The Third Life of Grange Copeland (1970)

"The Third Life of Grange Copeland" is a fascinating book that presents the dark side of African American history from the perspective of a single person living during the Great Depression. Alice Walker's writing adds a story filled with tension, drama, and energy to a very sensitive topic in African American history. For example, the author presents themes of domestic violence, racism, and upward mobility, along with how Grange's daughter-in-law, son, and grandchildren struggle under those burdens. ( )

I have just finished reading this and it is the only book ever to have made me cry, and I think I've read some pretty amazing books over the years! Knowing that the story is steeped in the reality of racist oppression makes it all the more powerful. Please read this book. ( )

This may be Alice Walker's best book. She puts herself firmly in the shoes of a man, and represents him realistically--with all his flaws--yet sympathetically. I've read the book at least three times and I'm always amazed at Walker's portrayal of Grange Copeland. A masterful piece of writing. ( )

I read this book in an African-American female novelists class back in undergrad at the U of I. It was so difficult to get through. I felt there was no hope within these pages. ( )

Despondent over the futility of life in the South, black tenant farmer Grange Copeland leaves his wife and son in Georgia to head North. After meeting an equally humiliating existence there, he returns to Georgia, years later, to find his son, Brownfield, imprisoned for the murder of his wife.