One woman's story.

Celie has to endure more abuse in a short period of time than anyone should in a lifetime - and that only describes what her stepfather did to her.

Told only to discuss her situation with God, she details, in a series of letters to Him, the abuse she undergoes at the hands of both her stepfather and, later, her husband. Her stepfather rapes her at least twice; both times, she gets pregnant, and is led to believe by her stepfather that these children are dead. Then she gets married, and then meets Shug, with whom she falls in love. Apparently, from the tome of the letters, Shug returns that feeling, at least for a period of time.

This is a fascinating book to read, if only to gain insight into how it feels to undergo abuse. Many times, victims do not realize they're being victimized, and I feel Celie is one of those victims.

Alice Walker does put things right in the end, and the hope that Celie gets makes the book a worthwhile use of your time.