|
| |||||||||||
What are readers saying about The Color Purple?
|
A Reader posted a review at 2011-07-26 12:35:40.
(Language: English)
 
One of the best books ever in my opinion. I loved the movie and as usual the book is even better.
|
Yes (0) 
No (0) |
|
A Reader posted a review at 2010-01-24 04:19:59.
(Language: English)
i wonder who has not yet read this book or seen the movie. as great a movie it was, i loved the book more. i especially like the talks with god and the part in the beginnings of the book talk about god and what he looks like, the racial context of it and the innocent and potent sentiment of it all. if you're white you can find god on your box of grits. lol... this not the statement but if you read it i hope you can see this for what it means. i love alice walker
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-07-22 11:52:59.
(Language: English)
I could not be more enthusiastic about this book; it is completely and utterly wonderful and brilliant and everyone should read it. It's set in in the southern US during the 1930s, focussing on a deprived black woman, Celie. It's not for the faint-hearted: written in the form of letters from Celie to God the first documents her incestuous rape by her Pa. From this heartbreaking start it shows Celie becoming a stronger person through the support of other women, and from dark beginnings it becomes a story about hope and faith (but certainly not in a preachy way, I would have run a mile!).
|
|
Shes posted a review at 2011-01-18 11:24:41.
(Language: English)
Powerful, real, haunting book. The things that happen in the story are shocking to many, and easy for the reader to write off as just fiction. However, I found it to be so impactful because as a former social service worker, so much of the story is real in too many people's lives. Not the era or the specific abuses, but definitely the trauma. Well written, tastefully done, as much as can be with such a strong subject.
|
|
Mykee's posted a review at 2010-04-09 07:05:21.
(Language: English)
Dear God, That is how the story begun how Celie confide her worries to someone greater than her we all call God. The first letter written by Celie to him was full of hurt which in turn made her a strong woman. Celie is an epitome of patience and strength. Just as she said when she is beaten by her daddy or by her husband Mr. ------ she thinks of herself as tree so she won’t feel anything. She did not realize that for her to think of herself as a tree she grew and grew and grew with strength, patience and wisdom. I thought at first that the novel was about the classic story of slavery but I was wrong. It still has the thought of slavery but within the backyard of the black people. Men mistreat their woman just because she is more than that because she is a black woman. How hard life can it be to be in Celie’s shoes? Very hard but very inspiring indeed. Her journey will bring her to meet different people especially women like her which will help her to grow and change for the better. As what Shug Avery (Celie’s friend) told her which for me one of the essences of the story is: “God is inside you and inside everybody else. You come into the world with God. But only them that search for it inside find it. And sometimes it just manifest itself even if you not looking, or don’t know what you looking for. Trouble do it for most folks, I think. Sorrow, lord. Feeling shit.” This novel empowers not only women but for anyone who is open to grow as a person. I give this novel a five out of five.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2008-01-25 02:44:14.
(Language: English)
Make a patchwork quilt and your life will be saved. Knit together the fragments of your memories and your old clothes, and not only will the resulting material exonerate you from the allegations of sexual incontinence with your niece and nephew's "father", whom you marry once his wife is dead, although she is not the children's mother, but also prove your genetic link to said nephew and niece, whose mother you kind of become untill they are in their 30s and you return them to their real mother, your sister. You will inherit a house from a man who is not your father, lose a house built of mud and no one will read your letters until years after you wrote them, but once they are found, they are put into reading order by the woman who is having sex with your sister as well as with your sister's husband - the man who tried to rape you before you left for Africa with the children who come back still as children despite being in their 30s, and the man who becomes your husband and his wife before she died.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-03-21 02:27:13.
(Language: English)
I'd been meaning to read this for a while, but just never had the time really. I don't know. So, I started. I was FLOORED when on the first page she began talking about rape, etc. Alice Walker took NO time easing you into the plot - she allows you to belly flop. I read this in two days, I simply couldn't put it down. The story is so sad, yet compelling. I just wanted to keep reading and reading. I love this novel because it does a great job of explaining the value of family, love, and friendship. Sofia is my favorite chracter. The language is a little difficult to get used to as first, considering the point-of-view is from a highly uneducated young African American girl, but it's easy to understand after the first few pages. Classic that can't be passed up!
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-12-20 01:31:03.
(Language: English)
This is one of the best stories I have ever read. The story of a woman who seems to have no rights whatsoever and manages to get out of the hell she lives in with the help of others but mainly by being very strong herself. Alice Walker received the well-deserved Pulitzer price for this in 1983. If you haven't read this book you certainly have heard about it or watched the movie (which is also very good, by the way). The story includes everything, joy and pain, family, religion, violence, rape, destruction, resurrection, racism, poverty. The book starts when the main character, Celie, is fourteen. She lives with her mother, sister and stepfather. She is treated badly, ends in a bad marriage where she is treated even worse and nothing seems to be good for her, ever. I liked the way Celie developed from a little girl into a strong, independent woman, the love for her sister, her search for her children. She seems a very likeable person who has to endure so much and always stands up again. Apparently, Alice Walker used a lot of her own life in this novel, described personal experience. Maybe that's the reason it seems so true.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2010-04-27 08:12:04.
(Language: English)
THE COLOR PURPLE is a heart-rending story of loss, hardship and redemption told through letters lost and found. Simple but powerful story of an insignificant young black woman who is trampled but rises in glory to rewrite her own amazing story. Alice Walker's triumph of the human spirit was made into a beautiful movie starring Whoopie Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey and Danny Glover that was too concerned about being mainstream to include the lesbian implications of the original book.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2007-08-31 04:34:34.
(Language: English)
I began this collection of letters feeling quite sick by the nature of the Celie's situation & heartbroken that this is the way people are sometimes treated. Her bravery & relationship with God, her admirable strength & courage helped me to not focus on the abuse she suffered & I was soaked in her hope for better things to eventuate. Initially I was put off by the writing style but soon I just heard Celie's voice & she became more endearing to me with every page- I couldn't put it down towards the last half as I just wanted to know! So much to celebrate in this story, the honesty in the characters & the simple pleasures in life & love... & bits of history, which I only had a vague notion about, came to light through the letters from Nettie. So many people you would feel privileged to know... Sofia's no-nonsense, determined self-belief, Shug's warmth & charisma... & you can't help but love Celie!
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2007-12-30 11:22:39.
(Language: English)
The Color Purple is an acclaimed 1982 epistolary novel by American author Alice Walker. It received the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award. It was later adapted into a film and musical of the same name. Taking place mostly in rural Georgia, the story focuses on female African - American life during the 1930's in southern America, addressing the numerous issues in the black female life, including their exceedingly low position in black social culture. Because of the novel's sometimes explicit content, particularly in terms of violence, it has been the frequent target of censors and appears on the American Library Association list of the 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of 1990-2000 at number eighteen. Origins of the title The title derives from a discussion between Celie and Shug about faith. Describing what God does to please people, Shug says, "I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it." After Celie asks what God does in response to this obliviousness, Shug replies that he creates something else people will see, because God just wants to be loved. The discussion leads to the rekindling of Celie's faith, despite years of abuse and neglect. Film and theatrical adaptations Main articles: The Color Purple (film) and The Color Purple (musical) The novel was adapted into a film of the same name in 1985. It was directed by Steven Spielberg and stars Whoopi Goldberg as Celie, Danny Glover as "Mr. ___", and Oprah Winfrey as Sofia. Though nominated for 11 Academy Awards, it did not win any. This perceived snubbing ignited some controversy because many critics considered it the best picture that year,[2] including Roger Ebert.[3] Others were upset by the film's depiction of the black male as abusive, uncaring, and disloyal. Other critics felt that Steven Spielberg was a poor choice for such a complex drama and that the film had changed or eliminated much of the book's defense of lesbianism. On December 1, 2005, a musical adaptation of the novel opened at the Broadway Theater in New York City. The show was produced by Oprah Winfrey and garnered five 2006 Outer Critics Circle Award nominations, including Outstanding Broadway Musical and Outstanding New Score. That same year, the show was nominated for eleven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Original Score Written for the Theater, and Best Leading Actress in a Musical (LaChanze). LaChanze did win the Tony Award, though the show itself won no other awards. LaChanze's win was attributed to the variety of roles for which she had garnered positive attention, as well as for a powerful backstory. In April 2007 American Idol star LaToya London was cast for the role of Nettie. She's scheduled to stay on the production until January 2008. Quite enjoyable for those who love drama.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2007-07-19 12:06:52.
(Language: English)
My absolute favorite Book, Movie and Musical. The use of language was just pure genius...I agree. I first picked this book up when I was 12 or 13 and keep it at the top of my bookshelf in case I feel the need to curl up and read again. If you have not read this book....read it- what are you waiting for?! Lord knows if you haven't seen the movie, you can borrow one from me! Lastly, if you have not been to see the Musical on Broadway or in Chicago....treat yourself and be prepared to enjoy the best Broadway has to offer. The book truly came to life the 1st time I saw this Musical on Broadway, the 2nd time it was purely for the GREAT voices and LOVE for the characters. "The Color Purple" has truly changed my life....I want to see it just one more time. I saw it twice, so no doubt it was great and I am currently planning a 3rd trip.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2008-08-14 01:17:11.
(Language: English)
the starting was a shock. thought i would get over it. But alas, i did not. it kept on getting harder and harder for 'Celie'. the Writing style was very original. it makes u know the characters very intimately. it made me realize that...we r all looking for ways to make our lives better in this way and that..and we forget that there are so many ppl out there on this same earth..sharing the same sky..who are so oblivious to our existence or our way of life. they r so simple yet this doesn't mean that their world is not equally filled with Happenings!Cecile's life was hard and tough but she survived. so what if it came a bit to late in her life..it came...atleast =)...it was truly a good read
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2008-04-03 08:09:58.
(Language: English)
I think Celie's story is one of resillience, strength and hope. To come through what she did and end up the kind of human being she became was truly awe inspiring.Whilst it doesn't excuse the behaviours, I believe it to be a vividly accurate portrayal of many men's behaviours in marginalised societies. Because this DOES happen in many of them today. You don't like the book for the scenes described in the early part..... well look at what is happening in many parts of your own country and try and help, not condemnI say Amen to Alice Walker's insightful writings and for the wonderful way she helped us hear Celie's voice in so many ways
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2008-06-23 10:32:13.
(Language: English)
Es un libro muy sencillo y muy facil de leer, es uno de los libros que deberian recomendar en los institutos, aunque tiene puntos de erotismo.Me gustó mucho, aunque me habian hablado tan bien de el que me esperé mucho, y no es que esté mal, solo que yo me esperaba que iba a llorar más.Lo mejor:Lo que más me gustó es cuando ella se revela con su marido. Mr _______ (que no entiendo porque no ponen su nombre en el libro, aunque despues sepamos que se llama Albert.Lo peor:Que no se aclara si Nettie recibe las cartas de Celie, nunca se llega a saber, yo creo que no.Frases favoritas:Me impresiona mucho la capacidad que tiene Celie para perdonar a Mr _______. Y lo bien que se llevan despues
|
|
|
nicolle posted a review at 2011-05-27 09:11:31.
(Language: English)
Tears streamed down my face as I finished this classic novel. So many emotions as I read it in the sixth grade.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2011-06-10 04:24:13.
(Language: English)
Set text on A210 for the Literature and Gender module, can easily see why it won a Purlitzer Prize, it's an incredibly intense novel, without any real trace of sentimentality which manages to present Nature as God in a similar way to Romantic Poetry. Visceral in places, but full of images of beauty and freedom and an ending that will make you cry. Love it
|
|
Allie posted a review at 2009-06-19 08:24:05.
(Language: English)
I must be one of the few negative reviewers here! I had to read this book for a uni course but it isn't really my type of thing. Full of cliches - the nasty kind of men, the obviously 'strong' women (Shug/Sofia), and the women who are quietly strong (Celie/Squeak). The saccharine happy ending for everyone is another issue I have with the novel - even the abusive Albert miraculously changes for the better which isn't particularly realistic in abusive men!! It probably would have been quite shocking for its time but sadly I was left wondering what the fuss is about this book.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2010-11-28 01:16:52.
(Language: English)
I've been wanting to read this for a long time, and I'm surprised that a book written in 1979 still has so much poignancy today. The protagonist in this novel is what makes this truly a great read--the author is really able to capture with such sensitivity the true emotions and sentimentality of a young girl who really blossoms into a remarkable woman. The Color Purple deals with controversial themes, and has a strong feminist overtones that may have been typical of the late 70s and early 80s. I'm not undermining the struggles of the women in this novel, but this is only one of the subtle signs this book was written in another era. Very uplifting, very moving, and always relevant--The Color Purple is a powerful read.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2008-08-14 12:51:12.
(Language: English)
What an interesting read!Once I got into the style of this (the shock of not reading ‘proper’ English was quite high at first!) I loved this book. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me think … I really recommend this book to anyone who wants to get inside the heart, mind and soul of an African American woman (and her sister) in the years prior to WW2 and when segregation was – sadly – the way of life for all in the deep south USA.The book is a series of letters – thought they are more like journal entries really (not that dissimilar to a blog –without comments!) – firstly Celie writes to God, then there are letters to her from her sister. In the middle of the book, Celie stops writing to God and addresses the letters to her sister Nettie instead.What I found most interesting however was Celie, Nettie and Shug’s view of God /the Bible and church … which mostly comes in/after the middle of the bookWhat God do for me? I astShug say, Celie! Like she shock. He gave you life, good health, and a good woman that love you to death.Yeah I say, and he give me a lynched daddy, a crazy mama, a lowdown dog of a step pa and a sister I probably won’t even see again. Anyhow, I say, the God I been praying and writing to is a man. And act just like all the other mens I know. Trifling, forgitful, and lowdown. (p164)There’s also a lot of speculation about God being white or not … e.g. Nettie’s musings on why it is that people have an image of God being white “the Bible says that Jesus Christ had hair like lamb’s wool. Lamb’s wool is not straight, Celie. It isn’t even curly” (p113) and Shug’s admission that there “ain’t no way to read the bible and not think God white, she say. Then she sigh. When I found out I thought God was white and a man, I lost interest. “ (p166)What was also very interesting to read were the accounts of what happened to indigenous populations / tribes in Africa (through the eyes of Celie’s sister) because of the new roads, the planting of rubber and other cash crops and the war effort. We have a lot to answer for – we really do.BTW If you want to know why the book is called The Colour Purple – you need to go to page 167. I won’t spoil it here.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-09-09 03:39:07.
(Language: English)
I first read this as a child and was instantly awestruck and have been ever since. Now 20 years later, it still chokes me up. A literary masterpiece. A voice for women, the down-trodden or oppressed or the uninspired. I have read everthing by Alice Walker (including interviews) but nothing, no matter how good, has had such a longlasting profound effect. The characters jump off the page and embed themselves in the psyche like all good books should. A gifted writer and poet, the plaudits are well deserved.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2007-07-26 10:07:15.
(Language: English)
The Color Purple is one of my favourites! I first came across this when I was studying my A level English Literature many moons ago and it was one of the set books that we were to be examined on. From the very beginning of this story I was hooked, wonderfully written from a childs point of view in America's Deep South in diary form to God and of the black slave trade origins, this is a story of a young black girl who was abused by her father and then "sold" and forced to get married to an abusive man who she calls Mr________ A story of love and hope in the aftermath of her abuse, and the neverending desire to see her beloved sister again. Well worth a read and the film is fantastic.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2011-07-14 03:25:29.
(Language: English)
love it
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2007-11-10 03:12:17.
(Language: English)
This is for Marti Thomas: The English they use is used that way to create a certain mood. A mood in which you clearly failed to comprehend. She was not a lesbian and I'll explain that one. All her life she was treated with disrespect...she never knew what it truly meant to be loved.. so the first person who came along and gave her the love she wanted and needed, she fell in love. Every human has sexual needs and desires. Seeing as Shug was the one she fell in love with, it was only natural to have these desires for her. The way she was treated by men was totally inappropriate and that is the reason why she is so cold towards them. " ...her whole idea of God is totaly messed up." How can you be so sure. God has a plan for everyone. Nobody knows if the bible has any truth in it. Until you have that proof, take your negative feedback elsewhere.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-01-24 04:17:03.
(Language: English)
This book is incredible, from start to finish. The first time I read this I couldn't put it down. I was fascinated and appalled at her father and her husbands behaviour to their own kind. I thought it was just the white man that had it in for them, not so and what an eye opener. What a hard emotional life for some one so young to live through for years. The story gives quite a picture of the deep South, but the story and the people in the story is so strong and fascinating.A great read.
|
Share your views!
