Book Review: The Color Purple by Alice Walker

 

Title: The Color Purple

Author: Alice Walker

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Classic, Adult Fiction
Pages: 288

Publisher: A Harvest Book/Harcourt, Inc.

Year Published: 1982

Format: Library Copy (Paperback)

"Published to unprecedented acclaim, The Color Purple established Alice Walker as a major voice in modern fiction. This is the story of two sisters-- one a missionary in Africa and the other a child wife living in the South-- who sustain their loyalty to and trust in each other across time, distance, silence. Beautifully imagined and deeply compassionate, this classic novel of American literature is rich with passion, pain, inspiration, and an indomitable love of life."

My Rating: 4.25/5

My best friend and I have started a fun little buddy reading thing with my best friend monthly to motivate us to read physical books and audiobooks. It also gives us an excuse to gab on the phone with a glass of wine in the evenings (this hasn't happened yet, but it's only a matter of time). This was our first choice of a buddy read. What we didn't expect was for this book to immediately start out so dark, so when I discussed it with my mom, she mentioned that she loved the movie, although it started out just as dark. Overall, this book has a lot to offer, and there is a reason it won the Pulitzer Prize. This story, while dark and heart-wrenching, touched on religion in a way I didn't anticipate. The idea that if there is a God, we can see him in the smaller things surrounding us, nature, and sun etc. I also thought the discussion about race issues and how they began was incredibly interesting. Topical, now as things once again come to a head throughout the world. 

I would recommend anyone looking for a different style of classic. There are trigger warnings for sexual assault, physical assault and violence (likely amongst others these are what came to mind upon review). 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny