The Servant (in the original title - The Help) is the debut novel of the American writer Catherine Stockett. At the center of the work are the intricacies of the relationship between white Americans and their servants, most of whom were immigrants from Africa. This is a unique work, which was written by an incredibly talented and sensitive woman. This is already visible from the first pages of the book.
The theme of this story is incredibly relevant for America, which at the beginning of the 20th century was mired in completely unreasonable hatred and neglect of black people. And even after so many years, books that reveal the truth about those years in all its ugliness, cause great interest among Americans.
There is no more difficult topic for a writer from the South than a sense of affection that arises between blacks and whites in an unequal world of segregation. Due to the insincerity prevailing in society, any emotions cause suspicions, and it is impossible to fully understand what is happening between two people is a sincere feeling, or just pity, or a manifestation of pragmatism.
However, not only this factor became the key to the success of the book "Servant". Reviews indicate that this novel was written incredibly easy and interesting, despite the terrible reality of those times, which he illuminates. Today we will discuss the plot, characters and ideas of this work.
How was the book created?
Catherine Stockett began writing The Servant Book in 2001. The impetus was the attack of September 11, 2001. As a result, 2977 people and 19 terrorists died. It was the largest attack in the history of America. How is he related to Stockett? We will discuss this point later.
Katherine at that time was in New York and worked as a journalist in a publishing house. The writer herself later said that the plot of the book "Servant" was based on her childhood memories. A dark-skinned woman named Demetri also served in her parents' house. Later, Catherine regretted that "she was not old enough and smart" to find out how she lives in the service of the "whites" in Mississippi. For many years, the writer admitted, she asked herself what Demetri would answer her. That is why she wrote this book. She tried to answer her questions herself.
The author wrote the "Servants" for five years. This was not easy, given the deep roots of this tragic topic in American history. It is noteworthy that after the end of the novel, when Katherine was ready to publish it, 60 publishing houses refused her. Subsequently, they probably regretted this rash decision, because the novel received unprecedented success. And all thanks to the literary agent Susan Roemer, who agreed to introduce Katherine.
The novel was published in 2009. Already in 2010, Stockett’s book “Servants” was published in 35 countries and translated into 40 languages of the world, including Russian and Ukrainian. In August 2011, more than 5 million copies were already sold, in 2012 - more than 10 million. For 100 weeks, the work was on the New York Times bestseller list. Unprecedented success, especially given the many enthusiastic reviews from critics.
Plot of the book
The novel takes place in the early 1960s in Jackson (USA, Mississippi). The narration is conducted in the first person alternately from three women - two black maids and a young aspiring white writer.
In order to better understand the reader who we are talking about, we present a short list of the main characters of the book.
1. Eugenia "Skiter" (from the English. Skitter - "mosquito", "mosquito") Phelan - a novice writer. The girl was born into a wealthy family and studied at a university for 4 years in another city. But here she returned to her hometown with a reliable become a writer. Parents do not understand this and try to quickly marry the girl, but she is sure that she will remain an old maid. The family owns a Longleaf cotton plantation. Most of the workers are African-Americans.
2. Ebilin Clark is a middle-aged dark-skinned woman whose duties include cleaning and looking after the owners' children. She works for the Lifolt family and looks after the daughter of employers. May Mobley, despite her wealth of parents, is incredibly lonely. And only kind Eibilin, who has already raised 17 children in her former places of work, seems close and dear to her. Ebilin lost her adult son due to an accident. Now the whole world seems to her painted black, although outwardly she remains an affable and smiling woman.
3. Minnie Jackson is Aybilin's best friend. Her husband Lorey often drinks and beats her. The woman has five children. However, Minnie is not remarkable for this - she is distinguished by a sharp language, which probably is known to all Jackson. Minnie does not know how to keep her mouth shut, constantly daring to a white lady. She already had to leave 10 gentlemen because of the explosive nature. However, Minnie is a great cook. Therefore, she is hired, despite her sharp tongue.
Also in the novel there is a rather colorful character - Celia Foot, the wife of a wealthy businessman. A beautiful blonde, who grew up in one of the poorest areas of the city, knows how to treat people of color as equals. However, at the same time, she can not find a single white friend in the city.
We must not forget about the main villain of the novel, which became Skiter's former close friend - Hilly Holbrook. The pampered lady, whom the girl used to love very much, suddenly turned into an evil bitch, as soon as Skiter was estranged from the high society of the “whites”.
Stockett colorfully describes the events. She gives attention to the most insignificant details that make the picture complete for the reader. Before his mind's eye appears a tall, sophisticated Eugenia (in the Russian translation she is called Eugenia) with almost white curls, a short, full Minnie with voluminous breasts, a middle-aged Aybilin with a kind smile.
So, Ebilin serves in the Lifolt family and looks after little May Mobley. Mistress does not treat her very well, as she is distinguished by arrogance, but Aybilin is very attached to May Mobile. She tries to give the girl that love, which she is deprived of because of parental coldness.
Minnie Jackson recently lost her last job. She was kicked out of the house only because she dared to use the owners' toilet, while she was obliged to visit only her own. However, there was such a thunderstorm on the street that Minnie decided to disobey the hostess. It is noteworthy that, in addition to losing her job, the woman was also slandered. The former mistress said the woman stole the family silver from her deaf mother, whom Minnie looked after. Hearing spread throughout the city - and now the woman can no longer get a job. However, a bell rings from the house of Celia Foote. She wants to take a woman to work. Minnie begins to work for the wife of a businessman. She helps her around the house and even teaches her how to cook.
Skiter at this time is looking for her nanny, who disappeared on the eve of her return home. When the girl received her last letter, Constantine was clearly not going to leave anywhere. Skitter does not receive a clear answer where the nanny went from the mother.
During one of the meetings of the white women with whom Eugenia is friends, Mrs. Holbrook (it was Minnie who worked with her) raises the topic that the colored servants and the owners should have different toilets. After all, black people are much more likely to get some kind of infection. Skiter does not support this idea. It was at this moment that she began to wonder what a huge chasm separates the black maid from the world of gentlemen.
She decides to write a book in which she describes how colored women live in American homes. However, translating this idea into practice is very difficult. Indeed, such frankness on the part of the servants can threaten them with serious problems. Black women perceive a request to tell about their lives with surprise and distrust. However, Skitter can’t give up her idea, she believes that her book will help people look at the servants differently. The girl sends the outline of the book to the New York publishing house, but she is advised to question a dozen more women, to supplement the book with stories.
Soon, albeit very reluctantly, the handmaids still begin to give Skeeter an interview. They also want to talk about the injustice that flourishes in small American towns.
At this time, President Kennedy is tragically killed. Skiter is working hard on the book, more and more women agree to give her anonymous interviews. Probably, this decision is given to them easier due to the deterioration of interracial relations in the city. Cases of beatings and killings are becoming more frequent. Eugenia takes these incidents to heart.
Quite by chance, Skeeter's friends find out about her work on the book. It turns out that their girlfriend supports colored women? Skiter loses the familiar circle of friends, but very quickly realizes that this is not so important for her.
Finally, the girl learns the truth about the beloved Constantine. It turns out that the woman left the Phelan home because of a quarrel between her daughter and Eugenia's mother. However, in Chicago, the woman did not live even a month - she died shortly after moving. This news is a blow to Skeeter. After all, she loved Constantine so much! She looked at Mrs. Phelan with new eyes, as well as at the whole "high society" of whites. Can these people be so cruel? On the advice of the publisher, the girl also describes this story in her book.
Finally Skiter sends the manuscript to New York. She is either approved or rejected. Waiting for a verdict, the girl helps to look after a terminally ill mother. Her affair with Stuart, a relative of her already ex-girlfriend, is gradually developing. However, as soon as she tells him about her book, Stuart decides to break the engagement.
At this time, an answer comes from New York. The book will be published! Of course, in the small town of Jackson, some have a clue about who wrote the book and who co-authored it. However, time puts everything in its place.
Skiter leaves for New York, Minnie leaves her husband, who mercilessly beat her, and Aybilin, who was dismissed from her previous job, begins to write a column in the newspaper devoted to household chores. The book is gradually gaining popularity.
Stockett Book Reviews
Perhaps this book is one of the few that has caused such an abundance of reviews. And almost all are positive. Because it is impossible not to fall in love with this work. It is unique and one of a kind.
So that the reader can appreciate the magnitude of his charms, hereinafter quotes from the book "Servants" by Catherine Stockett will be given.
Book in book
Readers say that to find in the work a description of how the book was created is very exciting and unusual. Such a plot twist is not common. But it is so interesting to observe how in the small world that the book is, another book is created, and what works it costs the writer. Perhaps such a voluminous and vivid spelling can not be found in any work.
Relevance
In America, the theme of racism is very acute even now, 58 years after the events described in the book, Americans remember everything that happened then. However, not only the topic of racial inequality is present in the book. This is a truly female work in which Katherine Stockett showed the severity of life of the beautiful half of humanity in all its unsightly beauty.
- Every morning, until you die and you are buried in the ground, you will have to make this decision. - Constantine sat so close that I could see the pores on her black skin. “You will have to ask yourself:“ Am I going to believe that these fools will say about me today? ”
Eibilin is alone. She continues to suffer from the loss of her son and will suffer all her life until she breaks. After all, the pain of losing a child bleeds continuously in the mother’s heart. This kind woman devoted her whole life to the children of gentlemen whom she loved as relatives. What did she see in response? Neglect, distrust and even hatred.
I remember how Baby was spanked because of me. I recall that she listened to how Miss Lifolt called me dirty, contagious. The bus rushes to State Street. We cross the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, and I clench my jaw so hard that my teeth almost break. I feel how the bitter seed that settled in me after the death of Trilor, everything grows and grows. I want to scream so loudly so that Baby will hear me that the dirt is not in the color of the skin, and the infection is not in the Negro part of the city.
One cannot but mention the little May Mobile, who, deprived of the love and affection of her parents, is desperately seeking her from the maid. Many readers (reviews of the novel Servant note this) it was the unfortunate child that caused tears in his eyes.
Minnie is also unhappy in her own way. Not only can she not find a common language with any of the “white ladies” because of her sharp tongue and impudent temper, she is also unhappy in marriage. The husband drinks and beats her. They are completely alien people. But Minnie is not discouraged. She is full of thirst for life, which does not allow her to plunge into the viscous swamp of depression.
This moment Stockett probably borrowed from Demetri's biography. Her husband also does not treat her very well, so she never talked about him.
Not every woman decides to leave her husband and stay alone with five children. Alas, today women are increasingly sacrificing their own interests, preferring them to a complete family. However, this is fundamentally an erroneous decision, because it leads children to mental injuries, and mothers to the brink of a nervous breakdown. But our heroine Minnie has an excellent sense of humor, which does not allow her optimism to fade.
Yes, she is the first to respond at roll call in the madhouse.
At the same time, for some readers, Minnie's character aroused a double feeling. On the one hand, she suffers the arrogance and tyranny of the owners, which in no way can add to her kindness and politeness; on the other, she is a very harmful person who does not value Celia’s good attitude.
Eugenia, whom everyone calls simply Miss Skeeter, is a very notorious and unhappy girl. All her life they imposed that the lady should be fragile and petite, and not tall and slim. They persuaded that she was obliged to seek a husband, and not dream of becoming a writer. Mom all her life was unhappy with her, which caused the girl a pathological self-doubt.
Society imposes on her borders that for many years she lacked the courage to cross. But she proved that she is a very strong personality, who does not care about the opinions of others. Eugenia learned to wear short dresses, do what she wants, and write what really matters to her. And she perceives even the departure of her lover calmly, as she realizes that she met him more likely to please her mother.
Celia Foot is also in her own way an unhappy woman. She got married, she has her husband's love and financial independence. And this man treats her with amazing patience. However, somewhere inside Celia remains a girl who grew up in one of the most dangerous areas of the city. "White ladies" do not take her into their tight circle, she feels abandoned and lonely. Miscarriages that follow one after another immerse her in a viscous depression.
Realism
In their reviews of the book "Servants," readers note that the book is incredibly realistic. Yes, some people think that the characters are too exaggerated, however, reading the book, is it possible to agree with this opinion? The simple language of the narrative does not seem repulsive, on the contrary, it only adds realism to the work. The reader seems to be talking to the characters - and from this they seem to him even dearer and closer.
Realism is evident in every sentence of the book "Servant". In reviews, readers point out the moments that make it truly vibrant and understandable. For example, the moment when Celia Foot vomited right in front of the guests at one of the secular evenings. A scene where a potential bridegroom of Eugenia gets drunk right in a restaurant and stares at busty young women. In this way, the author shows that all the characters in the book are far from ideal. They have both positive and negative traits.
There is no romantic happy ending here. Probably precisely because the author of the book "Servants" sought to show the life of a small town in Mississippi in all its glory and ugliness. The lives of the heroines have changed for the better, but they have not turned into a fairy tale. Closing the book Catherine Stokett "The Servant", readers note in the reviews, it is felt that this is not the end. And somewhere out there, in a small book world, Skeeter continues to write books that are gaining popularity, Minnie still cooks Celia Foot in the kitchen, and Aybilin ... maybe she’s nursing a nineteenth kid?
I always thought that madness is scary, gloomy and bitter, but it turned out that when you immerse yourself in it, it is soft and tasty.
Humor
Many readers are impressed by the writing language. He seems to bring them closer to the heroes of the book. The very presentation itself makes one want to continue reading, because it is incredibly light and fascinating. Although it was this language of a simple working woman from the people that pushed some readers on the front pages. But then they were so imbued with the atmosphere prevailing in the work that they stopped paying attention to this annoying nuance. However, it should be noted that one must be able to write about the difficult in such a simple and accessible language. Therefore, the lexicon should not be considered a drawback of this work. We recommend reading Catherine Stockett's “Servants” in English for comparison with translation.
- Breast - this is for the bedroom and feeding the children, and not for social events.
“And what do you command her to do?” Leave breasts at home ?!
Katherine Stockett set herself a rather difficult task. She wanted to show not only tragic situations, but also funny ones. After all, our everyday life is full of them: laughter is interspersed with tears, joy is replaced by sadness. Therefore, when reading a novel (especially sensitive ones even manage to cry), the reader does not feel a crushing load of problems. He is interested, and most importantly easy, given the development of the book. In order to write such a work, not only knowledge of psychology and writing skills are required, but also an excellent sense of humor.
Mrs. Charlotte Phelan's Husband Hunting Guide. Rule number one: a miniature pretty girl is decorated with makeup and good manners. High and inexpressive - trust fund. I was five feet eleven inches tall, but I had twenty five thousand cotton dollars on my account, and if this is not real beauty, then, my God, the guy is still not smart enough to become a member of the family.
Open finale
Most readers who have written reviews of The Servant note that the open finale left a ton of questions. And if in some books it looks quite logical, then in this work leaves an aftertaste of incompleteness.
However, this issue is controversial, because the author has shown in recent chapters what changes women managed to achieve in their own destinies. And all thanks to their dedication and a heightened sense of justice. Continuation is not necessary, because the book fulfilled its main mission.
Hope
The work makes us hope for a change for the better, no matter how terrible and tragic our "today" is. Catherine Stokett in the novel "The Servant" (reviews indicate this) touched on many topics that cause an acute sense of sympathy, but at the same time skillfully diluted them with warm and kind moments. Many write about how it should be, readers say in their reviews of Servants, but no one has yet written how to achieve this perfection. Katherine did it. She literally provided readers with instructions on what to do in order to achieve their goals. Despite the open finale, the reader has a pleasant feeling of hope that everything will be fine.
Do you understand the essence of what you read?
What is the main idea of the work? According to the writer herself:
In “The Servant” there is a moment that I am sincerely proud of: “Isn't that the main idea of our book? That women understand: we are just two people. Not so much separates us. There is not such a big difference between us. Not at all so significant, as it seemed to me. "
It was the desire to show that white and colored people are actually no different from each other, encouraged Katherine Stockett to write a novel.
Everyone knows that in 1865, slavery was abolished, black people were granted rights, but many of them remained unrecognized. The tragedy of slavery ended then, but it took another 150 years to eliminate its consequences.
So, in 1940, only 5% of blacks had the right to vote in elections. Until 1967, interracial marriages were strictly forbidden, and living under the same roof as an African American provoked an immediate police reaction with the “public order” sauce. The outstanding scientist C. Drew, who discovered the blood plasma, simply died on the threshold of the hospital after a car accident - the hospital refused to admit the “black” to the “whites” hospital.
No wonder the Nazi ideologist Alfred Rosenberg set the American racial laws as an example of Germany, since "there is an impenetrable barrier between whites and colors."
However, few doctors worried about the problems of black doctors. It was such a rarity. Only 5% of blacks graduated from high school in 1940. Most blacks in the south acted as tenants. The landowner supplied them with land, seeds, tools and cattle, for which tenants had to give most of the harvest. The work took place under the supervision of overseers. Often the blacks who worked on the ground were shackled. They could buy products only at the master's shop.
Katherine Stockett was born in 1969. Although significant progress was made in overcoming racism in the United States in the 1960s, when significant political and socio-economic measures were taken as a result of the success of the civil rights movement, the echoes of racism were still heard too well. Somewhere they fought for the rights and equality of dark-skinned people, but in small towns all these actions were very distant. But in such towns, the differences between the white population and the color were too noticeable.
Ugliness lives inside. Being a freak means being an ugly, evil person.
However, the idea of a novel lies not only in interracial issues. The "Servant" Catherine Stockett seems to remind us that people have no right to treat someone with disdain. To control and decide the fate of others. Why, why do they complicate their lives with anger and hatred, meanness and treachery? After all, it is they, and not someone else, who will have to live with themselves all their lives. It was these thoughts that Katherine visited after she found out about the terrorist attack in September 2001. Someone cruel decided the fate of innocent people: some were killed, others crippled. For what? Injustice, cruelty and arrogance are what each of us faces. But if we act in the same way, nothing will ever change. Changes begin with ourselves, and not with a neighbor or school friend.
The book also covers other issues - the problems of society, which are becoming more acute every year. Why does the crowd blindly follow the rules prescribed by someone (no one even remembers who), like a herd, while each person is a person with his own judgment? Ladies from high society, rich and spoiled, consider themselves queens in their small world and hard copy each other. However, in reality, their life is completely devoid of meaning and joy. The people who serve them are much more alive and better than them. However, money and position are everything. They consider black servants no better than dirt.
One must have great courage and willpower in order to try to change something at the cost of losses. This is a very difficult and thorny path, which is fraught with numerous consequences. Therefore, not everyone decides to follow it. After all, society, in fact, continues to, like in the Middle Ages, divide people by faith, color and amount of money. Is this not the worldwide tragedy of mankind?
The film adaptation of the novel
In 2011, a film based on the story of Katherine Stockett was released. The main roles were played by Emma Stone, Octavia Spencer, Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard and Jessica Chastain.
The film raised $ 169 million in the United States. It should be noted that issues of racial discrimination always resonate in the hearts of modern American citizens.
Interesting facts about the film are likely to be of interest to the reader:
- The director and screenwriter of the film, Tate Taylor, has been friends with the author of the novel Catherine Stockett since childhood - they grew up together in Jackson, Mississippi, in which the book is set in motion. This indicates that the plot of "Servants" is largely autobiographical.
- Octavia Spencer is friends with Stockett and Taylor. It was she who became the prototype of Minnie's sharp tongue. Therefore, she was offered this role - and she coped with it brilliantly! It is noteworthy that before this Octavia appeared only in episodic scenes of some films. And for the role of Minnie, she received an Oscar.
- The soundtrack was the song The Living Proof, written by Mary Jane Blige. In an interview, she noted that "she really appreciates the opportunity to appeal to so many women at the same time through this song and is glad to join this project."
- The first lady of the USA - Michelle Obama, having watched this film, decided to arrange his screening in the White House. Emma Stone and Octavia Spencer were invited to it.
- The film was warmly received not only by the audience, but also by critics. They praised the actresses' play. Emma Stone perfectly conveyed the character of her heroine. Jessica Chastain, a talented actress, looked in the role somewhat unusual for the viewer, but quite harmoniously, which was also noted by critics.
The film entered the top 250 on the KinoPoisk website. The film, based on Catherine Stockett's book “The Servant,” received positive reviews. However, many viewers claim that the picture is inferior to the book in vivacity and humor. It was shot in the genre of drama, so it found a greater response in women's hearts. Actors coped well with their roles, their game is soulful and reliable. And even if, when reading a book, you presented them completely different, the film is definitely worth a look.
Similar books to Servant
- “Call the Midwife” (Jennifer Wharf).
- The Nightingale (Christine Hannah).
- Mrs. Sinclair’s Suitcase (Louise Walters).
- “The Big Little Lie” (Liana Moriarty).
- “The wife of the zoo keeper” (Diana Akerman)
Of course, this is not the whole list of such works.
So, today we reviewed the reviews of the book "The Servant" by Catherine Stockett.