It’s a complex and often disturbing novel with deep ties to the Black American experience. The book was guaranteed to be adapted into a film, but according to the American Film Institute, Walker was reluctant to sell the rights, concerned that Hollywood would not handle the material properly. When she finally agreed to sell the film rights, her contract required that she be a consultant on the production.
Source: The Color Purple Lost All 11 Of Its Oscars Nominations. Here’s Who Won Them