Set in the sultry, Southern town of Jackson, Mississippi, Kathryn Stockett weaves a compelling story in her debut novel The Help. Stockett artfully intersects the narratives of two, black maids and a Southern, white woman testing the boundaries of race and society. At first glance, the novel basks in the slow, easy trot of Southern living. The characters gab with a southern drawl, and the town is friendly and inviting. But the story quickly thrusts itself into the political and social landscape of the 1960’s.

The reader is warmly introduced to Aibileen, an older, black maid with a gentle heart. Aibileen is cast as a dependable, honest, and spiritual woman. She juggles cooking, cleaning, and care giving duties to the young children of the household. Aiblileen also exhibits her maternal nature with a young girl named Mae Mobley, and she aims to instill love and friendship in the child. The novel contrasts Aiblieen to her sassy and outspoken friend Minny. Like Aiblileen, Minny occupies a job as a maid, but her mouth is a conduit of trouble. Her sharp tongue creates friction and costs her countless jobs. However, Minny possesses many forgiving qualities with her humor and candor. She also endures the trials of domestic abuse, which makes her both strong and endearing.

The novel becomes an enthralling read upon the introduction of Miss Skeeter. Miss Skeeter is a white, Southern woman with perceived privilege and class. Despite the racial boundaries, Miss Skeeter is drawn into the lives of Aibileen and Minny. She is troubled by the inequities in her town and desires to understand the plights of being black. Miss Skeeter proposes to write down the experiences of black maids. The project poses several dangers and repercussions if they are caught, but the women persevere and publish an anonymous book. Controversy spills out in Jackson when some of the local whites suspect the book is about their hometown. Thus, the novel becomes a showdown between the women of The Help and a town grappling with the issues of race.

Two central issues in this novel is the battle between voice and society:

The town’s segregationist view, is reinforced by the local white women who form a tight knit community; the racial boundaries are clearly defined and drawn in the novel, and the dangers include losing one’s job, home, and livelihood. For Aibileen, Minny, and Miss Skeeter, their fight creates a power and language of their own.

The focus on domestic life demonstrates that race and discrimination can be waged in the homes of ordinary people. Stockett’s historical references to J.F.K’s assassination and the murder of Medgar Evers, heightens the voice of the discriminated and ostracized. When the boundaries of society are crossed, it poses an immediate danger to those in power. Thankfully, it also opens the door for change.

The Help is a daring book that explores the issues of race and society. Stockett draws from some of her own experiences as a young, white girl growing up in Jackson, Mississippi. She notes the challenges of writing about a Southern issue that was once considered taboo. But she bravely embarks on this journey strengthened by the power of voice.