Color Purple, The
Walker, Alice
Set in the deep American South between the wars, it is the tale of Celie, a young black girl born into poverty and segregation. Raped repeatedly by the man she calls 'father', she has two children taken away from her, is separated from her beloved sister Nettie and is trapped into an ugly marriage. But then she meets the glamorous Shug Avery, singer and magic-maker - a woman who has taken charge of her own destiny. Gradually, Celie discovers the power and joy of her own spirit, freeing her from her past and reuniting her with those she loves. [Taken from book cover - Orion Books]
Comments from Groups
All members agreed it was an outstanding novel. We had a very in-depth discussion regarding sexual, racial and religious oppression. Palmerston North 012 We all enjoyed this book very much , and found the 'letter form' interesting - it was a good way of really getting 'inside' the character from the beginning. Pahiatua 001 We had extreme views - we either loved it or disliked it. No in-betweens! Important content, and good discussion had. Christchurch 282 A remarkable book. We thought the epistolary style suited the material very well. The characters were multi-faceted and interesting.It raised so many social issues - race, gender, sexuality and oppression. One member summed it up as "harrowing but hopeful'. Dunedin 029 Very mixed opinions from our group. some didn't like the writing style and found the book depressing. others thought the opposite: strength in in women and how they stick together. Matamata 002
Pages
294
294
Year
1982
1982
Reviews
16-08-2022
Very good discussion of an interesting book.
09-06-2022
Most of us had read this book when it was first published but enjoyed reading it again. We thought it painted a graphic and disturbing picture of racism in the past which has led to the present state of race relations in the US.
07-11-2019
An enjoyable read going into the various relationships, romantic and platonic, and how they evolve through the book.