The Help summary

"The Help" by Kathryn Stockett is a novel set in Jackson, Mississippi in the 1960s. The story is told from the perspectives of three women: Aibileen Clark, Minny Jackson, and Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan.

Aibileen and Minny are African American maids who work for white families. They are both struggling with the racism and discrimination they face in their daily lives, but are hesitant to speak out against it due to the potential consequences.

Skeeter, a recent college graduate and aspiring writer, becomes interested in the experiences of the black maids and decides to write a book about their lives. She enlists the help of Aibileen and Minny, who are initially hesitant but eventually agree to share their stories.

As Skeeter begins to interview more maids and gather information for her book, tensions rise in Jackson. The white families become increasingly suspicious and hostile towards the maids, and the risks associated with speaking out against racism become more apparent.

Despite the challenges they face, Aibileen, Minny, and Skeeter continue to work on the book, which they hope will shed light on the injustice and inequality in their community. Eventually, the book is published and becomes a bestseller, inspiring others to speak out against racism and discrimination.

Overall, "The Help" is a powerful and moving story about the bravery and resilience of those who stood up against injustice during a difficult and tumultuous time in American history.