Summary

The Help, Kathryn Stockett's debut novel, was published in 2009 and quickly became a literary sensation. Set in 1960s Mississippi, the book explores the complex relationships between African American maids and their white employers during the Civil Rights era. Stockett's compelling narrative weaves together the voices of three Black women—Aibileen, Minny, and Skeeter. Through their intertwined stories, The Help sheds light on the racial tensions and social inequalities of the time while maintaining a balance of humor, warmth, and hope.

The Help spent more than 100 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list and has been translated into over 35 languages. In 2011, The Help was adapted into a critically acclaimed film. Directed by Tate Taylor, the movie received four Academy Award nominations, with Octavia Spencer winning Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Minny.

Plot

Set in Jackson, Mississippi in the early 1960s, The Help follows three women who come together to write a book exposing the experiences of African American maids working for white families. Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan, a recent college graduate, returns home with aspirations of becoming a writer. Troubled by the mysterious disappearance of her beloved childhood maid, Constantine, Skeeter begins to question the treatment of Black domestic workers in her community.

Aibileen Clark, a wise and compassionate maid raising her 17th white child, is still grieving the loss of her own son. Her friend Minny Jackson, known for her sass and cooking skills, struggles to keep jobs due to her outspoken nature. These three women, despite their differences, unite for a risky project: writing a book that shares the maids' true stories of working for white families in Jackson.

As Skeeter secretly interviews Aibileen, Minny, and other maids, she faces opposition from her social circle, particularly the racist Hilly Holbrook. The project gains momentum when Hilly's maid, Yule May, is arrested for stealing a ring to pay for her sons' college tuition. This incident prompts more maids to share their experiences, both positive and negative, for the book.

The novel, titled “Help,” is eventually published, causing a stir in Jackson's social circles. The final chapters of The Help explore the aftermath of the book's success and its impact on the lives of Skeeter, Aibileen, Minny, and the other maids who contributed their stories. Their courage in crossing racial lines and speaking out against injustice leads to significant changes in their personal lives and the community at large.

Themes

• Racial inequality and discrimination in 1960s Mississippi

• Power of female friendship and solidarity

• Courage to challenge societal norms

• Importance of storytelling and giving voice to the voiceless

• Complexity of employer-employee relationships in domestic work

• Personal growth and self-discovery

• Impact of small actions in creating social change

Setting

Set in Jackson, Mississippi, in the early 1960s, The Help vividly portrays the racial tensions and social dynamics of the American South during the Civil Rights era. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a deeply segregated society, where African American domestic workers, known as “the help,” face daily discrimination and injustice while working in white households.

The novel primarily takes place in the affluent neighborhoods of Jackson, where grand homes with manicured lawns contrast sharply with the modest dwellings of the city's Black community. Key locations include the homes of the main characters, as well as public spaces like churches, beauty parlors, and the local newspaper office, which serve as gathering places for both white and Black residents.

Beyond the city limits, the story occasionally shifts to rural settings, such as Longleaf, the cotton plantation owned by one of the main character's families. These scenes provide a glimpse into Mississippi's past and the lingering effects of slavery on race relations in the 1960s. The juxtaposition of urban and rural environments helps to illustrate the pervasive nature of racial inequality throughout the region during this tumultuous period in American history.

Characters

• Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan: A 22-year-old aspiring writer who returns home to Jackson, Mississippi, after college. She becomes interested in the lives of the African American maids and decides to write a book from their perspective. Skeeter is idealistic and struggles to fit in with her traditional Southern society. Her journey of self-discovery and social awakening forms a central part of the story.

• Aibileen Clark: An African American maid in her 50s who works for the Leefolt family. Wise and compassionate, she has raised 17 white children over her career. Aibileen is grieving the loss of her own son and finds solace in caring for Mae Mobley, the Leefolts' daughter. She is the first maid to agree to help Skeeter with her book project.

• Minny Jackson: Aibileen's best friend and a fellow maid, known for her sass and excellent cooking skills. Minny has a troubled home life with an abusive husband and struggles to keep jobs due to her outspoken nature. She reluctantly joins Skeeter's project and provides some of the most compelling stories for the book.

• Hilly Holbrook: The antagonist of the story, a young socialite who leads the Junior League and promotes racist initiatives. Hilly is manipulative, status-obsessed, and openly discriminatory towards African Americans. Her actions drive much of the conflict in the novel.

• Elizabeth Leefolt: Skeeter's friend and Aibileen's employer. She is insecure and easily influenced by Hilly, often neglecting her daughter, Mae Mobley. Elizabeth represents the passive acceptance of racism among many white women in 1960s Jackson.

• Celia Foote: A kindhearted but naive newcomer to Jackson who hires Minny as her maid. Celia is ostracized by the other socialites and forms a unique friendship with Minny. Her storyline provides a counterpoint to the prevalent racism in the community.

• Constantine Jefferson: Skeeter's beloved childhood maid who mysteriously disappeared. Constantine's influence on Skeeter is a driving force behind her desire to write the book. Her story is gradually revealed throughout the novel.

• Charlotte Phelan: Skeeter's mother, who is primarily concerned with her daughter's marriage prospects. Charlotte's relationship with Skeeter is strained but evolves throughout the story.

• Stuart Whitworth: Skeeter's love interest, a senator's son who struggles with his own prejudices. Stuart's relationship with Skeeter highlights the challenges of changing societal norms.

Quick facts

• Kathryn Stockett drew inspiration for The Help, her debut novel, from her own experiences growing up in Jackson, Mississippi.

• It took Stockett five years to complete writing the novel.

• The Help was rejected by 60 literary agents over a span of three years before finally being accepted for publication.

• The Help spent over 100 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list.

• The Help won the Indies Choice Book Award for Adult Debut and the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fiction in 2009.

• The novel has sold more than 15 million copies worldwide, with translation in more than 35 languages.

• The character of Minny was originally inspired by Octavia Spencer, who went on to play her in the 2011 film adaptation.

• Ablene Cooper, a former housekeeper for Stockett’s brother, sued the author for $75,000, claiming Stockett had based the character of Aibileen on her without permission. The lawsuit was ultimately dismissed.

• The film adaptation of The Help was directed by Tate Taylor, Stockett's childhood friend, and featured Viola Davis as Aibileen and Emma Stone as Skeeter.

• Octavia Spencer won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Minny in the film version.

About the Author

Kathryn Stockett is an American novelist best known for her 2009 debut work, The Help. Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, she earned a degree in English and Creative Writing from the University of Alabama. After graduating, she moved to New York City, where she worked in magazine publishing for nine years. 

Growing up, Stockett had a close relationship with an African American domestic worker, which she drew on for The Help, a historical novel exploring the complex relationships between Black  maids and their white employers in the 1960s American South. Rejected by 60 literary agents before finding representation, The Help went on to become a global phenomenon, spending over 100 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list and selling millions of copies worldwide, with translations in more than 35 languages. The Help was adapted into a 2011 film directed by Tate Taylor, Stockett’s childhood friend. Along with Viola Davis and Emma Stone, the movie starred Octavia Spencer, who won an Academy Award for her performance.

Stockett currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and daughter. Her second novel, The Calamity Club, is slated for publication in 2026.