The Color Purple

Read the original inspiration for the new,boldly reimagined film from producers Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielbergstarring Taraji P. HensonDanielle Brooksand Fantasia Barrino. Celebrating its fortieth anniversaryThe Color Purple writes a message of healingforgivenessself-discoveryand sisterhood to a new generation of readers. An inspiration to authors who continue to give voice to the multidimensionality of Black women’s storiesincluding Tayari JonesHonorée Fanonne JeffersJesmyn Wardand moreThe Color Purple remains an essential read in conversation with storytellers today. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award A powerful cultural touchstone of modern American literatureThe Color Purple depicts the lives of African American women in early-twentieth-century rural Georgia. Separated as girlssisters Celie and Nettie sustain their loyalty to and hope in each other across timedistanceand silence. Through a series of letters spanning nearly thirty yearsfirst from Celie to Godthen from the sisters to each otherthe novel draws readers into a rich and memorable portrayal of Black women—their pain and strugglecompanionship and growthresilience and bravery. Deeply compassionate and beautifully imaginedThe Color Purple breaks the silence around domestic and sexual abuseand carries readers on an epic and spirit-affirming journey toward transformationredemptionand love. “Reading The Color Purple was the first time I had seen SouthernBlack women’s literature as world literature. In writing us into the world—bravelyunapologeticallyand honestly—Alice Walker has given us a gift we will never be able to repay.” —Tayari Jones “The Color Purple was what church should have beenwhat honest familial reckoning could have beenand it is still the only art object in the world by which all three generations of Black artists in my family judge American art.” —Kiese Laymon