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4.29 AVERAGE
4.29 AVERAGE
I am absolutely blown away by this book. It makes me think of this weight loss motivation quote: The good news is "change happens slowly". The bad news is "change happens slowly". It applies to people and life too doesn't it? This novel brings it out so well.
challenging
dark
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I think this is one of the best pieces of literature ever written. I didn't realize ahead of time that it would ring loudly as a queer, poly, feminist story but here it sure is! Can't believe it took me this long to pick it up but I'll absolutely be keeping it on my shelf for the rest of my life.
I read the book many years ago but it still sticks in my brain as one those books you will forever remember. I was very bored with the section of letters from Nettie in Africa but that could have been my age at the time of reading it. The movie does not compare but is a good try. I would recommend this book to all, it will certainly be one of the great reads of generations to come.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
One of the most moving books I've ever read. Wish it hadn't taken me so long to get to it.
While it was tedious to read due to the writing style, I still think everyone should read this book. Set 44 years after the end of the Civil War, it follows the life of two sisters: Celie and Nettie. They lead very different lives, one choosing to live the life others choosed for her but she does that in order to help Nettie run away. It deals with racism, domestic abuse, incest, rape, women's roles in the society, religion and a few other themes.
I wanted to give if 5 stars, but besides that I had a hard time reading it, I wanted more depth. I think the writing style was authentic and Walker wanted to put the reader straight into Celie's mind and "shoes" and I appreciated the commitment because I bet it wasn't easy to write it but it did the book a disservice. I also didn't like that the "antagonists" got some sort of redemption arc and we were supposed to feel sorry for them. I think that's just me, but I can't stand it when writers are like "okay, he abused some people, but he isn't all bad. He had his motives, he was traumatized too etc". How about no. I don't care. He was a bad person, get him out of the page. Celie deserved better.
The ending was a little bit too cheesy and rushed, but I'm glad that at least it was a happy one.
I wanted to give if 5 stars, but besides that I had a hard time reading it, I wanted more depth. I think the writing style was authentic and Walker wanted to put the reader straight into Celie's mind and "shoes" and I appreciated the commitment because I bet it wasn't easy to write it but it did the book a disservice. I also didn't like that the "antagonists" got some sort of redemption arc and we were supposed to feel sorry for them. I think that's just me, but I can't stand it when writers are like "okay, he abused some people, but he isn't all bad. He had his motives, he was traumatized too etc". How about no. I don't care. He was a bad person, get him out of the page. Celie deserved better.
The ending was a little bit too cheesy and rushed, but I'm glad that at least it was a happy one.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I picked The Color Purple with the mindset that this was a Feminist and segregation inspired piece and was happy that it went above and beyond these themes, building upon them to make commentary on life, spirituality and even love. Maybe the author felt that disillusionment and callouses offered by the hardships of arbitrary suffering can lead to a clean slate which can help in self discovery. It's a great book, quite disturbing in the 1st act which one must push oneself through, and is definitely a must read
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes