This is a spectacular book, isn't it? As a white Australian reading this in 2016, I am so far removed from the world of the novel for it to be an anthropological text. Walker's literary skills are superb, leading the reader on despite the often disheartening subject matter. And I can't even explain the thrill that ran up my spine reading sister Nettie's letters about her intellectual awakening in Africa. A classic. ( )

easy to read ( )

I love books where the author is the narrator. Walker's voice made me think I was really listening to Celie and Nettie. So good. ( )

I went into this book thinking it was going to be so depressing, but it was surprisingly uplifting as the story went on, and explored cultural barriers in Africa as well as sexuality in America and the life of women of color at this time. There was always such a beautiful solidarity among the women in this book even when they felt threatened by each other, the eventually could come together on the bond of the struggles they had all faced. ( )

I first read The Color Purple back in the 1980s. I had forgotten how crowded this novel is. It is not just about Celie and Pa, Mr. —— and Shug Avery, even though those are the characters that make the biggest impression on a first reading. Rather, it contains many different characters and stories of African-American life in the 1930s-1940s. Some of these narratives work better than others. Nonetheless, the novel is well worth revisiting. ( )