The Help

My first review is of The Help by Kathryn Stockett. The story plays out in Jackson, Mississippi in the early 1960s. It tackles civil rights and southern mores. The characters are rich, flawed, and believable. The narration alternates between three characters: Aibileen, Minny and Skeeter. Aibileen and Minny are black domestics to different white women in Jackson. Aibileen is a single woman who has experienced loss deeply. She loves small children and enjoys bringing them up to be confident and caring. Minny is a large sassy mother with an abusive husband. Her mouth tends to get the better of her. Skeeter is a white lady. She is a recent college grad who has come home, to her mother's horror, with a degree and unwed. Her friends are all married with kids and their own homes to run. The story knits these three women's lives together with humor, loss, and deception.

While the situations presented are not something I can personally relate to, the emotions are real and universally understood.This book was an enjoyable and compelling read. While I am often drawn to historical fiction, this is not an era I have read about before now. I would recommend this book as the subject matter is interesting and thought provoking. A word of caution to anyone from Mississippi, you may find it offensive as it is not a particularly flattering tale. If, however, you can read it with objectivity you may learn something new.