The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Three very different women in Jackson, MS in 1962, tell this story titled The Help. The Help refers to the "black women" who "help" out around the house. Some of the wonderful women raise the children and do all the work. I remember my friend, Audra, in Mississippi telling us about her Black Mama and how much she loved her. The book unfolds during the hottest moments of the Civil Rights Movement. Some of the stories seemed contrived to fit the times, but most illuminate. In the middle of the book, I was so sad about the truth of the 1960's that I wanted to stop reading it, but I went on. Susan claims that the end of the book was too neatly wrapped up - a bow, even. I was satisfied.

I loved the book despite the truth of the sadness. Skeeter was a beacon of light. Hilly a caricature of racial hatred and Southern Politics. Aibileen was a true woman of value and character and faith. I loved her. Constantine's story was so sad and told from the third person - almost vacant. Minny's character was sharp and tough.

"Stockett's characters, both white and black, are so fully fleshed they practically breathe. Don't miss this wise and astonishing debut." Joshilyn Jackson

I found some reveiwers that questioned Stockett's ability to tell the story of a black maid in Mississippi in 1962. This question will NEVER go away. I am actually sick of it. Good writers, well researched can tell any story!
http://calitreview.com/2526

This is a response to the reviewer's question answered by the woman that Stockett patterned Minny after:
LET’S ASK MINNY:
Elinor, first of all let me begin by saying that I truly enjoyed reading this review as you raised some interesting questions, but I would be remiss if I didn’t respond. As a black woman, I am thrilled that Kathryn Stockett, a white woman, had the courage to tell the stories. She crafted complex, strong, moral, loyal and need I say it, intelligent women, in Minny and Aibileen. Usually in literature, black women are relegated to being one dimensional, stereotypical characters: all nurturing, asexual, or completely invisible servants. So, I applaud her for at least giving these women emotional depth.

Second, you question the veracity of Minny or Aibileen’s voices. This tells me that you have not spent much time in the south, because any one who has, will surely feel the authenticity of these characters and their circumstances. I can state emphatically that Minny was my mother. She was an opinionated, strong, hardworking, sassy, progressive, MAID,

Finally, I think you posed the question, ‘what gives her the right to tell these stories, in the voice that she chose.’ My response to that is simple, she’s human. My interpretation of the story is that we are all human. What better way to demonstrate that than taking America back in time to an ugly part of her history, and showing through the experiences of these provocative characters that beautiful, human side. A writer needn’t be black or white to tell these stories, just truthful.

Kathryn Stockett should be lauded for writing brave characters in a time where bravery came at the ultimate price.