This story takes place during the Civil Rights Movement; a time when it wasn’t uncommon for wealthy white husbands and wives to hire poor black people, mostly women, to help-out around the house. The hired help were far from slaves. That period in American history had long passed. But blatant racism was still very much alive. So even as maids; paid to cook, clean and practically raise their bosses babies; they were often treated with racial condescension.
At one point, a maid is fired for using the in-house bathroom, which is reserved for white people. Another scene has one kindly “axing” her “Ma’am” for a 75-dollar advance, or loan, in order to help pay for her son’s college tuition. “God don’t give charity to those that are well and able,” the boss says with a haughty grin; “You need to come-up with this money on your own.” But not all white people are presented as snobs. One; an aspiring writer named Skeeter; even makes it her duty to help the help.
It’s a story about a book, based on a book about stories; the stories of black Mississippi maids working for upper-class white people in the 1950s and 1960s; stories we never really get to read, hear or see, because they’re hidden deep within the perspective walls of the narrative. But there is a main plot. And, while it isn’t as straight-forward as it should be; the pie humor, for one, seems out of place; it has a good deal of heart.
my rating = 4 of 5
2011
