Author: Kathryn Stockett
Title: The Help
Genre: Novel
ISBN: 9780141039282
‘Enter a vanished world: Jackson, Mississippi, 1962. Where black maids raise white children, but aren’t trusted not to steal the silver….’

Well. This book… I don’t know what I was expecting when I picked it up, but I will be honest and say the only reason I even bothered to start with, was because the book was bought for me. It was a Christmas present and I hate leaving presents unread. I always read books given to me, even if it takes ages.

But there were no fantasy creatures, no big battles, swords or dragons in this book, so what on earth did I want it for? There wasn’t even any gore or blood or vampires!

I’ll tell you what there is; plenty of humour and a colourful cast of loveable characters that just kept me turning page after page after page. In fact, this book got me through the first few hours in hospital, when contractions were still bearable and I needed a distraction from my impending doom.

The book is a tale centred mostly about three women; Aibileen, Minny and Skeeter (two maids and a white woman) and their relationship as they work together to do something that has never ever been done before. Something socially unacceptable and most certainly life threatening should the wrong people find out. The Help is a story of bravery and great deeds from three very normal, simple women.

Minny, without a doubt, was my favourite. She grows in a way that is gratifying to read through the course of the book and her relationships with various other characters provide laughs and tears in equal amounts.

Even if this sort of thing isn’t what you might normally pick up, trust me and give this book a read. You will not be disappointed! 🙂