The Color Purple

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.

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.

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.

• • Please see Mahalo's Guide to The Color Purple Quotes
• SparkNotes: The Color Purple Important Quotes Explained
• BookRags: The Color Purple Quotes