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cover
2.5 

Title: Color Purple, The
Authors: Walker, Alice
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 294
Year: 1982
Language: English
Description: Set in the deep American South between the wars, it is the tale of Celie, a young black girl born into poverty and segregation. Raped repeatedly by the man she calls 'father', she has two children taken away from her, is separated from her beloved sister Nettie and is trapped into an ugly marriage. But then she meets the glamorous Shug Avery, singer and magic-maker - a woman who has taken charge of her own destiny. Gradually, Celie discovers the power and joy of her own spirit, freeing her from her past and reuniting her with those she loves. [Taken from book cover - Orion Books]

Comments from Groups:

All members agreed it was an outstanding novel. We had a very in-depth discussion regarding sexual, racial and religious oppression. Palmerston North 012

We all enjoyed this book very much , and found the 'letter form' interesting - it was a good way of really getting 'inside' the character from the beginning. Pahiatua 001

We had extreme views - we either loved it or disliked it. No in-betweens! Important content, and good discussion had. Christchurch 282

A remarkable book. We thought the epistolary style suited the material very well. The characters were multi-faceted and interesting.It raised so many social issues - race, gender, sexuality and oppression. One member summed it up as "harrowing but hopeful'. Dunedin 029

Very mixed opinions from our group. some didn't like the writing style and found the book depressing. others thought the opposite: strength in in women and how they stick together. Matamata 002

Categories: Fiction, Culture/Ethnic/Racial, Historical, USA, America, Blind Low Vision library

Reviews

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By: PALMN 001 2022-08-16 11:45:54
4.5 
Very good discussion of an interesting book.

By: AUCK 335 2022-06-09 14:33:33
4 
Most of us had read this book when it was first published but enjoyed reading it again. We thought it painted a graphic and disturbing picture of racism in the past which has led to the present state of race relations in the US.

By: AUCK 420 2019-11-07 20:52:58
2.5 
An enjoyable read going into the various relationships, romantic and platonic, and how they evolve through the book.

 
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