The Color Purple, by Alice Walker

A much underestimated Classic, one that everyone should read… At least once!

Synopsis: It’s a tale of a woman’s journey from an abusive and degrading life to independence and self realization.

You can also check out Goodreads for a detailed synopsis.

Review:

Like most books in my collection, I have had this for quite some time now and well, it just happened to be the first book that I could reach on the shelf (suffering from a bout of flu and severe asthma, I have absolutely no energy to do anything more than reading)…started reading it and just couldn’t stop!

I’m not much of a classics fan, but this book surely deserves to be applauded and appreciated. In few simple words…this book is all about the family dynamics of domestic violence and pathologies, about the situation of the beleaguered communities both within their families and inside their communities, the condition of black females and the abuse they are often subjected to and have to deal with, of how misogyny exists even within the so-called ‘civilized’ White households in the urban areas, beautifully emphasizes and portrays sisterhood and female friendships…it talks about despair, hope, faith, strength, redemption…all of it within its 261 pages.

The author, Alice Walker, enchantingly captures all of the above in just the right words…not a single more or less. This book will touch you at the deepest level of your being and if it does not do so, then maybe nothing ever affects you. The characters, the portrayals, the situations, the circumstances, the fight for reclaiming self and freedom, all comes across in an honest and believable fashion. While the book evokes deep feelings within you, hits you hard…it also affirms faith in possibility, in a better tomorrow, in forgiveness, in kindness and in hope.

It’s a haunting book, but beautifully written and tells of a story that will stay with you for a long time to come.

A must read for all!

But maybe above 16 years … Because there is talk of incestuous rape, a vivid discussion of sex and intercourse in some places and the exploration of a lesbian relationship between two female characters.