The Help by Kathryn Stockett

The time is 1962. The place is Jackson, Mississippi. Aibileen, Constantine, Minny, Pascagoula and others are the help AND Skeeter Phelan (daughter of a cotton farmer aka plantation owner is a writer extraordinaire.

Skeeter Phelan decides to embark on a project where she will interview the colored maids in her town. They will share their stories. Both she and the interviewees will remain anonymous.

This is the story of a courageous young woman who recognizes that there are voices that need to be heard. It is also the story of courageous black women who stand up for themselves and speak of their joys and sorrows. These are the voices of the oppressed, of the overworked, and underpaid.

I lived through the time this story takes place. However, I was insulated from what was happening in the Deep South. My only exposure to the deliberate delineation of blacks and whites was during a visit. At that time I was made acutely aware of separate bathrooms, water fountains and housing. I found it to be disturbing and remember asking my parents why. Their answer was “that’s just the way they do things down here.”

This is a wonderfully written book. From the beginning I found myself immersed in each character’s story. I know I have said it before but- I could not put this book down. As the writer leads us deeper and deeper into the lives of the characters, I had to read on. My disappointment came when the story ended.

Please read this book and please send me your comments.

Ladybookbug!