See here, this a novel with mountains of symbolism and big themes that is also enjoyable and above all entertaining.

Walker did with only a few pages, and minor and side characters, what [b:The Help|4667024|The Help|Kathryn Stockett|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1346100365s/4667024.jpg|4717423] couldn't with a book and a movie.

The language and formatting was a challenge at first. There are no quotations around dialog the grammar is a struggle to get used to, on top of that there are no proper chapters. Instead the book is made up of letters, to God or between sisters. It's a very personal and believable narrative. I think the authenticity of the characters and their lives was the driving factor behind the five star rating. Every character is unique and though we are seeing them through the filter of Celie or Nettie we can still get a true sense of the essence of these characters. Even minor ones like Grady or Catherine are distinguishable.

I really enjoyed it very much. It gave me a lot to think about without being tedious. I recommend to anyone who wants to engage with their literature.