I just finished reading The Help. It is set in Jackson, Mississippi in the early 1960’s and is about the often cruel relationships between white middle class housewives and their maids “the help.” “Skeeter” a daughter of one of the housewives comes home with a degree from Ole Miss and finds out that Constantine, the family maid and lady who raised her as a baby, is gone and Skeeter’s mother refuses to talk about it and won’t even say where Constantine went.
This gets Skeeter thinking about the maids and their relationship to the families and begins to see with new eyes the help’s predicament. She has an idea to write a book about the stories the maids could tell. Writing such a book is a dangerous thing to do in the Mississippi back then. The novel then goes on to describe the efforts f Skeeter and the maids to solicit other women to tell their stories and get the book published.
Despite my lackluster synopsis above, I found the book very compelling and interesting. The stories ring true and the book is very even handed, given the situation. I fell in love with the characters.
I give it four stars out of four. It’s a great book.
Check out Kathryn Stockett’s web page. Apparently they are going to make a movie out of this book.
It is on my Kindle to read. Have to get it read as everyone is reading it now. Don’t want to miss out on any book conversation!
I didn’t live in Mississippi in the early 60’s, but I did live in Texas and while things there were never as bad as in Mississippi, race was still an issue. I’m intrigued now, going to have to get this one. I do love your book reviews — particularly since we seem to read the same types of books. Have a great weekend! Thanks for your visits/comments, they’re always appreciated!
Sylvia
I recently read this book and was very moved by it.
I wondered what you would think of it. I loved it and recommend it to all of my friends and family. It’s very eye-opening.
Thanks for the recommendation. Sounds like a book I would very much like to read.
It sounds intersting, I’ll look for it.
This does sound compelling. It’s on my list.
I look for it, sounds interesting, loved it and recommend it to all of my friends and family. It’s very eye-opening.
Good to see a critique of a book which is sitting on my bedside table waiting to be read! Over here there is a tv book club and Kathryn Stockett’s book was the first of their summer reads.
I am such an avid reader and have also bought (but not yet read) The Legacy by Katherine Webb about turn-of-the-century Oklahoma. Do hope I like it because I bought it with you and Tulsa Gentleman in mind LOL. Anyone out there read it?
工作，是愛的具體化~~~~努力吧！............................................................
I always enjoy your books reviews Yogi. Thank you!
Thanks also for stopping by and wishing me a happy birthday the other day. I appreciated it very much.
An English Girl Rambles
Hi Yogi, I read it, too – it is a good first try for this author. My only critique is I wish there was more character development.