The Color Purple by Alice Walker is a difficult novel to read; it begins with a recounting of the main character Celie being sexually assaulted and raped by her father figure. This novel can be difficult for those who have a history with sexual assault, but that doesn’t make this novel any less important to read.
Celie’s story of reclaiming her sexuality and independence is so moving that Oprah Winfrey has promoted it in many different ways over the years, including starring in the 1985 Steven Spielberg adaptation and co-producing other adaptations of the novel. This journey is one that only gets better as you delve deeper into the novel, as the community around Celie grows with her literacy and independence.
Further, this novel talks about social stigmas and the growing rise of independence in women as we follow Shug Avery, a self-made entertainer who takes men and women to bed at her leisure; Sofia, a woman with a short temper toward the privileged women in her community who relies on her strength and hyper-independence to prevent her husband from beating her; and Mary Agnes, a timid woman who finds her voice and stands up to her husband’s belittlement due to the women in her life uplifting her.
Overall, I would caution victims of sex crimes to read at their own risk, but I would encourage everyone to read this book at some point in their lifetime. With two screen adaptations, this story has clearly captured the attention of many people who feel it has to be told. Celie’s story is one of feminism, sexual discovery, recovery, and hope, and I would recommend it highly to those who want to read about the realness of being a woman.
Get the book! Check out The Color Purple by Alice Walker at BMCC’s Library, the New York Public Library, the Brooklyn Public Library, or the Queens Public Library.
About the author The author prides themself on honoring the effort of the many amazing authors who came before them. They write, “I believe that these words should support the authors they speak about on their own.”
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