The Help

By: Kathryn Stockett

Narrated by: Jenna Lamia, Bahni Turpin, Octavia Spencer, Cassandra Campbell

Brought to you by Penguin.

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...

© Kathryn Stockett 2009 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

Critic reviews

The other side of Gone with the Wind - and just as unputdownable

A big, warm girlfriend of a book

Harper Lee's classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird has changed lives. It's direct descendent The Help has the same potential . . . an astonishing feat of accomplishment

Outstanding, immensely funny, very compelling, brilliant

Immensely readable

Daring, vitally important and very courageous, I loved and admired The Help. Fantastic (Marian Keyes)

A laugh-out-loud, vociferously angry must-read

Touching, disgraceful, funny. Highly recommended

Utterly brilliant

Remarkable, shocking, brave, brilliant

Charming

Loved the story and the characters. The audiobook was also beautifully read. I am only sorry the book has ended as I want to follow the lives of all the ladies for a bit longer!

Eye opening and self revealing

Well written and presented book. Loved the depth and personality, wrapping up the good the bad and the ugly

Excellent

The original novel is on par with the brilliance of the big screen adaptation. If you loved the film, you will love hearing the beloved characters, from the despicable to the loveable brought to life- in voices.

Strength and resilience even through oppression.

Love Minnie’s character. She made me laugh many times. She’s powerful, and intimidating, yet caring and funny. Surprisingly her confidence is shattered in the face of her husband.

heartfelt, eye opening, hopeful

an excellent story, well written and well read - excellent accents. A MUST read for everyone.