The Help

The Help

By: Kathryn Stockett

The Help is a book set in Jackson, Mississippi during the time of the civil rights movement. Three women help narrate the story: Eugenia (otherwise called Skeeter), Aibileen and Minny. Eugenia is a white southern woman who just doesn’t seem to fit in with all her other well-bred wealthy friends. She sees things differently and eventually starts talking with Aibileen, one of her friend’s maids.

Skeeter has always wanted to be a writer and eventually decides to write a book, with Aibileen and Minny’s help about how the black maids in Mississippi are treated by their employers.

The narration of this book switches between the three women and really keeps things moving along. As you’re reading one character’s story, you’re wondering what’s going on with the other two. As the bond between the women begins to grow, the story becomes more intense and dramatic.

Overall, I thought this was a wonderful book. It showed many of the terrible situations and prejudices in the country during that time, especially in the south. However, it was also very uplifting, despite the terrible events. As I read on, I became more certain that things would be okay in the end and everything would be set right.

The characters in this book are very well-developed and I can almost picture each and every one of them. Stockett’s descriptions help bring the story and the people to life—making it even more engrossing. I highly recommend this book.