“El color púrpura” is an epistolary novel that delves into the harsh life of Celie, an African American woman living in the southern United States in the early 20th century. The story unfolds through a series of letters, offering a unique and intimate perspective on her experiences.

I won't write about the plot itself to avoid spoilers. However, what I do want to emphasize is the evolution of several characters. As I read this story, I was filled with a range of emotions. It's not all drama; there are also touches of humor, romance, and excitement. Jaja!

I found the themes explored in this book to be extremely interesting. They include racism, slavery, religion, sexism, gender-based violence, inequality of rights, and discrimination. It's a powerful and thought-provoking read that sheds light on the social issues of the time.

Thanks to my friends on Goodreads for recommending it to me! It's one of the best books I've read this year.

The Help was an absolute runaway bestseller on the NYTimes, remaining on the list for over one hundred weeks. Now, the movie adaptation has also become a top grosser. I have to admit that I really liked it and gave it a full five stars. There's simply nothing not to like about it. It was a sleeper hit, with a short initial print run. And a first print of The Help will set you back a significant price. However, it didn't manage to win a Pulitzer or the National Book Award, and it's not considered a great American Novel like The Color Purple, which will surely endure.

Sure enough, the maids in Jackson, Mississippi, had a really tough time. It took an upstart insider, a white girl, to come to their rescue and show the up and coming wives of Jackson that you just can't treat people that way.

In contrast, in Walker's The Color Purple, no one was going to come to Celie's rescue, especially not a white woman. Raped by the man she calls father, Celie had two children who then vanished without a trace. Her younger sister, Nettie, was growing up, and Pop had his eye on her fresher flesh.

When Mr._________ came courting, he wanted Nettie as a wife for his children, but Pop wouldn't let Nettie go as she was too young. So, he took Celie instead. Mr.__________ not only got a compliant bed mate but also a cook, a nanny, and a laundress all in one. Just like in almost every domestic violence relationship, Celie had no chance of winning Mr. ___________'s game.

Celie's world was extremely bleak and dreary. There was nothing to break the monotony of the days. No one knew where Nettie was or if she was safe. The only one she could talk to was God, and she wrote him letters. Through those letters, all the characters emerged, first through Celie's eyes and then miraculously through Nettie's letters. But Nettie was far away, having become a missionary for a black couple, Samuel and Corrine.

Celie found love in a singer in Juke Joints, Shug Avery. She was the color in Celie's otherwise drab world. Loud, brash, indomitable, and independent, Shug was an old flame of Mr. __________. Celie was fascinated by her, and Mr._________ had a passion for her. And it was Shug who gave the novel its title with the line, "I think it pisses God off when you walk by the color purple in a field and don't notice it." The thing about color is that you really have to notice it. It represents the beauty of life that can be lost in the midst of muddling through an endless string of hopeless days.

Just as Celie wrote to God, Nettie was writing to Celie, eagerly waiting for a response, but none came. The fate of the letters won't be revealed here. Just know that they exist and will show up at the appropriate time.

Celie was surrounded by strong women. Mr._______'s oldest son, Harpo, married Sofia. When Harpo was bothered that Sofia wouldn't obey him, Celie's solution was, "Beat her." That might have worked with Celie, but not with Sofia. The next time Harpo appeared, he was battered and bruised, making up an excuse that he got too close to a kicking mule. In reality, a well-wielded piece of stove wood was the true cause of his marked face.

Shug stayed around for quite a while, singing the blues at Harpo's joint after Sofia moved out and Harpo turned their house into a business. Shug lived with Mr.___________ and Celie, secretly bringing Celie the pleasure she had never received from a man. Celie was willing to take love wherever she could find it.

In Africa, Nettie wrote about how the native tribe, the Olinka, viewed the missionary group. They saw them as merely black white people who had lost the ways of living as Africans. The Olinka society was also male-dominated. Boys were allowed to go to school, but girls were not permitted to be educated in anything other than what would make them a good wife. It seems that being a woman is tough no matter where you live, whether it's a so-called civilized place or not, as if any place is truly civilized.

This is a work filled with love, loss, and misery, tempered only by hope. It's a story about the layers of discrimination and prejudice that surround us, whether it's white against black, black against black, or man against woman. Ultimately, it's a triumphant work of self-realization and independence of a woman who learns that she can speak out in the world instead of just writing to an unknown mystery who never writes back.

Some people find The Help patronizing, believing that the maids of Jackson had to be rescued by a white woman. I never thought that way until I read The Color Purple. By all means, enjoy The Help. But treasure The Color Purple, especially the next time you pass a field with purple in it. Notice it and share it with anyone you can.

Wow. I mean, really. Wow.

You know how there are certain books whose words seem to embrace you like a comforting blanket? Well, this is not one of them.

The Color Purple tears the clothes right off your skin, leaving you exposed and vulnerable from the very first moment you open the page. You are completely immersed in the story and can't escape. Even when you're not physically reading, you still feel as if you're there.

Wow.

Have you seen the movie? I had. I thought I was ready. Because the movie was truly devastating. I vividly remember being in the house that I rented with a few college friends, sitting in the dark, all of us on our furniture, chain smoking, drinking wine, and crying. But the movie didn't fully prepare me for the power of Walker's words.

Walker's words are like music. Sometimes it's a sweet melody, but mostly it's a cacophony of pain and sorrow. And how the characters change and grow over time, eventually finding peace. The contrast between the South and Africa is so fascinating that it makes me long to discover more literature that can揭示 the mysteries of that continent.

I'm incoherent and don't want to talk about the summary. It's The Color Purple! It doesn't need a summary. It's alive. It's life.

This book was truly extraordinary.

It has been quite some time since a book had such a profound impact on me, touching my heart and evoking a wide range of emotions. This particular one managed to do just that.

Walker's writing is simply beautiful. Every paragraph is a delight to read, filled with vivid descriptions and powerful imagery. It's as if she weaves a magical spell with her words, pulling the reader into the story and making them feel every moment.

I will most definitely reread this book without hesitation. Just the thought of experiencing those goosebumps again from another metaphor that hits home is enough to make me eager to pick it up.

In addition to her superb writing skills, the story itself is unforgettable. It takes the reader on a journey through different emotions and experiences, leaving a lasting impression.

Overall, this book is a masterpiece that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a captivating and moving read.

This is my second time reading The Color Purple.

The abuse and violence that African-American women endured in the 1930s is truly horrifying. The way they were treated as second-class citizens with no rights is simply appalling.

The sisterhood among Celie, Nettie, Shug, Mary Agnes, Sophia, Olivia, and Tashi is so emotionally charged. It's beautiful to see how they support and uplift each other in the face of so much adversity.

I really like the way the novel is written in a series of letters. Each letter seems to draw the reader further into a hyperemotional state, making it impossible not to be affected by the characters' experiences.

I am extremely thankful to Alice Walker for writing this powerful and eye-opening novel. It has truly increased my horizons and made me more aware of the struggles and injustices that African-American women have faced throughout history.

What a tough, tender, difficult and wonderful book.

I have loved it. It is a quick but unforgettable read about Celie and Nettie, two sisters who are separated as children after the death of their mother. Celie's voice just won't leave my head. It is so personal and impactful... It describes with absolute clarity what it meant to be a black and poor woman in the early 20th century in the southern United States.

Probably what I liked the most was the evolution of the characters (and not just the protagonist), and I remember several characters, but especially Celie and Sofia, two women as different as they are impressive.

If you haven't read it yet, I highly encourage you to do so. Although it may seem so, it has not been a valley of tears for me (as the movie was for me... although I liked it a lot), and despite the suffering, there is always room for joy, dreams and hope.

This book takes you on an emotional journey through the lives of its characters, making you feel their pain, their joys, and their struggles. It is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit, and of the importance of love and friendship in the face of adversity.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story, and who is interested in learning more about the history and experiences of black women in America. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the true meaning of sisterhood and the power of the human heart.

The Color Purple, a novel penned by Alice Walker and published in 1982, emerged as a literary masterpiece that won the Pulitzer Prize in 1983. Even after four decades, it remains a significant work within the realm of feminist African American fiction. The story delves into the arduous struggle for empowerment and emancipation of an uneducated and abused Black woman.

The narrative follows Celie, an African American teenager secluded in rural Georgia. She endures a life of trauma and abuse, starting with her father, Alphonso, who rapes her and warns her to keep silent, leading her to write painful letters to God. Forced into an abusive marriage with Albert, Celie's situation seems hopeless. However, her life gradually changes as she forms relationships with other strong Black women, such as Sofia and Shug Avery.

Sofia's defiance and refusal to back down inspire Celie, and their friendship blossoms after an initial confrontation. Shug, a glamorous singer and Albert's mistress, becomes a significant figure in Celie's life. Celie nurses Shug during her illness, and their relationship deepens, eventually turning into a romantic one. Through these relationships, Celie learns to find her voice and assert herself.

The Color Purple also explores themes of gender equality and the power of narrative. Walker emphasizes that the ability to express one's thoughts and feelings is essential for developing a sense of self. Celie's journey from silence and submission to empowerment and self-realization is a moving portrayal of the human spirit's resilience. The novel shows how female friendships can provide the support and courage needed for women to resist oppression and tell their stories.

Despite the risks involved, the characters in the novel break free from traditional gender roles and embrace their true selves. The blurring of gender traits and roles adds depth and complexity to the story, challenging the readers' perceptions. Overall, The Color Purple is a powerful and influential novel that continues to touch the hearts and minds of readers, offering a profound exploration of race, gender, and the human experience.

Few books manage to vividly convey just how truly damaging and excruciating a life of ignorance and poverty can be. However, this particular one comes astonishingly close to taking the cake.

It is like the purple of bruises, a color that represents pain and suffering.

So many individuals have delved into this book and formed their own unique opinions. Surely, no one requires a detailed rundown on this topic. It is centered around women, pure and simple. Specifically black women, but women in general. It is a subject that is deeply dear to my heart.

Reading this book plunges me into a profound state of depression. It physically sickens me, gives me a throbbing headache that makes me squirm, and makes me sadder than almost any other book has been capable of doing.

Do you know what is truly disconcerting? It is the way I reacted to the ending.

Surprisingly, it had a happy ending. All these people's transformations occurred with not too much damage. People changed for the better. They were forgiven. They learned to live, love, and respect one another.

My reaction, while happy about all this, was also one of complete disbelief.

A Hollywood ending after all that crap? Where is the Hamlet ending? Where is the capstone to the utter injustice? Are you really suggesting that the fellowship between women is all that truly matters? That just because you stood up for yourself – at last – a magical happiness can be achieved?

I give five stars for how this book elicits such a violent reaction from me. And one star for making me so depressingly low. But I won't alter my rating based on that. After all, readers need a glimmer of hope after enduring a whole life of near misery.

There is a way that the men speak to women that reminds me too much of Pa. They listen just long enough to issue instructions. They don't even look at women when women are speaking. They look at the ground and bend their heads toward the ground. The women also do not "look in a man's face" as they say. To "look in a man's face" is a brazen thing to do. They look instead at his feet or his knees. And what can I say to this?

This description presents a rather disheartening picture of the gender dynamics. The men seem dismissive and the women are taught to be submissive. It makes one wonder about the power imbalances and the limitations placed on women in such a society.

What a sad and splendid book. The Color Purple tells the tale of 20 years of Celie's life through her letters.

The use of letters as a narrative device is both unique and effective. It allows the reader to get an intimate look into Celie's thoughts and feelings as she endures a life filled with abuse and hardship.

A poor black woman whose father abuses and rapes her at the age of 14, Celie soon loses her sister as well as her independence after marrying "Mister."

Celie's story is one of great tragedy, but it is also a story of hope and resilience. Despite all the pain she has suffered, she finds the strength to keep going and to eventually find herself.

Only by meeting Shug - the most fierce, unapologetic woman Celie's ever encountered - and learning the truth about her sister does Celie start to move toward her reawakening, her self-acceptance, and her love for even those who have hurt her.

Shug plays a crucial role in Celie's transformation. She introduces Celie to a new way of life and helps her to see that she has value and worth. The discovery of the truth about her sister also gives Celie the closure she needs to move forward.

Alice Walker delves into so many important issues in The Color Purple.

Walker explores themes such as gender inequality, racism, domestic abuse, and the power of love and friendship. Her writing is both powerful and poignant, and she does an excellent job of bringing these issues to light.

Even though the book focuses on a black woman oppressed in the first half of the twentieth century, a myriad of the behaviors and themes found within the book still apply to all women today.

The issues that Walker addresses in The Color Purple are unfortunately still relevant today. Women around the world continue to face discrimination and inequality in various forms, and this book serves as a reminder of the importance of fighting for gender equality.

Not only does Walker weave in timeless feminist ideas, she also relates Celie's struggle to domestic abuse, lgbtq culture, the strength of sisterhood, and so much more.

Walker's ability to touch on so many different topics within the framework of one story is truly remarkable. She shows how these issues are interconnected and how they all impact a woman's life.

My favorite concept in The Color Purple was the use of storytelling as healing.

Celie's letters are a form of therapy for her. They allow her to express her emotions and to make sense of her experiences. Through her writing, she is able to find healing and to begin to move on from her past.

Celie gives herself a voice by befriending Shug and eventually writing letters to Nettie, and even the epistolary format of the book exemplifies the power of writing, talking, and sharing one's struggles.

The act of writing and sharing one's story can be a powerful tool for healing and growth. It allows us to connect with others and to find support and validation. The epistolary format of the book also adds to its authenticity and makes it feel more personal.

Whether it's a veteran with PTSD sharing their story with a therapist or an angry teenager writing on their blog, human connection and communication poses so many benefits, and Walker's book highlights that in the most wonderful of ways.

Walker shows us that no matter who we are or what we have been through, we all have the power to heal ourselves through storytelling and human connection. Her book is a celebration of the human spirit and a reminder of the importance of love, friendship, and forgiveness.

Highly, highly recommended to anyone interested in feminism, historical fiction, overcoming abuse, or any intersection of those topics. Definitely a classic I wish more people read.

The Color Purple is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the complex issues surrounding gender, race, and abuse. It is a powerful and moving story that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a thought-provoking and inspiring read.

Gotta tell you, I don't really know what to say.

They say there's a first time for everything but I, as a member of the never shuts up community, seriously doubted this day would ever come.

So I will keep this quick!

Lately I've had an extremely hard time feeling books - as in actually having them impact me emotionally - so I've been reading increasingly crazy lit fic in a desperate attempt to undo it.

This particular book just shattered all of that and fixed it without any problem at all. I actually teared up.

I'm not ashamed, even if this completely wrecks my badass image. This book is incredibly emotive and touching and I care about the characters so, so very much.

But enough yearning on main.

Bottom line: A book so good it broke me!

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pre-review

Going to stare at the wall for the next couple of hours

Review to come / 4.5 stars

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currently-reading updates

Can I still call myself a bookworm if it took me this long to read this?

I really need to figure that out. Maybe it doesn't matter as long as I'm still passionate about books.

The words "If [God] ever listened to poor colored women the world would be a different place." carry a profound truth. Black existence, unfortunately, has often been forced to be revolutionary. And until there are systemic changes, this will continue to be the case.

The story of "The Color Purple" is centered around a woman's awakening. Celie, born into a misogynistic and prejudicial world, endures abuse as a constant companion. However, she shows remarkable resistance. She clings tightly to her sister, to her attractions and desires, and to her eagerness to learn. Hope, in her case, is a many-faceted thing that keeps her going.

The struggle of existing outside the status quo would be an almost unbearable weight for White men and women. Just imagine the strength of those who face it every single day. And yet, they still possess the willpower to write a book like this and present it to us so bluntly.

Even as tired as they are, they manage to sing! Their voices rise above the hardships, carrying with them the power of hope and the potential for change. It is a testament to their indomitable spirit and a call to action for the rest of the world to listen and make the necessary systemic changes.

4.5****

Everything wants to be loved. Us sing and dance and holler, just trying to be loved.

This was an incredibly beautiful book. In it, we get to view life through the eyes of Celie. At the start, Celie is told and believes that she is nothing but an illiterate, ugly, and poor girl. All she has to get her through the beginning of her life is her deep love for her sister and the joy she finds in education.

As we progress through the book, we watch as Celie writes letters to God and her sister Nettie. These letters offer Celie a glimmer of hope as she details her difficult life with Mr_, her brutal childhood, her unwavering love for her sister, her encounters with the charismatic Shrug Avery, and some other amazing female characters. Especially Sofia - her story truly broke my heart!

We are witnesses to Celie's life through her eyes, experiencing a mix of heart-warming moments and numerous accounts of tragedy and brutality. Celie endures a great deal of suffering in this book, including domestic abuse and loss. However, there are also tender and happy moments.

We see how Celie is oppressed and mistreated by others due to her race, gender, and the fact that she is poor and illiterate. Despite these dark moments, we also see the lighter side, especially when she finds hope and happiness in love, female companionship, and sisterhood.

This book also features interesting conversations on what it means to be black, poor, female, and illiterate. There are discussions on belief and religion, cultural beliefs and practices regarding women (both American and African), and topics such as polygamy, female pleasure, and sexuality.

I loved reading this book, despite the emotional impact of some of the hard-hitting and unfair moments in Celie's life. I really enjoyed the multiple topics that emerged in the book (as mentioned in the above paragraph) and seeing Celie explore them. This was a captivating and moving read that I will likely revisit in the future. It is a must-read.

Why any woman give a shit what people think is a mystery to me.