I had heard good things about this book but never bothered to put my name on the hold list because it really didn't sound that appealing to me. When we received the audio book I decided I would listen to it - wow!!!!! Unbelievable that this is a first novel. I was taken in by the first chapter and listened to it while walking, pulling weeds, taking a shower, checking my e-mail and a few other things! Eighteen hours of listening that just flew by!
It is the 1960's in Mississippi. Eugenia- more commonly known as Skeeter- comes from a typical southern family of the times. Their "help" is a loving woman named Constantine. While Skeeter is away at the University, she and Constantine write letters every week to keep in touch. After graduation Skeeter is shocked when she arrives home to find that Constantine is gone - and the explanation given by mother is not very satisfactory.
Skeeter wants to be a writer and was given advice by an editor to get any kind of job she can at the newspaper. The only job she can get is writing an advice column - on cleaning. She has never cleaned anything but takes the job anyway! She turns to a black maid named Aibileen for answers on how to clean things.
Eventually Skeeter turns to a big project - writing about the lives of some black maids in Jackson. No one can know about the interviews or the book. The characters are varied and always interesting - whether you love them or hate them! Life in Mississippi was certainly different than it was in Indianola back in the '60's!
Now I know why everyone has been asking for this book! Read it when you get a chance.
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