The Help
by Kathryn Stockett
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Book Summary Information
Author: Kathryn StockettEdition: Music CD
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Format: Audiobook, Unabridged
Published: 2009-02-10
ISBN: 0143144189
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Book Reviews of The Help
Book Review: Wonderfully rich reading experience, but the ending was a downer - trying for political correctness?
Summary: 4 Stars
STORY BRIEF:
Eugenia is recently home from college in Jackson, Miss., in 1962. She begins collecting stories from black women who work as nannies and housekeepers for white women. The white women are into Junior League, paying bridge, and the country club. One white woman Hilly, has frightening social power over others. She will punish anyone, black or white, who doesn't do what she wants. She is selfish, cruel, and racist.
REVIEWER'S OPINION WITH POSSIBLE SPOILER:
What a wonderful story. Never once was I bored or wanted it to be over. Unique characters, surprising, uplifting, and thought provoking - but the ending was bad. I read for escape, for entertainment, and to feel better. The maids' lives were full of hardship and struggle, but there was hope, anticipation, comfort with others, and love. I was so drawn to the main characters, two black maids and one white writer. I wanted a happy ending for all three of them, but I felt like the author was going for political correctness or a morality lecture by having the maids suffer more setbacks at the end - at the hands of white oppression. It was a punch in the gut. This book was such a rich experience, and I'm glad I bought it, but I am angry at the author for ruining it with negative ending. People I care about are hurting. The entire book encourages compassion, love, and a call to action against racism. Don't muddy the experience by leaving a bad taste in the reader's mouth.
I listened to the audiobook version. It was very well done with three different actresses reading for the main characters. I recall another Amazon reviewer having some difficulty reading the black maids' dialect. Listening to the audiobook might solve that problem. I found it pleasing and easy to listen to.
DATA:
Swearing language: I don't recall, probably mild. Sexual content: none. Setting: early 1960s Jackson, Mississippi. Copyright: 2009. Genre: women's fiction, race relations.
Summary of The Help
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