The Help: chapters 1-4

Aibileen

S.Dub: 2 things kept going through my head as I read the first 2 chapters concerning Aibileen. One-- I cannot imagine going through life everyday being treated the way Aibileen (and the other "colored" maids) were treated. I teach a month long unit on the Civil Rights Movement-- so I know all about the issues-- but it never ceases to amaze me that human beings can treat each other this way.

The other thing I kept thinking about was how AWFUL Miss Leefolt is to her daughter, Mae Mobley. It just breaks my heart. I cannot imagine treating Miss Priss that way. I am interested to see how this mother-daughter- maid dynamic evolves through the book.

It appears to me that Aibileen is going to be a very strong character in the book-- even though I am not sure she is aware of, or believes in her own strength... yet, anyway.

JustyMac:

I agree that Aibileen is a strong character. She is a wise woman and she is brave.

As far as Ms. Hilly goes--oh my. She likes to be in charge and tell everyone what to do. Don't we all know someone like that? As the books goes on my dislike grew immensely for her. You'll find it isn't just the 'help' she is rude to.

Minny is a force to be reckoned with! She has a good head on her shoulders and is a tough lady. As you read on about her life, I'm sure you will agree.

I didn't mean for this post to end up in the middle of S.Dub's notes.... Forgive me as I continue to learn about blogging. :P


Minny

S. Dub: Whew! What a character Minny is! Unlike Aibileen, she KNOWS her strength and doesn't seem to be afraid to use it. I can forsee Minny getting herself, and possibly others, in some serious trouble through this book.

She seems a good match for Miss Celia-- who seems a sad sort of character so far.


4 chapters in and I am hooked. The characters are very well developed and the writing is amazing. Looking forward to learning about Miss Skeeter in the next couple of chapters..