The Help

“Ever morning, until you dead in the ground, you gone have to make this decision. You gone have to ask yourself, "Am I gone believe what them fools say about me today?” 

The Help is a powerful book about one young white woman and a group of black maids working together to create something that has never been seen before. It's a study of how it feels to be black and a maid in 1963, at the height of the civil rights movement and in the heart of the southern United States. The story is told through the perspectives of Skeeter, a 23 year old fresh from college graduate who is strong but not confident in herself. She claims to have been 'raised' by her maid Constantine and through her wants to learn more from the other side. Then there is Minnie, the fiery mouthed black maid who creates a powerful voice for the story. And finally Aibaleen, the strong backbone of the story, I think she's really the main character, the one who brings the whole thing together, she's kind and endearing and yet strong. All together they create a story that is true and strong, one about strength and friendship that passes the boundaries of color.

I came into this book already a fan of the movie, having fallen in love with it. Of course I expected it to be better, as I always expect books to be better. But really it was around the same level for me. But that's not a bad thing, because you see, I absolutely adore the movie. The book only put things more in perspective for me, particularly from Skeeter's perspective. While Emma Stone did an amazing job in the movie, it really takes the inner dialogue you can only get with a book, to see how much Skeeter was really falling apart. But she didn't let herself fall apart, and I think that is key for her character.

What I admire Kathryn Stockett for more than anything in the help is making such strong characters. They are so admirable in the things they do, they are people to really up too. And the messages she puts in the book are just grand, it's not just a book about race but about feminism as well. Not only does Skeeter not fit into the 'standard' idea of the time because she sees blacks as her equal, but also because she isn't out to settle down and find a husband. She wants to be her own woman. And I think she is such an admirable character for that, particularly in the time that she lives in.

Stockett also did a great job in dialogue. As someone who grew up in the south myself, I pretty much admire any other southern writer. But one who can capture the south in such delicate little ways that it's almost scary it's so real, I really…really admire that. And while I didn't grow up in the south in the 1960's, I did feel like a lot of this book was something I can relate to. A lot of good and a lot of bad. Things have changed and things haven't.

Above all, I really enjoyed this book, and now I have to go back and watch the movie. The voice, the dialogue, the anticipation…everything was so brilliant and lovely, and I don't think Stockett could've done any better with a debut.

Fin.
-Keshia