The Color Purple

From the book cover:
Life wasn't easy for Celie. But she knew how to survive, needing little to get by. 

Then her husband's lover, a flamboyant blues singer, barreled into her world and gave Celie the courage to ask for more - to laugh, to play, and finally - to love.
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Alice Walker's The Color Purple is set in a dark place in history yet manages to be uplifting. Set in the early twentieth century, the characters are one or two generations removed from slavery, and racism and sexism are a large part of life. The novel tells the story of the abuses heaped upon a small group of African-American women. The women are so different that together they represent almost every black woman. Or at the very least, it can be said that there is a little bit of at least one of these characters in each of us.

The colour purple is representative of God's creation or all things that are so magnificent that no man can destroy.

More than the abuse that that these women suffer as a result of sexism and racism, this novel is about the healing bonds of the female friendship. This strong bond and  friendship is illustrated amongst the African-American women living in America and the African women Netty comes across during her mission work in the village of Olinka. Despite being a continent apart these women have a lot in common. Celie's relationship with Shug and Sophia's relationship with Squeak is comparable to the relationship that exists between the sister wives in Africa. Although it would seem natural that the women would not get along and compete for the men's attention, they develop supportive relationships that are independent of the men.

I love that this story is told through a series of letters from: Celie to God; Celie to Nettie; and Nettie to Celie. The language is clear, colourful and unpretentious. I also like the redemption of two of the main male characters, Harpo and Mr. _________.

There are so many lessons to be learned in this book and messages to take away. This was my second time reading this novel but I feel like it's my first time because I've learned so much. I can't wait to read it a third time!

5

 A scene from the 1985 film, The Color Purple, which is based on Alice Walker's novel.