Author: Kathryn Stockett
Pages: 444
Genre: Contemporary, History
Book Description:
Enter a vanished and unjust world: Jackson, Mississippi, 1962. Where black maids raise white children, but aren't trusted not to steal the silver . . .
There's Aibileen, raising her seventeenth white child and nursing the hurt caused by her own son's tragic death; Minny, whose cooking is nearly as sassy as her tongue; and white Miss Skeeter, home from College, who wants to know why her beloved maid has disappeared.
Skeeter, Aibileen and Minny. No one would believe they'd be friends; fewer still would tolerate it. But as each woman finds the courage to cross boundaries, they come to depend and rely upon one another. Each is in a search of a truth. And together they have an extraordinary story to tell...
My Opinion:
This book focuses on the treatment of black women in the 1960s, zooming in on maids of white, rich families especially. The issues raised in this novel are very important and I strongly believe everyone should read this at least once!
It's narrated by many of the different characters, which is a powerful attribute to the novel since we get to hear everyone's point of views. Also, the writing changes for each character because it's written how they speak, so the educated narrators have been written differently to those that are from other areas of Mississippi. This is a unique, linguistic feature that really helps bring the characters to life.
My favourite character was Aibileen because she's such so strong and willful, despite the hardships she's suffered. She's such an inspiration.
When I began the book, I found it to be a little slow. I stopped and started it a lot but when I had the chance to just sit down and read it, I found it very enjoyable. I read it quickly after the struggle at the beginning and would suggest that when starting this you need to be able to concentrate and have the time.
I would recommend this to perhaps an older audience, not due to the content, but so that you can fully appreciate the message. This was such an important historical event to write about and I feel that it needs to be recognised more.
Favourite Quotes:
A bitter seed was planted inside me. And I didn't feel so accepting anymore
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She like one of them baby chickens that get confused and follow the ducks around instead
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You is kind. You is smart. You is important
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You is kind. You is smart. You is important
Rating
★★★★
4 out of 5 stars
There's also a movie based on this novel. It's a fantastic film that I saw it before I read the book. I think the film was amazing and their cast was really well chosen. I definitely recommend seeing this if you haven't already!
Next book I'm going to review:
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
Thank you for sharing informative information. I appreciate your efforts. Keep up the good work.
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