Book Review
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
The Color Purple as a text for me, was a gently stunning read. It starts off with a sense of discomfiture and evokes endless anger combined with grief when the tale of Celie as a young teenager being raped by her father is depicted in the form of an epistolary novel, addressed to God in a lonely world. As the story progresses, the context comes into play of twentieth century Southern America facing the persistence of racism and gender roles. All of this shapes the independent journey of Celie as a protagonist, discovering herself slowly but gradually in a world that seems to be too full of sorrow with her estranged sister and children. As happiness becomes accessible with the advent of Shug Avery, the journey becomes spiritual and Celie's self-discovery imminent. I comprehend why this novel is esteemed in the way it is. Written at a time when queer literature wasn't reputable, it is iconic in how it showcases the power of female relationships and love. It was a harsh read, but worth it.