Reviews

Oh my goodness, what a book. I tried to read this book my freshman year of college--one of my friends let me borrow it--but I only got a few pages in before I had to stop. I just wasn't ready for it back then. This time around, I was able to get through it with ease, despite the horrible things that happen to the main character in the first bit of the book. God, what an emotional read. I was worried I would have to take breaks because of how heavy it was at times, but I flew through this in just a few hours today.
The main character, Celie, just broke my heart. This book reminded me of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings at times, because she was so young when those horrible things happened to her and she didn't completely understand them. But this book was just such a revealing one, an eye-opener to a completely different life than my own, and I learned so many things from it. The most prominent of those is just the utter lack of education for young girls at that time period. It shocks me to know how little they are taught, not just about their bodies but also history (though that part is easier to believe because I am well acquainted with the education system in America, and I can only guess how different it was back then). I think the thing that shocked me into realizing this was when Nettie remarked in her letter that she had no idea her grandparents, her ancestors, were slaves. I had kind of forgotten what time period they lived in until then, but that brought me whooshing back.

Spoiler

One of the things that really surprised me about the book was Celie's relationship with Shug. I guess partly I didn't expect it because of the time period (though it makes so much sense for Celie to love a woman, based on what was done to her by the men in her life), but really I was surprised in a good way because if anyone deserves love, it is Celie. I was so upset when Shug left her towards the end. But speaking of endings, I absolutely loved the ending! It was just so perfect and just what both sisters deserved.

I also loved Nettie's portion of the story. It was totally different than what Celie was going through, but it added more to the story. This is sort of where I can really appreciate the book for showing such different aspects of life as a Black person. She showed several different sides: Black Americans growing up in poverty, Black Americans getting in touch with their African heritage, Africans and native Africans who are both trying to keep their culture (and village) alive while trying to adjust to the world white people keep forcing on them, and, towards the end, Black Americans struggling with racism and trying to get white people to understand things from their point of view. Mostly, though, it is about Black women and how for so long (and still today) they have been powerless. I did really like, though, those women who totally took a stand and refused to do anything less than what they wanted (even though it ended very badly for one, at one point). And goodness gracious, there was a lot of wives and husbands leaving one another for other people, then coming back, then leaving again. Honestly, some of the characters got around quite a bit. Also, I absolutely love how the title ends up in the book. I honestly have had the same thought sometimes about the color purple. I love little moments like that.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book and I'm so glad I picked it up again. I'm definitely going to recommend it to my students in the future. One last thing I have to say: I love her pants!!

leggendocosebelle's review against another edition

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hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

chelledude's review against another edition

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5.0

Honest and complex. It is harrowing tale of sisterhood and reunions. Highly Recommend.

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