Common Sense Media Review
Edgy tale of poor, abused woman's journey to independence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
THE COLOR PURPLE begins in rural Georgia in the 1930s, following 14-year-old Celie, an uneducated African American girl who's 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 whom 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 attracted to her. Soon Celie and Shug discover a bunch of Nettie's letters -- which Mr. has kept hidden 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?
Alice Walker offers a vivid, wrenching portrayal of the harsh circumstances and limited opportunities for poor, uneducated African American women in the early 1900s. The Color Purple 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, which includes sex, violence, and strong language. Steven Spielberg's 1985 film version was popular with critics and audiences alike, as was a 2005 Broadway musical version, which was adapted into another film in 2023.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how gender roles and opportunities for people of color have changed since the era in which The Color Purple takes place (1910–1940). How do main characters like Celie and Sofia show perseverance against obstacles like racism and sexism? How different are things today?
Why do Mr. and Harpo use violence against Celie and Sofia? By the end of the book, how have their attitudes toward violence changed? How did Celie and Sofia reveal their own courage against this violence?
How is Celie's relationship with Shug different from Celie's relationship with her husband? How does each relationship affect Celie's self-esteem and personal growth?
How did Celie's sister Nettie show her compassion for the people in the Olinka tribe?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Mariner Books
- Publication date : January 1, 1982
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 17
- Number of pages : 304
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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