The Color Purple

An expression of love and humanity--the story of a poor, barely literate black woman in the rural South during the early decades of this century, and her struggle for independence. Contains mature material.

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'One of the most haunting books you could ever wish to read...it is stunning - moving, exciting, and wonderful' Lenny HenrySet 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.

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The Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that tells the story of two sisters through their correspondence. With a new Preface by the author.

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Celie is a poor black woman whose letters tell the story of 20 years of her life, beginning at age 14 when she is being abused and raped by her father and attempting to protect her sister from the same fate, and continuing over the course of her marriage to "Mister," a brutal man who terrorizes her. Celie eventually learns that her abusive husband has been keeping her sister's letters from her and the rage she feels, combined with an example of love and independence provided by her close friend Shug, pushes her finally toward an awakening of her creative and loving self.