Parents' Guide to

The Color Purple

By Kenneth Butler, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Edgy tale of poor, abused woman's journey to independence.

Book Alice Walker Coming of Age 1982
The Color Purple Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 13+

Based on 2 parent reviews

clarence
clarence Adult
August 6, 2015
age 14+

This title has:

Too much sex
SerenityFish
SerenityFish Parent
November 11, 2014
age 12+

Possibly the Best Descision I've Ever Made

I had no idea what I was in for that fateful day when I picked this book off of the shelf. It's a classic in every sense of the word, and ahead of its time. I think that every aspect of this is amazingly and accurately written and it is perfect. I highly recommend this. The content may be challenging, as it's a dense book with lots of meaning to it. In fact, it took me two reads to fully comprehend its meaning and even still with each read I gain something new.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In rural Georgia in the 1930s, 14-year-old Celie is an uneducated African American girl who is sexually abused and impregnated twice by her father. In desperation, she starts writing letters to God. Her father eventually marries her off to a man Celie refers to only as "Mr.," who really wanted to marry Celie's prettier sister, Nettie. After Nettie escapes her father's house and runs to Celie's, Mr. tries to force himself on her, and Nettie runs away and is presumed dead. Mr.'s mistress, Shug Avery, a beautiful blues singer, comes to stay at their house and Celie finds herself sexually attracted to her. Soon Celie and Shug discover a bunch of Nettie's letters -- which Mr. has kept hidden from her for years -- describing her life among missionaries in Africa. The story is told in alternating letters from Celie and Nettie, showing each sister's evolution and charting Celie's journey of self-discovery toward happiness and independence.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (8 ):

THE COLOR PURPLE gives a vivid, wrenching portrayal of the harsh circumstances and limited opportunities of poor, uneducated African American women in the South before the civil rights movement. It also chronicles a woman's inspiring journey from abuse to independence and self-actualization. The novel was a bestseller when it came out in 1982, has continued to sell well ever since, and is sometimes assigned in high school, although it has been the consistent target of censors due to its mature content, including sex, violence, and strong language. Steven Spielberg's 1985 film version was popular with critics and audiences alike, earning 11 Academy Award nominations, including one for Best Picture. And a 2005 Broadway musical versions earned 11 Tony Award nominations in 2006.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how gender roles and opportunity for people of color have changed in the years since the novel took place (1910-1940). How different are things today?

  • How do the white characters, such as Miss Millie, appear condescending through supposed kindness to African Americans?

  • Why might Celie have been more drawn to a romantic and sexual relationship with a woman than a man?

Book Details

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