In a world that too often seeks to silence the voices of women – especially Black women – Alice Walker’s seminal novel stands as a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of the Black female spirit.

I remember seeing the original movie with Whoopie Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey when I was a teenager, and it really moved me. Later, I watched the original tour of the Broadway musical and then saw a local, professional version of the remount here in Portland. And, of course, I watched the latest movie based on the musical; never have I not been moved by this story. I decided that it was finally time to read the novel thanks to a prompt on this year’s PopSugar reading challenge that asks that you read a book that was later developed into a musical. I read “Wicked” years ago and could have read it again, but I decided to go with this one instead, and I am so glad I did.

Through the eyes of unforgettable characters, Alice Walker weaves a compelling narrative that paints a vivid picture of the lived experiences of African American women in the early twentieth-century South. At the heart of the novel is the bond between sisters Celie and Nettie, separated at a young age but never separated in spirit.

Through a series of letters exchanged over twenty years, we witness the unwavering love and support they offer each other despite the trials and tribulations life throws their way. Celie’s letters – initially addressed to God as a means of coping with the abuse and oppression she endures at the hands of her father and then a local man known only as Mister that she is married off to – ultimately become a source of empowerment and self-discovery as she finds the strength to reclaim her voice and her agency. Nettie’s letters to Celie cover the time she spent in Africa as a missionary.

As the novel unfolds, we witness Celie’s journey from a voiceless and oppressed young woman to a self-assured and empowered individual who embraces her own worth and agency. Through her relationships with Shug Avery and Sofia, Celie learns to love and value herself, ultimately finding the strength to break free from the chains of her past and embrace a future full of possibility and hope.

The Color Purple is about many things, but at the heart of the novel is its nuanced portrayal of female relationships. From the sisterly bond between Celie and Nettie to the complex love affair between Celie and Shug Avery, Walker explores the many forms of love and companionship that sustain her characters and enable them to navigate a world that seeks to diminish their worth. Through the character of Sofia, a strong-willed woman who refuses to be silenced or subjugated, Walker highlights the power of resistance and self-assertion in the face of systemic oppression.

This novel is a powerful exploration of domestic violence, racism, sexism, and the legacy of slavery, but at its core, it is a story of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of love. Walker’s lyrical prose and vivid imagery bring to life the harsh realities of Celie’s world while also illuminating the moments of joy, friendship, and personal growth that sustain them in the face of adversity.

In its unflinching portrayal of the challenges faced by African American women in the South, The Color Purple is a searing and empathetic work that remains as relevant today as it was when it was first published. If you’ve seen either movie, you may feel as though it’s not necessary to read the book, but I’d strongly urge you to reconsider that decision. There is power in Walker’s words, and I loved making correlations between passages in the book and lyrics in the musical adaptation. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up. I alternated between reading and listening to this one. There’s an audible version narrated by Samira Wiley of “Orange is the New Black” and “The Handmaid’s Tale” that is amazing. Do yourself a favor and check out this American classic. You won’t regret it.