The Color Purple

By: Alice Walker

Narrated by: Samira Wiley

Length: 8 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, this novel about a resilient and courageous woman has become a Broadway show and a cultural phenomenon.

A PBS Great American Read Top 100 Pick

Celie has grown up poor in rural Georgia, despised by the society around her and abused by her own family. She strives to protect her sister, Nettie, from a similar fate, and while Nettie escapes to a new life as a missionary in Africa, Celie is left behind without her best friend and confidante, married off to an older suitor, and sentenced to a life alone with a harsh and brutal husband.

In an attempt to transcend a life that often seems too much to bear, Celie begins writing letters directly to God. The letters, spanning 20 years, record a journey of self-discovery and empowerment guided by the light of a few strong women. She meets Shug Avery, her husband’s mistress and a jazz singer with a zest for life, and her stepson’s wife, Sofia, who challenges her to fight for independence. And though the many letters from Celie’s sister are hidden by her husband, Nettie’s unwavering support will prove to be the most breathtaking of all.

The Color Purple has sold more than five million copies, inspired an Academy Award-nominated film starring Oprah Winfrey and directed by Steven Spielberg, and been adapted into a Tony-nominated Broadway musical. Lauded as a literary masterpiece, this is the ground-breaking novel that placed Walker “in the company of Faulkner” (The Nation), and remains a wrenching - yet intensely uplifting - experience for new generations of listeners.

©1982 Alice Walker (P)2020 Audible, Inc.

Fantastic Read

My favorite book and movie, well done! reading it again. thank you. most entertaining yea.

Classic

Never get tired of listening to this story, reading the book or watching the movie. Love, love love it all.

Stunning performance.

A landmark in literature and a heartbreakingly passionate performance by Samira Wiley. Outstanding in every way, this is an audio book for all audio books to be judged against.

Amazing book and narrator

What an unbelievably beautiful narration of a classic! I wish Samira Wiley could win an Oscar for her narration.

Beautiful

I loved the story! I've seen the movie, but of course the book is always better. I could happily listen to Samira read the phone book.

Must read

The Narration was wonderful! Samira Wiley is very animated and passionate and can "play" each character well. Sofia was my favorite character as a strong, defiant black woman during a time of segregation and when woman were submissive. My only concern of the story was the end when Celie and Sofia go back to their abusive husbands, yet it was a different time.

Amazing Story!

We loved the narration of this well-known story. This book, like the movie, tells a vivid and interesting story of the time.

Phenomenal performance

I knew/loved the story, but the performance really blew me away. Incredibly impressed, truly enriched the story. Above and beyond.

Excellent

I only know of the story from the movie. I never thought to read the book. I’m so glad I decided to listen to it because Samira Wiley did a phenomenal job! As per usual, the book is way better than the movie and I encourage all to listen to the audible read by Samira!

Dear God

Please let all people hear a version of this story and open their hearts to the truth that we are all One!……
Exquisite Performance, Samira! And wow, what a story! Thanks for this glimpse into time, into an ever shifting culture, and how hardships can create the deepest appreciation for simplicity.