#3. The Help by Kathryn Stockett.
Grade: A, Superb.
The book is set in the early 1960s, and describes the lives and relationships between black women who work as maids within the homes of prominent white families. The main story is about three women whose lives are ultimately intertwined – two black maids, Aibeline and Minny, and the white daughter of one of the families, Eugenia or “Skeeter.” Their relationship centers around Skeeter’s desire to write a novel, and convinces the maids to share their true stories and unabashed opinions about working for white women within their homes – cooking, cleaning, and raising their children. The chapters weave in and out of each character’s life, with each subtly revealing more details of what life might have been like in the early 60s – and especially, in the deep South. (The book is based in Jackson, Mississippi.)
I guess because I grew up in the Southern states, this book has more appeal to me than to perhaps someone from another part of the country – and I found this book fascinating. As I began to talk about this book with Momma, she began to read it as well.
Guess what?
My own mother has memories of a black woman, named Winnie, who would come to my grandmother’s house and help with cleaning, and especially washing and ironing. “Washing” clothes was using the wringer washing machine with two tubs, and it was all done outside. Then hung on the clothesline to dry, of course. What hard work! … and I had no idea.
Please understand, this was not a regular job with a white uniform, as described in the novel – and Miss Winnie only came when my grandmother needed her. Nevertheless, it’s amazing what you find out when you talk to the oldest members of your family!
Sidebar:
This is Kathryn Stockett’s first novel, and I read that it was rejected by 40+ literary agents prior to being published....then was on the bestseller's list for over a year. Good for her.
Happy reading!
GT40
JMV46PNTA8SJ
No comments:
Post a Comment