Alice Walker Blocks Israeli Edition of Color Purple

Alice Walker is prohibiting an Israeli publisher from printing a new Hebrew-translated edition of her classic novel The Color People because, says Walker, "Israel is guilty of apartheid and persecution of the Palestinian people." Walker has been a vocal critic of Israeli policies, reports the Los Angeles Times. Last year, she participated in a protest flotilla that attempted to disrupt the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip.

"I would so like knowing my books are read by the people of your country, especially by the young, and by the brave Israeli activists (Jewish and Palestinian)..." wrote the author. "I am hopeful that one day, maybe soon, this may happen. But now is not the time." The editor at the Israeli publisher expressed disappointment, saying the novel, which delves into racism and otherness, could help bring people together. (More Alice Walker stories.)