the color purple
i’ve been known to pick up a pulitzer prize winner, struggle through a handful of pages, and then think to myself, “what does this silly prize committee know that i don’t?” not so with the color purple.
this book is startling in its genius. heartbreaking in its wanderings.
it’s written in two of my least favorite modes: letters and dialect. but, i have to admit, walker’s touch is magic. celie is so sharp. her wit and her eye can cut straight through a person. and because her letters are written to god and then her sister, her words take on nuance and depth that would be missing in a straight-up narrative. this celie woman will break your heart. her observations, despite her minimal education, are so bang on. [i would give you an example, but henry took a liking to my paperback copy and is currently taking a nap with it.]
i could not put this one down. amen to this book. amen.
ps - for the faint of heart, if the first page has you recoiling and sort of wrinkling your nose in horror, then do yourself a favor and put this one by and read something else instead.
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Oh yeah, the Color Purple is such a great book, and a great book that’s very accessible. And you’re right about Celie. That’s a character whose originality sticks with you over time.
The movie is a pretty good adaptation, too. The book is better — when isn’t the book better? — but it’s worth seeing.
Ok, I need some motivation to read Mahfouz’s book. I got a copy from the library last week or was it two weeks ago now. I read the first few pages and have not been able to make myself go back to it. Are you loving it? Am I missing out on something wonderful by letting this one go by the wayside?