One incredibly sticky morning just before Christmas last year, I was driving to the shops to get my weekly fix when I saw a sign saying ‘Book Sale’. Naturally I had to investigate. It turned out that a local distributor was having a book sale, and when I say sale, do I mean sale. Incredibly reduced book bargains everywhere! Fighting my way through the crowd, I found myself in the thankfully air-conditioned showroom. There, stood a copy of The Help in between a range of cookbooks for just $10. I had been a little wary of this when it came out due to the Women’s Weekly seal of approval (some are great, some are just…not) and decided to get it later. On the bargain side of things, I was glad but I was also disappointed that I hadn’t let this book into my house earlier.
Fast forward to the depths of winter and I finally pulled The Help out of my TBR pile. I immediately felt guilty that I hadn’t started it the moment I got home months earlier! This book had me from the first sentence. Kathryn Stockett creates three wonderful first person narrators- Aibileen and Minny, both African-American maids in 1960’s Jackson, Mississippi and Skeeter, single college graduate returning home to the plantation. I felt I could hear each of them speaking in my ear as I read.
At first, I couldn’t see how the three characters would link up, being separated by race in their town. I don’t want to give the plot away, but yes, they do link up by a great idea- which then turns to have some serious consequences.
The author does a wonderful job of characterisation, with each character (even minor ones) given unique traits and forms of speech. I enjoyed Celia’s misguided attempts to fit in with the other girls and Skeeter’s determination not to give into her mother.
I highly recommend this book- I couldn’t put it down (even cancelling an appointment to go home and read). 9.5 out of 10.
(And if you’re wondering…I’ve been watching, but no more sales from the book distributors).
Sam Still Reading 
This is one of those books that really lives up to the hype isn’t it! I loved it when I read it a couple of months ago.
Definitely- I can’t believe I missed/ignored the initial hype!
So . . . bad idea waiting till winter? I usually can’t tolerate Southern fic when it’s hot outside, but you have me salivating to read The Help, now. Great review!
Definitely a bad idea- I could have had all that book goodness earlier!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this one, I really loved it. $10 for The Help certainly is cheap for an Australian shop!
Yes, I’m eagerly waiting for them to have another sale!
After reading the reviews of this book I decided I would read it. I have had a copy lent to me and have just started it, so far so good.
Sounds like you are enjoying this so far!
I’m glad you enjoyed The Help. It’s one of my favorite reads this year. I got a chance to hear the author speak. She’s a hoot and really sweet. I loved her writing style. Each character felt distinct and real. I think Aibileen was my favorite. Great review!
I have at last finished this book. Thank you all for your reviews, it really is an interesting book. I loved it
Initially I felt let down at the end, but after a little thought I think it was an excellent end. The characters were very real to me and I often felt as if I was at Aibileen’s with Minny and Skeeter. The writing enabled me to picture all of the characters and settings with ease.
You’re welcome. Hopefully I will hit on another excellent book like The Help soon. It’s been rather hit and miss for me lately in terms of reading.