Sisters Celie and Nettie share the pain and struggle of growing up as African American women in early twentieth-century rural Georgia. Forced into an abusive marriage, at least Celie can offer Nettie refuge from their violent father in her new home - until Nettie catches the attention of Celie’s husband and is forced to leave and forge her own journey.

Through a series of letters spanning twenty years — first from Celie to God, then between the two sisters — they manage to sustain their hope in each other across time, distance and silence, in a triumph of resilience, bravery and ultimately, love.