The Help

 


"Wasn’t that the point of the book? For women to realise, We are just two people. Not that much separates us. Not nearly as much as I’d thought."

The Help was nothing like I had imagined it to be. This title was sitting on my want-to-read list since forever. And now I'm reeling with the effects of its hangover. This book was an absolute delight. It got me hooked so much so that I stopped caring where my phone was, started pushing everything else just to get a few more minutes with the book and forgot all about my sleep schedule for the next few days!

The Help is a story of three women - Aibileen, Mini & Skeeter - cautious but strong. The three of them set off on a mission to make the voices of the black women of Jackson, Mississippi heard, albeit anonymously. These black women, who were hired as help, raised white babies like their own, cooked food for white families with love, tended to their sick with warmth and took care of their homes with utmost sincerity. And yet those same white families (more often than not) grimaced at the thought of sharing something as insignificant as a toilet with their helps. 

Jackson is no stranger to this world of inequality & injustice towards blacks. Every black person gets a handsome share of the various injustices dealt to their community. But for the black women of Jackson, all hell breaks loose when one of their own is ordered to serve a long, unfair sentence for a petty crime she commits to safeguard the future of her twin sons. With Mini & Aibileen as the torch-bearers & Skeeter as the orchestrator, the other helps choose a path rarely traveled. One fraught with danger & uncertainties. But as these stories unravel, they pave a way for something precious - new friendships and fresh beginnings. 

"The Help" has everything - betrayal, heartbreaks, thrill, humour and what have you! The book keeps you on the edge, there's never a dull moment! The women are fearless, stoic & full of character. Your heart will go out to them, but never would you feel pity for them. Cause they ain't hosting a pity-party no matter what!

I was torn into two when I was reading this book. On one hand I never wanted it to end, on the other hand I wanted to get to the end as soon as possible. I couldn't wait to turn the page and find out what'd happen next. I, for one, have a new addition to the list of my favourite books! 

With a feeling of pride for the protagonists & five shining stars for the book, I bid adieu to this gem. If I were you, I'd have already bought my own copy of this book by now and would've pounced on it like a hungry dog!

Word of caution - A movie based on this novel released in 2011 and was even nominated for the Oscars. Trust me and don't watch the movie. Just savour the book. You'd thank me for it!

Seeya with another review! Happy reading.

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