A Simple Take on “The Color Purple”
An empowering tale of surviving
Guess what? I finally wrapped up The Color Purple.
I’ve been wrestling with a pesky reading slump for the past couple of months, unable to start or finish anything. (My goal was to conquer this book before December, thanks to the upcoming movie adaptation!)
Last night (09/09/23), luck had it that sleep eluded me, and I ended up devouring the entire book. It’s now pushing 2 am here, and while it’s frustrating to be wide awake, it’s also a rare treat to have such a great book to keep me company during these restless nights.
And you know what? I’m so grateful for it. Sometimes these late-night reading binges are just what we need to shake off those reading slumps. I’ve got that renewed bookworm energy, and I’m ready to dive into something fresh!
Now, let’s dive into the review!
Important notes
The Color Purple written by Alice Walker was published by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich in 1982.
- Page count: 286
- Format: Paperback (reprint)
- Main genres: Literary fiction, Epistolary novel, and Domestic fiction
- Trigger Warning: This content contains explicit sexual content, instances of rape, incest, sexism, and violence against women.
- My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
- How I acquired the book:
Plot Summery and opinions
So, The Color Purple by Alice Walker, it’s an incredibly gripping novel that’s all set in rural Georgia during the early 20th century. The story revolves around Celie, a young African American woman who’s been through years of sexual abuse and oppression, first by her stepfather and later by her husband. What’s unique is that Celie pours her heart out in letters, but not to anyone you’d expect, just to God.
Alright, so even though this novel does have beauty and heartbreaking moments, it isn’t an easy read. Yes, it’s about sisterhood, womanhood, and redemption, but it also dwells into some difficult topics like race, abuse, identity, family, religion, and sexuality.
When reading the first letter, I could already feel Celie’s pain, and I became hooked right away. We find out that she is just 14 years old, has been through some awful stuff with the man she thought was her father.
“You better not never tell nobody but God. It’d kill your mammy.
DEAR GOD,
I am fourteen years old. I am I have always been a good girl. Maybe you can give me a sign letting me know what is happening to me.” (p.1).
Now, as Celie’s life unfolds, her younger sister Nettie mysteriously vanishes, and they lose touch for over three decades. Celie’s left all alone, dealing with her husband’s abuse and the heavy burden of raising her stepchildren. But it’s the relationships she forms with women in her community that really give her strength. There’s Sofia, this fiercely independent woman, and then there’s Shug Avery, a mysterious blues singer. These connections become her lifeline.
Then, out of the blue, Celie stumbles upon a treasure trove of letters hidden by her husband — letters from Nettie. She decides to switch gears and starts writing to Nettie instead of God. Through these letters, Celie unravels the mystery of her sister’s whereabouts and the fate of her own long-lost children.
“Dear Celie,
I know you think I am dead. But I am not. I had been writing to you too, over the years, but Albert said you’d never hear from me again, and since I never heard from you all this time, I guess he was right…” (p. 116)
After reading the first couple of letters, Celie is in tears. Her sister is alive and well, and has found her children.
“Dear God,
What with being shock, crying and blowing my nose, and trying to puzzle out words us don’t know, it took a long time to read just the first two or three letters.” (p. 143).
Soon the book goes back and forth between letters from Celie and Nettie. And even though they spend time apart in the novel, their sisterly bond shines through in the most heartwarming way.
Through Celie’s journey, we witness her transformation, as she discovers her own strength, voice, and identity. She stands up to her step father and husband, finally finding her voice.
“You a lowdown dog is what’s wrong, I say. It’s time to leave you and enter into Creation. And your dead body just the welcome mat I need.
Say what? he ast. Shock.
You took my sister Nettie away from me, I say. And she was the only person love me in the world.”
I really enjoyed this part of the book. Celie’s transformation, where she stands up to her husband and embarks on a journey to happiness by starting her own pant-making business and forming new friendships, was inspiring. Although she eventually forgives Albert in the end, it’s important to acknowledge that his treatment of her was truly terrible and not something that should be easily forgiven.
The story concludes with Celie finding contentment in her life:
“But I don’t think we feel old at all. And we’re so happy. Matter of fact, I think this is the youngest we’ve ever felt.” (P. 286).
My Takeaway of the Novel’s Representation
The Color Purple, vividly depicts the challenges faced by African Americans in the early 1900s, especially women, as they confronted racism and hardships in their daily lives. Celie’s story delves deep into the tough experiences of black women in a world dominated by men, highlighting their oppression and limited agency.
What I adore about this book is how it illuminates the incredible connections that women can forge. Celie’s friendships with Sofia and Shug Avery serve as lifelines for her, exemplifying the power of women uplifting one another.
Personal growth and resilience are central themes. Celie’s transformation from a timid and abused soul into a strong, confident person is inspiring. It underscores the importance of bouncing back and growing, even in the face of life’s greatest challenges.
Celie’s letters to God reflect her quest for something higher and her journey to find her own voice, emphasizing how spirituality and self-expression can facilitate healing and self-discovery.
Nettie’s letters from Africa provide a glimpse into a different world, offering insights into African culture and its connection to African American heritage, reminding us of the sisters’ roots.
The book explores love in all its forms — romantic love, queerness relationships, friendship, and self-love. It also delves into the idea that people can find redemption and forgiveness, even in the face of life’s harshest trials.
To those who have read the novel, what is your takeaway? What was your favorite moment from the story? Which characters were your favorites?
Anyway, I highly recommend this book if you haven’t read it yet. It’s a beautiful narrative, and its portrayal of family bonds is truly heartwarming.
Now, as for other book recommendations, I’d be delighted to suggest some! I know you’ve got a few ideas in mind, but it’s always great to explore new options. What genres or themes are you interested in, or do you have any preferences I should consider when making recommendations?
Anyway, do you have any other book recommendations I can check out next? I have some ideas on what to read, but I’d love to hear from you as well!
