In rural Georgia, sisters Celie and Nettie share the pain and struggle of growing up as African American women. 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, the sisters sustain their hope in each other across time, distance and silence, in a triumph of resilience, bravery and ultimately, love.