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A review by misssleepy
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I really did go into this book blind. I have never seen the movies and I really just knew that the movie and book are considered classics. I knew that this is an important book for Black women especially. After reading the book, I am really looking forward to the movies, though I know there is no way they will be as good as the book.
I was blown away by this book. I mean just the first page alone warns you that the journey ahead is dark. The half of the book felt very bleak and sad. About halfway through, once Celie has Nettie’s letters, the book changes in pace and tone.
The spiritual themes of this book were honestly healing. Shug and Celie’s conversation on god and how one has to stop thinking of god as a man (a white man especially) tore me down.
I was so scared that I wouldn’t like the ending of this book, but it ended with so much hope and with a profound sense of peace. It’s interesting that so many people consider this a sad book (and there are so many sad things that happen) but I really walked away from this book feeling more hope than sadness.
While I loved all the women in this book, I really ended up having a soft spot for Sophie. I admired the way she carried herself, was comfortable in her skin, and didn’t back down from anybody. Her arc was so sad to me, but I really appreciated how her story turned around in the end. She really just deserved so much more… though that could be said for all women in the book.
I would absolutely encourage anybody to read this book. It’s a story about friendship, love, what it means to be family, and finding your spirituality. Truly beautifully written. I think that Celie’s distinct dialect enhances some of the most beautiful thoughts and passages in the book. 5 stars from me all the way!!
I was blown away by this book. I mean just the first page alone warns you that the journey ahead is dark. The half of the book felt very bleak and sad. About halfway through, once Celie has Nettie’s letters, the book changes in pace and tone.
The spiritual themes of this book were honestly healing. Shug and Celie’s conversation on god and how one has to stop thinking of god as a man (a white man especially) tore me down.
I was so scared that I wouldn’t like the ending of this book, but it ended with so much hope and with a profound sense of peace. It’s interesting that so many people consider this a sad book (and there are so many sad things that happen) but I really walked away from this book feeling more hope than sadness.
While I loved all the women in this book, I really ended up having a soft spot for Sophie. I admired the way she carried herself, was comfortable in her skin, and didn’t back down from anybody. Her arc was so sad to me, but I really appreciated how her story turned around in the end. She really just deserved so much more… though that could be said for all women in the book.
I would absolutely encourage anybody to read this book. It’s a story about friendship, love, what it means to be family, and finding your spirituality. Truly beautifully written. I think that Celie’s distinct dialect enhances some of the most beautiful thoughts and passages in the book. 5 stars from me all the way!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Rape, Child abuse, and Misogyny