The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Narrator: Jenna Lamia, Bahni Turpin, Cassandra Campbell, Octavia Spencer
Length: 18 hours 6 minutes
Published by Penguin Audio
Publication Date February 10, 2009
Source: Free Little Library
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Audiobook
Goodreads
Three ordinary women are about to take one extraordinary step...
In 1962 Jackson, Mississippi, two African-American maids and one white Junior League socialite—seemingly as different from one another as can be, will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes line are made to be crossed.
In pitch-perfect voices, Kathryn Stockett creates three memorable women whose determination to start a movement of their own forever changes a town, and the way women—mothers, daughters, caregivers, friends—view one another. A deeply moving novel filled with poignancy, humor, and hope, The Help is a timeless and universal story about the lines we abide by, and the ones we don't.
Why I Read it
I have always like the film adaptation of The Help but of course had never read the book. When I found it in a little library I knew I had to give it a try.
The Narrators
Despite have a physical copy I also checked out an audio version from the library, with Cassandra Campbell, Bahni Turpin and, Octavia Spencer narrating how could you go wrong? I must say I was right, these ladies really enhanced the storytelling especially with Octavia Spencer reading Minnie’s part.
My Thoughts
I really enjoyed The Help, it is a fun lite summer read that had me smiling in parts. As for whether I thought the book or movie was better is close to a tie with Kathryn Stockett’s novel winning by a thread. I think this is because the characters were given more detailed storylines with greater emphasis on Minnie’s domestic abuse homelife and a deeper backstory into Stuart, Skeeter’s boyfriend, and makes him a little less of a jerk when he dumps Skeeter for writing a book on the Help.
After I completed Kathryn Stockett’s novel I did return The Help to another Little Library, not because I didn’t like it but because I don’t see myself rereading it. Overall, it is an enjoyable read that is a must for those who like the adaptation.
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