#48 - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
I feel like I'm reading so many interesting and important books these days. This one was definitely not an exception.
Seeing the world through Aibileen and Minny's eyes was truly exceptional, I was scared for them, angry at how they were being treated, disgusted by people. And I was impressed by their courage and their will to change something, even while knowing it could be dangerous for them and their family. And I should not forget Skeeter, who is a privileged white lady, and is ready to put these privileges in jeopardy to help those maids. It was truly beautiful.
Understanding the relationships between the maids and the children they care about was also something. They care about them as if they were their own, even if the parents of these child treat the maids like shit. They are trying to make a difference while educating these children because they know they will turn out like their parents if they don't.
Mississippi in the 60's was not a good place to live as a colored person. This book is about racism: white people are so sure they are better than black people. It seems so natural for them, it is scary to think it was like that. I do not mean there is no racism anymore today, but it seems so natural in these days. Some people were trying to make a difference, but the majority of people still think black people and white people should be separated.
Mississippi in those days was neither a good place for a young woman, colored or not. Skeeter is ambitious and wants to pursue a career. She has the privilege of going to college but it seems like she won't be able to use her education, she is destined to be a good little wife, like every woman. They are supposed to live for their husband and reading this as a young woman myself, living in a rich country in 2017, I am so glad it is not the case anymore. I am so grateful for all those people who fought for women's rights, and that thanks to them, I could go to University and start a career. Or I could stay at home and bring up children if I wanted to.
The main subject of this book is racism and segregation. But there are also other subjects like women condition, upbringing of children, young love, dealing with sickness, betrayal, friendship and so many many more.
I loved every second of it and I totally recommend this if you haven't read it yet.