Tolog Review: The Help

The Help
by Kathryn Stockett
reviewed by Hannah Musich

Set in 1962, The Help, by Kathryn Stockett encompases the racial divide in Jackson, Mississippi. Stockett grasps readers’ attention by using written testimony of the main characters. Written by two African-American maids, Aibileen and Minny, and an aspiring young caucasian writer, Miss Skeeter, this novel shows the struggle of African Americans in the south during the Civil Rights Movement. As all three women describe their part in the racial divide, the reader comes to appreciate their honesty. Women especially African American women during this time in the south were looked at as housewives and maids. Their bravery in publishing this book, shows their determination to make their voices heard. 

One of the tactics used by Stockett to emphasize segregation in the south is by allowing characters to deny racial tendencies. While Minny is at her the home of her employer, Miss Celia, Miss Celia asks Minny why she won’t be friends with her. Minny says that, “you white and me colored just fall somewhere in between” (Stockett 264). It is evident by her personal narrative; however, that she doesn’t trust white people because of her past experiences with them. Stockett also uses the events of the time to implicate the danger that all three women are in. She does this through a character named Missus Stein, the woman Miss Skeeter enlists to help all three women publish their book. Missus Stein reminds Miss Skeeter, “The marches in Birmingham, Martin Luther King. Dogs attacking colored children” (Stockett 124). These small quotes of reality remind the reader of their dedication to publish their book; they are overcoming countless obstacles to allow the public to see the truth.

These book takes readers around sharp turns and narrow alleys; however, its captivating plot leaves readers turning pages faster than one can imagine. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an inspiring historical fiction novel. It allows its audience to see the suppression of African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement through the eyes of both sides. The voices of these women inspire whoever lays eyes on their powerful words.