Tolog Review: The Help

The Help
by Kathryn Stockett
reviewed by Alexandra Artura 

The segregation and discrimination that existed among races marked a crucial turning point in our nation’s history. The deep prejudice that existed against black people in this country was especially prevalent in the South. Kathryn Stockett explores this issue with sensitivity, depth, and humor in The Help. This book illustrates the struggles black people faced in their daily lives, and how one courageous girl gives the help a voice in her hometown. 

During the scorching summer of 1962, Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan, a young aspiring journalist, returns home from college to Jackson, Mississippi. After witnessing countless injustices against the blacks, Skeeter, idealistic and determined, decides to take a stand against prejudice by writing an anonymous novel through the eyes of the help. She seeks the aid of Aibileen Clark, Minny Jackson, and many other hesitant, yet brave black women who offer to share their first-hand accounts of what it’s like to work for white families at the time. Aibileen is the heart and soul of this story, and in many ways Skeeter’s mentor. Her strength of character and insights helped to shape the entire book. In contrast to Aibileen, Minny is impulsive and hotheaded yet warm and compassionate towards her loved ones. Together Aibileen and Minny help to support each other while crusading for equality.

These women, deprived of so many human rights, raise the children, clean the house, cook the meals and carry out many other household tasks that white women won’t do for themselves. On top of this, the help are expected to be nothing but respectful and obedient when they themselves aren’t treated with any respect for all the work they do. The cruel indignities they endure such as being made to use their own inferior outdoor bathrooms, being falsely accused of petty crimes and the unfair compensation they receive, coupled with limited employment opportunities make their lives almost unbearable. Although voicing their opinions about white people is against the law, all of the participants are willing to risk their lives for a cause that they believe in. 

This book really spoke to me because it demonstrates the importance of going after the things that really matter to you and standing up for human rights. I think that this book would appeal to many readers because it stresses a serious topic while still remaining entertaining and clever. This story definitely leaves a lasting impression on the reader, and is sure to enlighten anyone who reads it. The valuable life lessons one takes from reading The Help will inspire readers for many years to come.