The Help
- Average rating:
- Format:
- Paperback
- Product code:
- 9HEL
- Our price:
- £3.99
- RRP:
- £7.99
- SAVE:
- £4.00
About the book
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...
Reviews
- Average rating:
- from 19 Reviews.
"The Help"
by Neil on 30/08/2010
Really wish I could have given more than 5 star. Best read for ages - incredible book. Wonderful. No reviews shown from men so though I should add one!
"Wonderful!"
by MP on 28/08/2010
I have just finished this book and it was a wonderful read. I felt so interested in the characters and at times the book made me laugh out loud... esp where Minny fights off an unwanted visitor in Celia's garden. This book deserves five stars and I will be passing it to all of my friends. Well done to the author... you achieved your goal and I think more people will think of the 'help' black maids gave to society. Superb!
"Addictive"
by Laura Curran on 19/08/2010
As soon as I finished it I felt so deflated that I wouldn't be coming into contact with Aibileen and Minny anymore that I started reading it all over again. It made my holiday!
"Captivating read"
by Gwen on 15/08/2010
"Couldn't put this book down once I started reading it and got used to the language. To think it's not so long ago that this story is based on, only the 1960's. A wonderful read.
"Evocative"
by Zoe on 11/08/2010
Wow! This book truly captures the meaning of a "great summer read" in fact I do believe it excels it! This subject, unfortunately, is one that is often forgotten or passed over; as a result we, the greater public, are refused the option to hold a view on this bewildering truth that is The Help. As a young teenager I find that not many, if any at all, of my generation (black or white) or indeed of the next generation up even the next, grasp the full effect that the women of that time had on society, how they moulded the future by imprinting what should really be a factual reality upon the younger generation. Very cleverly written and is definitely (as my family contains of 3 avid readers!)a firm favourite. Bravo Ms. Stockett :)
"Fab"
by Ms Trinisoul on 04/08/2010
This book is indeed amazingly written and compelling in nature. So in classic cliche form you wouldn't be able to put it down. She described the strength that it takes to be silent and how difficult it must hof been during that time. The need to find an understanding, a voice brought about a love, respect and self awareness that wasn't ever expected. Got high expectations for Kathryn's next print.
"Truly captivating"
by Diana on 01/08/2010
I am not one to leave book reviews but I felt this particular one deserved a few lines. Hands up to Kathryn for managing to write a book set in the 17th Century with such a sensitive topic and still manage to capture the minds of so many people in this century. I was firstly taken a back when I realised that the book was based on the experiences of black maids and written by a white author; I couldn't comprehend how she would be able to portray the characters' emotions without having lived through their experiences. Fortunately, I was proved wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed "The Help" that since finishing it a month ago, I am struggling to find a follow up. The author manages to draw the readers into the minds of the characters; it is a struggle not to get emotionally involved with ALL the characters including "Hilly" and her fellow sisters in Jacksonville. I am keeping my eyes open for Kathryn's next installment.
"Wonderful"
by Jennifer Holmes on 28/07/2010
I loved this book - and loved the characters within it. I found myself taking this book everywhere with me in the hope of reading a few pages whenever I could. Now I've finished it I am missing Skeeter, Aibileen and Minny. I couldn't recommend it more - a gripping read.
"The Help"
by Ginette on 22/07/2010
Fantastic! Loved this book, will become one of my all-time-favourites. Took a little while to get used to the style of writing when the maids were speaking, but stick with it.
"Fantastic"
by Karen Smillie on 18/07/2010
Completely loved this book and loved the characters and the descriptions. I was desperate to finish the book to find out what happened to Skeeter, Abileen and Minny but then was sad when I had as this book really leaves you wanting more. Completely wonderful and should not be missed! Will definitely look out for future novels by Kathryn.
"The Help"
by Jane on 16/07/2010
Wonderful book. This book will make you laugh, cry and think about your own attitudes. The writer makes you really believe in the characters. I will be recommending this book to family and friends.
"The Help"
by Carrie on 16/07/2010
I loved this book right from the first page. I cried my way through the last pages and especially reading the author's note that suggested Minny was loosly based on her own maid. Writing in Aibileen and Minny's dialogue added a dimension to the book and made it so much more real. One of those books where you really don't want to start another as it will never live up to it.
"The Help"
by Rena on 12/07/2010
A very good book! I was captivated all the way through. I made me laugh and cry. I loved the way the writer wrote as though the ladies telling you their story. very well done. Definitely a book I will be recommending.
"The Help"
by Caroline on 07/07/2010
I finished this book and loved it! It's one of those rare books that you fall in love with the charcters. By the end I felt that I really knew Minny and Aibeleen was sad when I had finished it!
"The Help"
by Laura Peake on 03/07/2010
This was an absolute pleasure to read, finished it within two days as I could not put it down. The characters were just so absorbing and there relationships with each other were so endearing, Minny with her sassiness, Aibileen with her warmth, Skeeter with her bravery and her search to find herself, all in all it was an extraordinary book and I only hope the next summer read is as good.
"Wonderful"
by Anne Sinclair on 02/07/2010
One of the best books I've read in a while. The characters are unforgettable. I learned a lot about the US in the 1960s.
"A book to lose yourself in"
by Fiona on 27/06/2010
Its easy to get what the subject of this book is from the reviews but what is an extra pleasure is how beautifully this story is told, how well observed and the characters seem to live. Using language as it was/is spoken is very effective and adds another layer of autheticity. The subject matter is shocking - I realise these people must be still alive. I was so taken in by the whole book when I finished I went back to the beginning to try and peek in again on 1963 southern states life.
"The Help"
by Han on 27/06/2010
On page 268 and can't put this book down! It's a perfect summer read!
"Transport yourself to another time..."
by Sarah on 26/06/2010
The cover of this book caught my eye and I started to read it in the store. After a few pages I had paid and hurried home to continue reading. At first the language seems a little strange, but I can truly say I loved this book. Shocking in places, but with such a wonderful strength from the main characters it made me laugh and cry. I have passed my copy to many friends who have equally enjoyed it.
