50 books to read before you die discussion

The Color Purple by Alice Walker is #36 on the 50 books to read before you die list and our group read for March 2020. This book is highly esteemed, a modern classic. What did you think of it?

I started listening to the audiobook of The Color Purple yesterday. It's narrated by the author which is great. I know a bit about what this book is about and went into it, not hesitant, but.. preparing to be devastated let's say. The intense, dark events of this story are in it from the beginning but already I'm captivated by these characters. I've just had the bit (minor spoilers) where Sofia confronts Celie about how C told Harpo to beat S. The conversation between those two, and the various emotions both go through in trying to comprehend how to act and be "strong" in cultures of abuse, definitely my favourite bit so far.

If you're thinking about reading The Color Purple, please do! I highly recommend the audiobook narrated by Alice Walker. The moment I mentioned in my last comment sort of sums up my favourite thing. This story revolves around the relationships between the women. The characters are vivid and so brilliant. I loved how the plot was approached too, with the letter format and the dual plot-line with Celie in America and Nettie in Africa.

I’ve gotten really into reading blurbs on books recently (as in the quotes from other authors or excerpts from reviews) and it was actually one of those that made me read this book. I was undecided and then I saw this from Benjamin Zephaniah - “The great irony about The Color Purple is that it transcends colour. To do that you have to be a magician or a genius...” That quote goes on to say this is one of the greatest books of all time. I'm always intrigued when I see a recommendation from Benjamin Zephaniah and that was so enthusiastic I couldn't resist.

And then this from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is beautiful & she says exactly what I thought (in far better words) “...I love that The Color Purple doesn't try to soften its blows but is also courageous enough to hold on to a wonderfully affirming faith in possibility, in forgiveness and kindness and hope."

Your enthusiasm has rubbed off on me and now I can't wait to listen to the audio of this book, unfortunately I have to wait till mid June for it to be available, so I'll be back then.