Friday, December 31, 1982

Alice Walker's The Color Purple published this year

First posted 6/16/2020; updated 7/5/2020.

The Color Purple

Alice Walker

First Publication: 1982


Category: novel about race


Sales: ?

Accolades:

About the Book:

“This is the story of two sisters – one a missionary in Africa and the other a child wife living in the South – who sustain their loyalty to and trust in each other across time, distance, and silence. Beautifully imagined and deeply compassionate, this classic novel of American literature is rich with passion, pain, inspiration, and an indomitable love of life.” AZ

“Published to unprecedented acclaim, The Color Purple established Alice Walker as a major voice in modern fiction.” AZ The San Francisco Chronicle called it “a work to stand beside literature of any time and place.” AZ The Nation wrote that it “places Walker in the company of Faulkner.” AZ and the New York Times Book Review called her “a lavishly gifted writer.” AZ

In his New York Times review, Mel Watkins said, “The cumulative effect is a novel that is convincing because of the authenticity of its folk voice…a striking and consummately well-written novel. Alice Walker’s choice and effective handling of the epistolary style has enabled her to tell a poignant tale of women's struggle for equality and independence.” BN

The book was adapted into a film and musical of the same name. WK


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