Hi, everyone:
Well, we finally reached the conclusion, and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. In the end, the book written by Skeeter, Aibileen, Minny, and the other maids ended up a hit even among those like Hilly who probably would have preferred to see it burned. For the most part, the damage was minimal but the overall impact huge, which I don’t know if anyone expected. I was actually happy that Aibileen lost her job. I think that it was a forced freedom that she secretly desired, and as she stated it only proved her point that Hilly would spend the rest of her life fighting to keep a decent name for herself. It was sad to see that even up to the end Elizabeth remained oblivious to the reality of the woman she’d become and we can only hope that Mae Mobley keeps the lessons that Aibileen taught her close to heart. I was very happy to see Skeeter finally happy with herself and eager to move on to a life outside of Jackson. And most of all that Minny got up the courage to leave Leroy.
Overall I really liked this book. I did read the author’s note at the end, and to be honest I kind of wished I hadn’t. From Kathryn Stockett’s description of her own maid and life growing up, I saw that each character in this book could basically be a piece of this one person who raised her, and I wondered if perhaps she herself was a combination of all of the white women in the book. Also, I thought the explanation of why she wrote the book wasn’t really needed, but that’s just my opinion. Either way I think I would have preferred to end with the image of Aibileen starting a new life for herself. So what did you think? Luckily, we have the opportunity to ask Kathryn Stockett herself, since she has agreed to answer your questions. Just post them here.
And tell me: What were your overall thoughts about the book and the way that it ended?
—Nykia
I did enjoy this book, although it was completely different from what I imagined it would be like. I was just a young child back in the 60′s and grew up in Nebraska, so the atmosphere and mentality that was prevalent in the book was very foreign, and disturbing, to me. Ms. Stockett did a great job of weaving this story, using the various storytellers. I highly recommend it to others.
I loved this book. I grew up in the South in the 70′s, so I didn’t witness the racism Stockett describes, but my grandmother was quite prejudiced and didn’t hesitate to let us know it. I liked the ending. I always worry with long books that I’ll get to the end and be horribly disappointed–maybe because the writer ran out of ideas or just got tired of writing? But this time I think the ending was not expected and not disappointing. I too left the South after grad school, so I can relate to Skeeter’s desire to get the heck out. Thank you Kathryn!
This is a great book…..if you get a chance..listen to it on audio. The 4 narrators do a superior job on the story….I liked the audio better than the book because of the portrayal. I struggle with all of this having been born in 1963 from a very southern family that had maids….we moved 9 times, so had exposure to other ways of life…I wish everyone could move around like that so that they knew the life they lived was a small vacuum if they stay in one place.
I loved this book. I was so sorry when I came to an end. I grew up in CT and had no idea that the south was another planet when it came to integration. To think there were laws against whites and black being together! I had black kids in my classes starting with kindergarten, so I thought nothing of it. I think Ms Stockett’s ending was generous, it made me cry. I am recommending this book to my own book club. Thanks for choosing it.
I really enjoyed this book, as well. I found the character of Aibileen so rich and likeable, I wonder if she will reappear in another book. Her story wasn’t quite finished, in my opinion.
My question for the author is, do you regret and miss your maid like Skeeter does Constantine? Is that why you wrote this book, or is there another reason?
Even though the book ended on a note of hope, I was very much saddened and disappointed in general, and especially that Elizabeth didn’t speak up, although she seemed to want to stop the madness. Poor, poor Mae Mobley. Now who will tell her that she’s worth something? She’s going to have the same hangups that Skeeter has(or even worse since her mother doesn’t like her at all). And poor, sweet Abileen. She didn’t deserve this at all. The only really good thing was that Minny is finally getting away from Leroy. I hope her life turns around.
I was depressed for a week after finishing this book. Actually, I still am. Although it’s a negative feeling, that is a sign of an excellent book, if it can leave you with feelings and opinions for days afterwards.
Questions for Kathyrn Stockett:
1. Did you intend for Mae Mobely to be Skeeter as a young child? There seems to be a strong parallel between the two characters.
2. Why was the benefit chapter 25 set differently … in my book the entire chapter has a line along the sides. It was also not given the name of a particular character. Was this your idea or the publishers?
Great book! I was sorry to see it end. I felt like I knew each of the characters and wanted the story to continue, though I was not disappointed with the ending. It helped to see how far we’ve come in 40+ years, but also that we have a ways to go yet.
This was a wonderful book. I listened to the “audio” version. I didn’t miss my train stop because I was so engulfed in the book, but I did stay in my car after sitting in LA traffic just to listen a little to what would happen next. I love the way the mini stories left us hanging until the next chapter. But I will admit I was a little dissappointed about the end. I wanted to learn more… I know Minnie must have left Leroy but what would she do to him before she does? Something similar to what she did to Mrs Hilly? What about Ms. Skeeter, I wonder if Stuart ever comes to his senses and meets up with her again? Loved the story though… and what it represents.
I loved this book. I was almost in tears during the last chapters. I thought the ending was excellent, leaving you with hope for change, but change is a struggle. Just like real life things aren’t neat and tidy.
I would love to know if any of the characters will be in another book? I would love to see what happens with any, but Celia and Minny really captivated me.
so nice to find a book that I thought about all day, couldn’t wait to get back to it