A review by emilynied
The Color Purple by Alice Walker

challenging dark emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

The format of this book was not what I expected - it's presented as a series of letters, first between Celie and God when she thinks her sister Nettie is dead, and then between her and Nettie as they connect with each other across continents and years apart. The book spans twenty years and its powerful narration explores the struggles of growing up Black and female in the early 20th century in the South. The familial relationships are widely explored, in both their thoughtful and at times, unpleasant moments, making their portrayals feel real and genuine. 

I also really enjoyed Nettie's journey as a faux-mother and living in Africa, toeing the line and trying to find her identity as an African American and a Black woman. It really explored those complexities which I appreciated as a reader. The ending was so, so powerful and I really enjoyed this book. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings