I just finished reading Kathryn Stockett's, The Help (Berkley, 2009). It was given to me by my daughter who remembered Mable Nolen, the maid who worked for my family for over three decades. This first novel looks at the relationship between black maids and white employer families during the 1960's in Mississippi. From the maid's point of view. Things that white families hardly ever thought about were taken for granted. We hardly noticed a problem with the rules and regulations governing the black/white relationship. Those who lived through this period will find the story brings back a lot of memories. Some make you smile but some are painful to remember. Those who grew up in the post-60's period will get a good look at period of time that has passed and find themselves shaking their heads and wondering why either side put up with it. The book is well written and moves quickly. It has been made into a major motion picture due out in August.
Reviewer: Melvin Steely
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