Books similar to "The Help"
Discovering your next great read has never been easier! If you like "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett, you're in the right place. Our curated list features books that share similar themes, styles or vibes.
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To Kill a Mockingbird
by Harper Lee
Harper Lee's classic novel explores themes of racial injustice and moral growth through the eyes of Scout Finch, a young girl in the American South during the 1930s. The story is similar to 'The Help' in its examination of racism and social injustice. Both books are set in the American South, and they address these complex issues from the perspectives of characters who are gradually coming to understand the deep-seated prejudices of their society.
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The Secret Life of Bees
by Sue Monk Kidd
Set in South Carolina in 1964, Sue Monk Kidd's novel follows Lily Owens, a young white girl who flees her troubled home with her nanny, Rosaleen, who is black. They find refuge with the Calendar Sisters, beekeepers who teach Lily about life and love. This book is similar to 'The Help' as it explores themes of racial tension and the bond between women across racial lines in the South during the Civil Rights Movement.
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The Invention of Wings
by Sue Monk Kidd
Sue Monk Kidd's historical novel follows the lives of two women: Sarah Grimké, a privileged white girl, and Hetty “Handful” Grimké, a black slave. Set in early nineteenth-century Charleston, the novel delves into the struggles against societal norms and the journey towards freedom. It shares common themes with 'The Help,' such as slavery, gender roles, and the complexities of relationships between white and black women.
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Small Great Things
by Jodi Picoult
Jodi Picoult's novel tackles race, privilege, and justice. It revolves around Ruth Jefferson, an African American nurse, who finds herself in a legal battle when a white supremacist couple accuses her of harming their baby. Similar to 'The Help,' the novel addresses contemporary racial tensions and examines the experiences of people of color in a predominantly white society.
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The Color Purple
by Alice Walker
Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel tells the story of Celie, an African American woman in the South during the early 20th century, who overcomes abuse and oppression to discover her own identity and voice. Like 'The Help,' this novel deals with difficult themes of racism and gender discrimination, focusing on the strength and resilience of African American women.
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The Kitchen House
by Kathleen Grissom
Kathleen Grissom's novel is set in the late 1700s and early 1800s on a plantation in Virginia. It tells the story of Lavinia, an Irish orphan, who becomes an indentured servant alongside slaves. The book explores the complex relationship dynamics on the plantation. Similar to 'The Help,' it highlights issues of class and race and the bonds formed between women in oppressive settings.
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Mudbound
by Hillary Jordan
Hillary Jordan’s novel, set in the post-WWII Mississippi Delta, examines racial tensions and social classes when two families - one white, one black - are brought together on a farm. The narrative draws parallels with 'The Help' as it tackles themes of racism, family, and the intersection of personal and societal struggles in a Southern setting.
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The Book of Negroes
by Lawrence Hill
Lawrence Hill's historical novel follows the life of Aminata Diallo, who is abducted from Africa and sold into slavery in America. Her journey to freedom is a long and arduous one, reflecting the long struggle against slavery and racism. Similar to 'The Help,' it focuses on the strength and endurance of black women amidst racism and societal injustices.
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Homegoing
by Yaa Gyasi
Yaa Gyasi’s debut novel spans three hundred years, starting in 18th century Ghana. It follows the descendants of two half-sisters, one sold into slavery and the other who marries a British slaver. Like 'The Help,' it examines the impacts of racism over generations and illuminates the interconnected lives shaped by slavery and systemic inequality.