• The Color Purple is a 1982 American novel written by Alice Walker. The book describes the struggles a young African-American girl had to face while growing up in rural Georgia during the 1930s.

• Fast Facts

  1. Author: Alice Walker
  2. Genre: Fiction
  3. Publication Date: 1982
  4. Publisher: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich
  5. Pages: 304
  6. ISBN 0151191530
  7. Awards/Distinctions: 1983 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, National Book Award
  8. Adaptations: 1985 Film, 2005 Play

• Plot Synopsis

  An epistolary novel, The Color Purple is told through various letters and diary entries written by 14-year-old Celie, the story's protagonist. A victim of abuse from both her stepfather and husband, Celie writes of regaining her sense of self-worth, and later the discovery of her sexuality.

  With a newfound feeling of empowerment, she eventually stands up to her husband, only known as "Mr. ___" in her writing, and leaves him, regaining independence by starting a successful business tailoring pants. She also reunites with her sister, Nettie, who Mr. ____ kept her apart from by hiding Nettie's letters.

• Critical Reception

  Though criticized for its occasional sexual content, The Color Purple was widely praised upon its release.

  In 1983, the novel received both the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award for Fiction.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  The Color Purple Quotes | Alice Walker | Oprah Winfrey | Whoopi Goldberg | Danny Glover | Pulitzer Prize | Georgia | Feminism | African Missionaries | Female Circumcision | Broadway | Fantasia Barrino

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