The Help

by Kathryn Stockett

This book is a wonderful piece of literature that should not be missed. Kathryn Stockett brings readers into Jackson, Mississippi during the 1960s civil rights movement and the relationship between white women and the African American women that served as "the help". This book had a way of enveloped me in the time period and topics written. I can say with complete certainty it has become one of my favorite books.

The book follows three characters, Aibileen and Minny (both black maids) and Skeeter (a young white college graduate). Each of these three women take turns narrating a section at a time. For Aibileen and Minny's sections the author uses a thick dialect which represents the time period. Aibileen is a soft spoken, wise and loving soul who has had some hardships in her life. Minny has a hard time keeping her jobs because she is sassy and speaks her mind. Skeeter is a single, independent and unique young woman who loves and lives for writing. One last big character which seems important to mention is the rude and spoiled Hilly, the queen bee of Jackson, Mississippi. After witnessing some of the racial differences and how "the help" is treated, Skeeter hatches a plan to write a book from the view of these black women. And so the adventure begins...

Having taken college history courses strictly on the 1960s, I was ecstatic of the rich history Stockett provides and small details she uses to make it true to the decade. She mention the famous book Peyton Place, Martin Luther King on several occasions, and women's fashion to name a few. She does explain in a small excerpt at the end of the book that some of the things mentioned, such as Shake-N-Bake chicken weren't introduced until later years and that she included them all the same. The items she took liberties with were so small and inconsequential that it did not disturb the writing or the history of the time period. I only mention this because it has become a large criticism for some readers. While it bothers some, I did not even notice these small discrepancies until I read the note from Stockett.

 This book is intellectually stimulating, consuming, and will leave you wanting more. I cannot stop thinking about it. I loved how history and a good story combined to make this unforgettable work of fiction.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Up Next: House Rules by Jodi Picoult