A review by amandalorianxo
The Color Purple by Alice Walker

challenging emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I loved the cover art for the reprint of this classic novel. I was trying to find something I didn't have the chance to read in high school for banned books week and even though I missed the exact dates the week was publicized, I still found myself eager to read this one. Walker wrote this in the form of letters. Celie writes to God about her life, revealing the abuse she received at the hands of the men in her life. First her father, then her husband and his children. It hurt a lot to read how much Celie went through. Her luck seems to turn just a little when her sister Nettie visits. However, Celie's husband seems to be interested in Nettie and Nettie is forced to leave. It's not until Shug Avery, a singer and former lover of Celie's husband that Celie finds solace in someone. This is a story that revolves around some upsetting circumstances our main character finds herself in but she also is in the circle of strong women such as Shug and Sofia, Celie's stepson's wife. There is a glimmer of hope that the reader can feel despite the suffering Celie faces. A must read for high schoolers and those looking to branch out their reading material. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings