purple does this beautifully and evokes many emotions...." Read more

"...What I enjoyed about this book is what I consider to be the mark of good art, whether it be literature, music, or painting, it captures some of the..." Read more

29 customers mention "Color purple"26 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the book's vivid descriptions and characters. They find it engaging and a must-read for everyone to understand race relations. However, some readers mention that the author writes in an old black vernacular that slows them down.

"So glad at 59, I read this book. I have always loved THE COLOR PURPLE, the movie, the musical, the revival of the musical, the new movie..." Read more

"The color purple is my favorite book. Can’t read it for the 100 times." Read more

"...Despite it's colorful characters and realism, The Color Purple also has a few flaws...." Read more

"This is a must-read for everyone of any color to understand the importance of race relations. To work toward bringing people together in love." Read more

193 customers mention "Writing style"132 positive61 negative

Customers have mixed reviews about the writing style. Some find it well-written and easy to follow, with each part written like a letter. Others find it hard to read due to poor grammar and sentence fragments that are difficult to piece together. Additionally, some feel there is a lack of details and rushed pace.

"...This is done in an epistolary format, and it worked so well given the tough subjects covered in this novel...." Read more

"This story is written as a series of letters. First the FMC writing to God, Then a mix of her letters to God and letters from her sister...." Read more

"...Most of us agreed that the language is tough and off-putting for the first few letters, but you both get used to the odd spellings and grammar and..." Read more

"...It’s a very moving story overall & very well written." Read more

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J. Medina
Important, heartbreaking, excellent classic. A must read.
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2021
Verified Purchase

“...have you ever found God in church? I never did. I just found a bunch of folks hoping for him to show. Any God I ever felt in church I brought in with me. And I think all the other folks did too. They come to church to share God, not find God.”

This was our February pick for the #classicsbuddyread so I was happy to finally read this one. I saw the play a couple years ago and loved it, and this book has been on my list ever since. This is not an easy read, but it sure is an important one. It breaks your heart right from the beginning, but Walker does work in some snark and a bit of wit to help lighten it just a little throughout. There are so many strong female characters in here, the resilience of these women is phenomenal. Celie is the focal character and she has been through so much, but keeps on going with the hope of seeing her sister Nettie again one day. Shug Avery is another character that has been through it, but she plays a critical role in helping Celie with so many things that I cannot list them all here. She had one of my favorite quotes in the book however, as she was helping Celie with her doubts about her faith. Sofia, I have a special place for her in my heart, as she was one of the best characters I have read. Another one that was resilient, but she brought the wit and sarcasm that I just connected with and loved. Nettie had her own storyline, and it was equally as heartbreaking, but I was glad with how it was all resolved in the end for both she and Celie.

This is done in an epistolary format, and it worked so well given the tough subjects covered in this novel. This has moved to my all time favorites list, and I hope that you add it to your list if you have not read it yet.

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Joanne Ragona
Poignant and just so good.
Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2024
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It won a Pulitzer for a reason!

Incredible insight on life in the South for a black woman in the early 1900’s. Celie, who was raped and beaten and married off to a man she didn’t care for still found love in friendships, family, and the hope of reuniting with her sister Nettie. Told through letters first to God and then between the two sisters, this book spans 40 years of life in rural Georgia. The Color Purple poignantly explores the importance of resilience, hope, faith and the empowerment of women.

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Rebecca Holmes
Touching story
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2025
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This story is written as a series of letters. First the FMC writing to God, Then a mix of her letters to God and letters from her sister. I struggle with the letter writing format of books, however the overall story was beautifully told.

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J@YD944
The Color Purple
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2025
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Celie comes from a very poor family & her mother is very during her last two pregnancies. Being the oldest of the girls, she has to do most all the work around the house, cooking, cleaning, laundry & helping with her younger sisters & brothers. Her Pa doesn’t like her either & the only one she’s close to is her younger sister. As Celie’s mother gets sicker & sicker, her Pa begins visiting her room when she’s 14 y.o.to fill the needs her mother is no longer able to provide. Her mother passes away. Celie has 2 children by him, a daughter & a son before he tires of her & forces her into marriage to a man who beats & abuses her. Her father marries another young girl & Celia gets her younger sister, Nettie, to come live with her & continue her schooling. The man Celie marries is in love with another woman, Shug Avery, & is out late most nights & sometimes several days but he expects Celie to wait on him & his kids from a previous marriage & they don’t respect Celie ant more than her husband does. Celie is still trying to figure out how she feels about God & she writes a lot of letters to God expressing her emotions & doubts. This story covers the hardships & abuse of Celie & many of the people of color she knows. It doesn’t sugar coat the racism involved in their lives & the disadvantages as a result of this predjudice that carries over even in today’s world. Of course, black women were even less appreciated, treated as property & had a much more difficult time than even men of color. It’s a very moving story overall & very well written.

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Elizabeth Barter
Redemption and Forgiveness
Reviewed in Canada on March 6, 2024
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Some of found our way to "The Color Purple" via the 1980's movie . (I am among them). I think the first time I actually read the book,I got as far as the entrance of "Shug", then the book needed to go back to the library.
I didn't think much about it until recently until I heard about the musical. This confession done with , let's move forward to the novel.
The Color Purple ,to me, is a novel of redemption
and forgiveness, it's also about how we see God and the relationship we have with our faith.
Through Miss Celie, we see life in all it ugliness and beauty. She takes us on a hell of a ride.
From a battered 14 year old child , who is a baby ,having babies to an unappreciated wife . She goes through the wars,and eventually finds love . It's an arc, we've seen before , ( i.e ' The Book of Job, The story of Ruth, ...etc),the difference with Miss Celie, is that as she begins to rise and rediscover her humanity, her enemy Mister finds his too.
Job is run through the mill, miraculously,his faith survives. Miss Celie loses hers again and again, but then it sparks, walking with Shug. Bit by bit ,she finds herself beginning again. As her life changes,so does Mister's.
They have been at odds with the same unforgiving old testament God,it s not until
Shug comes into their lives and leaves them in their later years, that Miss Celie and Mister(Albert), understand how much they've
Suffered and what they 've endured.
This does not mean I m excusing Mister for being a serial batterer or a rotten spouse. I just saying that as Celie rises and regains her humanity, so is Mister(Albert). It should be noted his redemption isn't initiated until Celie nearly kills him; but it is observed by this reader, that said incident fast tracks to a road of changing his point of view .
I never saw that in the 2 movies that were based on this novel. His Redemption is equally as important as Celie 's. Like " The Kitchen God", Mister changes, thus Celie ' s faith and humanity is returned to her , when she forgives him.
This is why " The Color Purple" remains an award winning and significant novel. It's also why I will recommend it, to other readers.
Forgiveness is powerful, it frees us and let's us soar. Thank you for " The Color Purple."

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Giomar Velasco
Una ventana al pasado y a las mujeres como hilo conductor.
Reviewed in Mexico on July 30, 2022
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¡No lo puedes soltar!

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Kris2890
Eindrucksvoll und emotional
Reviewed in Germany on September 24, 2024
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Da ich den Film schon mehrfach gesehen habe und ich ihn wahnsinnig gut finde, hab ich nun auch das Buch gelesen.
In die Sprache der Erzählerin muss man sich zwar ein wenig einfinden, dann ist das Buch aber nicht weniger eindrucksvoll als der Film.

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ramatu adams
The girl purple
Reviewed in Sweden on August 23, 2024
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Very interesting book

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La Louise
AMAZING
Reviewed in France on August 22, 2024
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This book is absolutely beautiful. It started very harsh so I was scared of how things would turn out but it was amazing. Strong message of sorority and feminine independence ! It also depicts a lot of other topics, equally important
A beautiful epistolary novel reflecting the condition of African-American in the rural South.
Loved it, 100% recommend
A must read !!!

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The Color Purple by Alice Walker 4/5 ⭐️

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5.0 out of 5 stars Important, heartbreaking, excellent classic. A must read.

5.0 out of 5 stars Poignant and just so good.

4.0 out of 5 stars Touching story

5.0 out of 5 stars The Color Purple

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Redemption and Forgiveness

5.0 out of 5 stars Una ventana al pasado y a las mujeres como hilo conductor.

5.0 out of 5 stars Eindrucksvoll und emotional

5.0 out of 5 stars The girl purple

5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING

Important, heartbreaking, excellent classic. A must read.

Poignant and just so good.

Touching story

The Color Purple

Redemption and Forgiveness

Una ventana al pasado y a las mujeres como hilo conductor.

Eindrucksvoll und emotional

The girl purple

AMAZING