The Color Purple by Alice Walker

Synopsis (according to the waterstones website)

Set in the deep American south between the wars, this is the classic tale of Celie, a young poor black girl. Raped repeatedly by her father, she loses two children and then is married off to a man who treats her no better than a slave. She is separated from her sister Nettie and dreams of becoming like the glamorous Shug Avery, a singer and rebellious black woman who has taken charge of her own destiny. Gradually Celie discovers the support of women that enables her to leave the past behind and begin a new life.

What I Have To Say 

 A couple of years ago, I read this for my A level English Literature coursework. The first thing that I noticed about it was how it's written. The character is illiterate for most of the book and it's written in her voice. I know some people might find this off putting but it's really easy to get into. 

Some of the themes are quite dark so if you are particularly sensitive to books such as rape or child abuse then it might be better to read something else. If you're not then I would highly recommend this book, it's a wonderfully unique story of a black woman in post colonial times. It's about her life, hardships and how she copes with it all. 

 

In general, it is a really well written book.