Genre:
Historical Fiction, African American, Social Justice, American Literature, Humourous, Realistic Fiction

Summary:
Set in 1962 Mississippi, The Help chronicles the lives of two distinct social classes of women: the white ones with all the money and the black ones who clean their houses. Through the narrative voices of three main characters, Skeeter, Aibileen and Minny, readers are introduced to an America steeped in prejudice, hypocrisy and downright contempt for its black inhabitants.

Aibileen and Minny struggle as maids for the rich and cruel women of Jackson. Skeeter, a twenty-two year old white graduate of journalism in search of a provocative story, witnesses the racism in her neighbourhood and decides to make a change. From there she embarks on a mission to interview the help, compiling a series of memoirs that is sure to shake up the town of Jackson forever.

My Thoughts:
A memorable and touching story tackling racism in the white South. Stockett does an excellent job of capturing the viewpoints of her characters, breathing life into them with rich detail, humour and compassion. Aibileen is quiet, hardworking and loving, while Minny is a little firecracker who refuses to back down. These two come together to help the tenacious Skeeter with her project.

The ensuing hi jinks will have you laughing out loud and wishing swift redemption for the down trodden. An inspiring novel that has garnered much well deserved attention. The movie is also fantastic and definitely worth a watch!

Borrow The Help from your local Vaughan Library today!