Tonight it was all about 'The Colour Purple' which immediately sparked some passionate opinions on its strengths and weaknesses. Quite a wide rating out of ten this one ranging from a low of 5 and a high of 9 (and the majority amongst the 7.5 mark). I really enjoyed reading this book, it was something really different that I wouldn't have chosen to read (in fact had never heard of) and the thought of it being written in letter format had made me a little uneasy, however once I got started I forgot it was written in letters and got really into the story of Celie's life and the characters surrounding her. I gave it a 7.5 out of ten because I thought it was an excellent book, well written and interesting. I felt for the characters and was emotionally invested in their stories but I didn't go as high as an 8 because I didn't think it was amazing. I didn't put it down and struggle to comprehend what I was going to do now I had finished it (which I have with some) but it is well worth reading and I would definatley recommend it.
Up until about three quarters of the way through the book is incredibly sad, Celie's life really at a low point but it did pick up and offer hope and a brighter ending. The book covers so many themes incest, domestic violence, racism, religion, homosexuality, the lot really. Celie is writing letters to God about her life and her experiences as she has no one else to talk to, up until a turning point where her faith in God begins to change. She then starts to address the letters to her sister who she has not seen for many years, not knowing if she will receive them or even if she is still alive.
It is really a novel about the resilience of women and although Celie has a traumatic life, towards the end of the book you know she has turned a corner and things turn out ok for her in the end. There are some really interesting characters, and I thought they were well developed as you saw how they changed during their life experiences. I liked Sofia who stood up for her rights no matter what the cost, she was a powerful example to Celie that you don't always have to take what life throws at you lying down.
So the next book we did a random pick and came up with 'White Teeth' by Zadie Smith. Amusingly while googling this aswell as the book I got lots of pictures of gleaming teeth (a little scary)
Set against London’s racial and cultural tapestry, venturing across the former empire and into the past as it barrels toward the future, White Teeth revels in the ecstatic hodgepodge of modern life, flirting with disaster, confounding expectations, and embracing the comedy of daily existence.'
The next book club is going to be at my House as we are going to watch the film of 'The Colour Purple' so anyone who is coming I will send you my address. We are going to see how many people I can fit in my tiny living room! :)
Next Book Club Meet:
Date: 8th May 2013
Time: 7.30pm
Location: My Gaff
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