"The Color Purple": A Review

By Shannon Hurston

I first read "The Colour Purple" in my early teens, and didn't truly understand this book. However, in my second go, I found solace in it.

Alice Walker's "The Color Purple" is a literary force that resonates with the echoes of oppression, resilience, and eventual triumph. The book centers around Celie, an African American woman in the American South during the early 20th century, and the book unfolds through a series of letters, spanning over several decades, written by Celie to God.

Through these intimate and confessional letters, the reader bears witness to Celie's life, beginning with her traumatic experiences of abuse and exploitation at the hands of her father and later her husband, known only as Mister. Celie then begins to write to Nettie, who was the only one who truly showed her love. Celie is sympathetic and forgiving, even throughout her circumstances.

At the heart of the novel is Celie's quest for selfhood and liberation, a journey that is profoundly shaped by her relationships with other women, particularly the vibrant and resilient Shug Avery. Shug becomes a catalyst for Celie's transformation, introducing her to a world beyond oppression and enabling her to discover her own strength and identity. The novel explores themes of sisterhood, love, and the redemptive power of female bonds.

"The Color Purple" is also a searing critique of systemic oppression, racism, and patriarchy. Walker confronts issues of sexism within the African American community, exposing the intersections of race and gender. The novel unflinchingly portrays the violence and degradation faced by Celie, offering a powerful commentary on the dehumanizing impact of social structures that perpetuate inequality.

Walker's characters are multidimensional and deeply human, each contributing to the broader tapestry of the novel, and as Celie finds her voice and asserts her agency, the reader is invited to bear witness to a symphony of liberation and empowerment that echoes through the ages.