Alice Walker: A Life

by Evelyn C. White

"The rich, complex story White tells . . . is never less than fascinating." ― New York Times Book Review Alice Walker's life is remarkable not only because she was the first black woman to win the Pulitzer Prize in fiction (the book that won her that award, The Color Purple , has been translated into nearly thirty languages and made into an Academy Award–nominated film), but also because these accomplishments are merely highlights of a luminous and varied career made from inauspicious beginnings in rural Georgia. Drawing on extensive interviews and exhaustive research, Evelyn C. White brings this life to light. 16 pages of illustrations

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Feminism, History, African American, Race, Biography Memoir

496 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Tracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this lively, extensively researched, detailed biography of Alice Walker’s life and achievements.

[Billie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I left this biography with very mixed feelings. I enjoyed the insight into Walker, but I felt in places that it was too hagiographic. I don't enjoy reading biographies that are ultimately hatchet jobs, but I felt like Walker was presented in such glowing terms that some of her humanity was lost. I was very interested in the description of her childhood in Georgia and particularly the aftermath of the scarring accident she suffered. By the time the book gets to her adulthood, however, she became less and less real to me because she seemed to be presented as infallible. In spite of that, I think this marks a very real contribution to the work on Walker, and I look forward to seeing others build upon it.

[Evan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written book about the author Alice Walker. That sentence is pretty redundant. The title tells you that much. It goes through her life. Not too much into the personal relationships part of her life. It talks about her novel, short stories, more than just summaries. Well thought out observances. The one disappointment was that it didn't talk about By The Light of My Father's Smile at all or very little and that is my 2nd favorite book by Alice Walker after The Color Purple.

[Mary Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting look at one of America's best writers.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much more than a "she went here, she did that" biography - this book brings a reader inside Walker's life in fascinating details. White shares not only Walker's writing but also interviews with her family, her teachers and friends, showing her courage and confidence through the political and personal conflicts of the times. Makes me want to re-read Walker's essays, poetry and novels, which to me is the best praise to give a biography.

[Kate Barnhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a well-written, interesting book - but it is taking me forever to read because it's too heavy to carry around with me.

[Reem · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're an Alice Walker fan, you'll enjoy this. It's an interview with Alice about her life.

[David Bjorlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think White quite did justice to the complexity and brilliance of Walker, though some parts were illuminating.

[Anniepster · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at a pulitzer prize writer's journey. Art, politics, sexuality.

[Amy Stanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book easy to read with the right mix of Alice in context of the history being made by and around her.

[David Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good.

[Kathleen Hagen]

Alice Walker: a Life, by Evelyn C. White. A.
In this book, White reviews Walker’s life, often using Walker’s own poetry to express things that either happened in her life, or that she wanted to accentuate as part of the history of black women. She discussed at length the writing of “The Color Purple”, the making of the movie, and the controversy that surrounded it. Alice Walker often was viewed by Blacks as “trying to be White” while, to Whites, she was Black. She has been married to, or partnered with mostly White men, and sometimes with women, including, to my voyeuristic surprise, Tracy Chapman in the 1990’s. White reviews Alice Walker’s revitalization of interest in Zora Neale Hurston’s writings. She discusses Walker’s reaction to her daughter, Rebecca’s writing about how she was raised. It was a wonderful romp through the life and works of one of my favorite authors, and I hope there is more to come.

[Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered Alice Walker my first semester in college. 20 years later my Mom gave me this biography as a gift and it was unique to read about Alice's college years. That's such an amazing period of life for most folks, and it almost made me miss being 19. I love how much time the author spent on Alice's youth and formative years. Having read virtually all of Alice's essays, which are candid about her life, there were so many discoveries to be made. I enjoy her fearless honesty, and it still blows my mind how controversial she has been made out to be. I also didn't know how integral she has been to opening the door for so many other authors I love, and female leaders in America. Alice is always a catharsis for me to read, and read about. More importantly, she has helped shape my opinions of and interactions in the world.

[D.M. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and insightful. A wonderful read which explores the depths of Walker and her very unique and captivating nature.

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book that traces her intellectual development from her childhood in Georgia to her writing the Color Purple. Walker's work as a writer is known, but maybe few of us were aware of her work as an editor in college and in her early adult life. The author also points our Walker's love in beauty in nature but also in her home. Despite being poor, Alice would place a vase of wildflowers on her desk. I think this simply act is testament to Alice's quiet yet indomitable spirit.

[Peggy Walt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this bio and learning more about Alice Walker, about whom I knew very little. A trailblazer and a controversial figure, she polarizes many people, and it seems that that started happening early on her in life. I didn't learn much about how she arrived at her vitriolic views on Israel, and I'm sure there are many updates that could be added since the book came out in 2004. But I loved the style, and the book really made me want to keep reading - love a good biography and this one hit the mark for me!

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have found out that I really enjoy reading about writers. I have never read anything by Alice Walker but I really wanted to learn more about her before I started reading her work. I enjoyed learning about her life but I felt like the author made it seem like Alice Walker could do no wrong. It seemed like everyone else was in the wrong no matter the situation. That was honestly my only complaint but it was an overall enjoyable read and it might give me a little more insight into her work.

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

White does such a good job of drawing in the up-close and far-flung touchstones of Alice Walker. It was wonderful to get the story on the woman who has become a real hero to me. It made me appreciate all of her novels so much more, and see where Alice draws on her own life and the experiences she's had. Hard to believe sometimes! Definitely a must-read for anyone who's a serious fan of Alice.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about the life of Alice Walker. She was born
to a poor family, but raised with love. She fought against racism
from and an early time and through college years. She became involved
with a white man and had a daughter. She continued her writing
and cared for her child. You will be interested in the details.

[Lauren May · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful biography of Alice Walker. After reading this book you will appreciate her works even more.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read, like spending time with a couple of interesting, articulate women (biographer and subject.) White honors Walker here, so it is a very positive portrait we are given.

[Jen]

"It is love that makes me look at what I can't stand. When you love deeply, you can stand to see a lot more."

[Jen]

"People are chicken-hearted everywhere."

[Ghadah Al_bariqi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Reading about Alice Walker' life, difficulties that met, black woman's search for identity and her triumph over sexism and racism.