The Help Summary

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Here you will find a The Help summary (Kathryn Stockett's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.

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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024

The Help Summary Overview

In the heart of Mississippi during the summer of 1962, a middle-aged African-American woman named Aibileen Clark works as a maid for a white family, caring for their child, Mae Mobley. The family's matriarch, Elizabeth Leefolt, is swayed by her friends into building a separate bathroom for Aibileen based on false notions of racial disease transmission, despite their limited finances. In the meantime, Aibileen's closest friend, Minny, loses her job as a maid due to false rumors spread by one of Elizabeth's friends, Hilly, who claimed Minny is a thief. Minny ultimately finds employment with Celia Foote, a woman married to Hilly's ex-lover, who is ostracized by the town's society. Recently graduated from college, Skeeter Phelan, a friend of Elizabeth's, is intrigued by Aibileen's life. After landing a job at the local newspaper, Skeeter seeks Aibileen's help in writing her column. In the process, she learns about Aibileen's son, Treelore, who was penning a book about the experiences of black people working for white families before his untimely death. This inspires Skeeter to delve into the life of maids, leading her to start interviewing Aibileen in secret for her book. Meanwhile, Minny’s employer, Celia, struggles to fit in with society and hides her multiple miscarriages. Despite Minny's warnings, Celia tries to befriend Hilly, leading to a disastrous public incident. Skeeter’s manuscript garners the interest of Elaine Stein, a senior editor at Harper & Row, who encourages Skeeter to interview more maids. Initially hesitant, more maids agree to share their experiences after Hilly unjustly accuses her maid, Yule May, of petty theft. In an act of defiance, Skeeter publishes a piece in a newsletter that results in dozens of old toilets being dropped off in Hilly's front yard. The ensuing scandal ostracizes Skeeter from the community. As a protective measure for the maids who shared their stories, Minny convinces Skeeter to include a scandalous story involving Hilly in her book. After its publication, the book creates ripples in their community, leading to both positive and negative outcomes for those involved.

chapter 1

Aibileen Clark, a maid for the Leefolt household, has been looking after their two-year-old daughter, Mae Mobley, for a couple of years. Mae is the first child she cares for after the loss of her own son, Treelore. When Elizabeth's friends, Skeeter and Hilly, along with Hilly's mother, Miss Walters, come over for their bridge club meeting, Hilly implies her mother isn't eating properly due to her own maid, Minny's, negligence. Aibileen, who is good friends with Minny and knows she's a superb cook, doesn't believe Hilly's assertion. Hilly, after using the Leefolt's bathroom, pushes Elizabeth to install an outdoor one for the Black servants, citing racial health concerns. Despite Elizabeth's financial worries, Hilly insists on its necessity. Skeeter mockingly proposes Hilly should also use an outdoor facility, to which Hilly sternly reminds her that racial matters aren’t a laughing matter. Later, Skeeter ventures into the kitchen to ask Aibileen if she's ever desired to alter her circumstances. Aibileen dismisses the question as a foolish one but assures Skeeter that she is content with her present state.

chapter 2

A few days on, Aibileen comes to work and spots a truck outside the Leefolt residence. She's taken aback to find Elizabeth’s spouse, Raleigh, there, raising his voice about the cost of constructing a new bathroom for the housemaid. In the ensuing days, Hilly dismisses Minny because she's putting Miss Walters into a care home and creates a gossip that Minny steals. Minny confides in Aibileen that she almost spat at Hilly when she was fired, but did something even worse. That evening, as Aibileen writes in her prayer journal, she includes Skeeter in her prayers. On a certain day, Aibileen takes a call for the Leefolts. A lady called Celia Foote, the wife of Hilly’s old flame, wants to talk to Elizabeth. Aibileen informs her that Elizabeth is away, but when Celia reveals she needs a maid, Aibileen gives her Minny’s contact details, pretending Elizabeth asked her to. When Elizabeth returns, she informs Aibileen they've built a bathroom for her in the garage. Elizabeth presents this as a favor, making it clear that Aibileen should only use the outdoor toilet.

chapter 3

Minny arrives at Celia Foote’s remote countryside mansion and is taken aback by Celia's heavy makeup and tacky attire. Despite being unaware of the rumors spread by Hilly, Celia is pleased that Minny is willing to work for her. However, she has a condition - her husband must not find out about their domestic help as she wants him to believe she can manage cooking and cleaning on her own. Minny finds this condition problematic but Celia offers to pay her double her previous salary and assures to reveal the truth to her husband by Christmas. As Minny teaches Celia to cook, Celia professes to be at her happiest. Yet, Minny senses that Celia's happiness is superficial.

chapter 4

In her role as Celia's housekeeper, Minny observes that Celia often stays confined to her room, only coming out for their cooking classes or to stealthily visit the upper floor for a few moments daily. On a particular day, Celia mentions her intention to remove a mimosa tree in the yard. Minny supports her decision, even though Celia insists she must remain indoors and calm. Minny advises Celia to socialize, to which Celia reveals her futile attempts to connect with women regarding the Children’s Benefit. However, her calls always go unanswered. Minny realizes that Celia is looked down upon by the other women.

chapter 5

When Skeeter Phelan returns to her family's cotton plantation, Longleaf, her mother, Charlotte, expresses concern about her lack of a romantic relationship. Skeeter, standing tall with pale skin and frizzy hair, silently wishes to pursue a career as an author, a truth she is unable to share with her mother. Earlier, she had applied for an editorial role at the publishing firm, Harper & Row, located in Manhattan. The family's maid, Pascagoula, informs Skeeter of an incoming phone call. On the other end of the line is Hilly, revealing that her husband William's cousin, a senator's son, will visit next weekend. Hilly hopes to matchmake Skeeter with him. Hilly also brings up her desire for Skeeter to feature the Home Help Sanitation Initiative, a proposal for separate restrooms for housemaids, in the League's forthcoming newsletter. While scrutinizing her housemaid's restroom, Skeeter's mind drifts back to Constantine, the maid from her childhood. Constantine, who always reminded Skeeter of her beauty and encouraged her to chase her aspirations. After completing her college, Skeeter returned to find out from her mother that Constantine had moved to Chicago to be with her family. The news of Constantine's departure without a farewell deeply upset Skeeter.

chapter 6

Skeeter is discouraged when she gets a letter from Harper & Row's senior editor, Elaine Stein, telling her she doesn't have the necessary experience for an editor job. Elaine, however, encourages Skeeter to write about what unsettles her and offers to critique her best concepts. Excited, Skeeter pens down and sends all the things that bother her to Elaine, but later acknowledges she wrote to impress, not because she was passionate about the topics. Soon after, Skeeter lands a local newspaper gig, replacing Miss Myrna by responding to cleaning inquiries. Skeeter knows she's out of her depth and seeks Elizabeth's approval to consult Aibileen, who triggers memories of Constantine. When Skeeter questions Aibileen about Constantine's sudden exit, she finds out that Constantine was dismissed, contrary to her assumption that Constantine had resigned. While discussing with Aibileen one day, Skeeter discloses her aspiration to become a writer. Aibileen reveals that her late son also had a passion for writing and had begun a book about his experiences of working for white men. Aibileen expresses regret for not being able to disclose what transpired with Constantine, hinting that it had to do with Constantine’s daughter. Skeeter is taken aback to hear about Constantine's daughter, learning she was sent up North because she was born with white features due to Constantine's half-white lineage. When Skeeter gets another letter from Elaine criticizing her ideas as cliché, she starts to contemplate a new, yet potentially controversial idea.

chapter 7

While engaging Mae Mobley in play, Aibileen reflects on the gullibility of children. She encourages the young girl to affirm that she is intelligent and kind-hearted. Over the following weeks, Aibileen makes efforts to potty train Mae Mobley. Despite her belief that Mae Mobley needs to observe someone else use the restroom to learn, Elizabeth refuses to let her daughter join her in the bathroom. One day, in Elizabeth's absence, Mae Mobley requests Aibileen to teach her toilet use, leading them to the outdoor lavatory. When Elizabeth returns, she reprimands Mae Mobley for using the "colored bathroom", claiming it will make her sick. Aibileen is disheartened, fearing the day Mae Mobley will perceive Black people as unclean. During a grocery run for the Leefolts' Thanksgiving feast, Aibileen encounters church friends who inform her about the assault on her friend Louvenia's grandson, Robert, for using a whites-only restroom. Robert, who was close to Treelore and has been maintaining Aibileen's lawn without pay since Treelore's death, is severely beaten. Upon returning home, Aibileen finds Skeeter waiting for her. Inspired by Treelore's thoughts, Skeeter proposes writing a book about the experiences of Black maids serving white families and wants Aibileen's interview, as well as other maids', without their employers' knowledge. Aibileen refuses, cautioning Skeeter about the risks of such an endeavor, considering Robert's incident and her relative's vehicle arson for attempting to vote.

chapter 8

After departing from Aibileen's home, Skeeter recollects a phone conversation with Elaine Stein from a week prior, regarding her innovative project. Elaine admits it's a fresh perspective but questions the authenticity of any maid willing to participate. Skeeter deceives Elaine by claiming she's already secured a volunteer. A week post-Thanksgiving, Skeeter makes another unsuccessful attempt to persuade Aibileen to contribute to her book. The subsequent week, Skeeter's mother, Charlotte, persuades her to use the Magic Soft & Silky Shinalator to tame her hair. While under the device, Skeeter dwells on a scene at Elizabeth's house where Hilly informed Aibileen about the new bathroom her husband had set up. Skeeter perceived Hilly's expectation for gratitude from Aibileen and was disappointed when she eventually expressed it, making Aibileen's reluctance to converse with her more comprehensible. When the Shinalator process is finalized, Skeeter and her mother are pleasantly surprised by its effectiveness.

chapter 9

Skeeter gets ready for her date with Stuart Whitworth, the senator's son, on Saturday without informing Charlotte, her mother. Despite Charlotte's attempts to dissuade her, Skeeter leaves in her dad's truck and turns up late at Hilly's home. During dinner, Stuart consumes a lot of bourbon and displays a mix of indifference and ridicule towards Skeeter's newspaper job. The following day, Aibileen decides to do the interview with Skeeter, who's surprised and inquires about what prompted her decision. Aibileen reveals that Hilly was the reason.

chapter 10

At choir practice, Aibileen shares with Minny about Skeeter's upcoming book. Despite feeling the pull to speak her truth, Minny declines when asked if she'd be willing to talk to Skeeter. Following this, Celia appears unwell and remains bedridden for several days. A few days before Christmas, Minny turns up for work to find Celia absent. She is startled when Johnny appears, questioning her identity. Despite her fear, Johnny lightens the mood with humor, suggesting they continue pretending he's unaware of her.

chapter 11

Skeeter visits Aibileen for their initial interview one evening. The tense atmosphere results in Aibileen's shaky hands causing the teapot to rattle while serving tea. Despite Skeeter's queries, Aibileen finds it challenging to provide detailed responses. Unable to continue, Aibileen excuses herself, apologizes, and admits she's unprepared to share her experiences. At an ensuing bridge club gathering, Elizabeth hands Skeeter a message from Aibileen. The note reveals, “I know how to make the teapot stop rattling.” Fast-forward two days, Skeeter pays another visit to Aibileen's home. Aibileen suggested, after Skeeter had read her note, that she would jot down her thoughts and then share them orally. Skeeter doubts the efficiency of the plan, expecting she'll have to edit Aibileen's statements. However, as Aibileen starts reading her written words and Skeeter records them, Skeeter finds herself admiring Aibileen's writing ability.

chapter 12

In the ensuing fortnight, Skeeter urges Aibileen to involve other maids, but her efforts are in vain. Aibileen expresses a desire to read more books to improve her writing skills, and Skeeter volunteers to obtain the books, aware that the local library excludes non-whites. Aibileen's hesitance reveals her uncertainty about which societal boundaries Skeeter is willing to cross. Skeeter professes her frustration with these racial restrictions, but she understands that her feelings may not resonate with Aibileen. Skeeter completes Aibileen's narrative and sends it to Elaine Stein. At the next social gathering, Elizabeth reveals her pregnancy but seems distressed. Skeeter, at her residence, gets a call from Elaine. Elaine proposes that if Skeeter can complete the book by January, including interviews with twelve women, she might consider it for publication. The news elates both Skeeter and Aibileen, but they realize the challenge in meeting the deadline. Aibileen persuades Minny to participate in an interview at Aibileen's home. Minny initially shows resistance but gradually starts answering Skeeter's questions.

chapter 13

In the following weeks, Skeeter and Minny have multiple meetings at Aibileen’s place. One evening, Stuart shows up at Skeeter’s door, apologizing for his past actions during their date. He tells her he wasn’t prepared to date after ending his engagement with Patricia van Devender, but doesn't disclose the specifics. Stuart invites Skeeter for dinner, to which she reluctantly agrees. During their conversation, Skeeter discloses her aspiration to become a journalist, without mentioning the book. Their conversation lasts until the restaurant's closing time, ending with Stuart kissing Skeeter. A couple of weeks later, Skeeter visits the library and stumbles upon a booklet listing the Jim Crow laws in the South. Even though she was aware of these laws, seeing them in print is a shock, as they are never discussed openly. She links these laws to Hilly’s bathroom proposal and makes a note about it. She notices the booklet was mistakenly returned to the wrong library, so she takes it with her and attends a League meeting. After the meeting, she heads home and realizes she has left her satchel behind. She calls Hilly, who informs her she has the satchel at her house. When Skeeter retrieves her bag from Hilly's house, she later discovers that the booklet is gone.

chapter 14

One day, as Hilly and her kids are at Elizabeth's house, Hilly starts to discuss the bathroom initiative. Despite Elizabeth's attempts to steer the conversation elsewhere, Hilly plows on, asserting that the government "knows best." Hilly then brings up finding Skeeter's bag, which rattles Aibileen. Later that evening, Aibileen reflects on the unique ways in which women inflict punishment, not through physical strength but by slowly tarnishing another's reputation until they're left jobless and homeless. The following night, Skeeter informs Aibileen that Hilly took the Jim Crow pamphlet from her bag. A few days afterwards, Aibileen receives news of the murder of Medgar Evers, an NAACP field secretary, by a KKK member.

chapter 15

Following the funeral of Medgar Evers, Aibileen narrates a tale to Mae Mobley about a Black girl and a white girl realizing their similarities beyond their skin color. Some days after, Aibileen, along with Elizabeth and Mae Mobley, attend the country club as guests of Hilly. They encounter Skeeter playing tennis. When Skeeter engages with Hilly and Elizabeth, they evade her inquisition about why they've been ignoring her calls. Hilly brings up a booklet she discovered in Skeeter's bag, but Skeeter dismisses it, claiming she was only reading it. To divert Hilly's attention, Skeeter begins discussing her husband's state Senate campaign. As they part, Skeeter and Aibileen share a sigh of relief with a mutual glance.

chapter 16

Following a local gathering, Aibileen converses with Yule May, who is preparing for her twin boys' impending college journey. Yule May discloses they still need to accumulate more funds prior to the start of the academic year. She's also aware of the narratives Aibileen and Skeeter are crafting together. She inquires about the anonymity of the maids in the stories and suggests having a more personal discussion later. Yule May's departure makes Aibileen comprehend that Yule May has been hoping to be invited to contribute.

chapter 17

Following a Sunday service, Aibileen proposes a second interview with Skeeter to Minny. Minny is more concerned about her kids receiving fair treatment in their service jobs than larger societal issues. At dinner, Minny's husband Leroy recounts a tale of a sit-in and warns their children to steer clear of such matters. Minny is anxious about Leroy's possible reaction if he discovered her collaboration with Skeeter. Determined to uncover Celia's secret, Minny covertly observes her drinking from several brown bottles, reminding her of her alcoholic father. Realizing Celia is also an alcoholic, Minny is consumed with anger. She confronts Celia, denying their friendship and threatening to dispose of the alcohol. Celia responds by commanding Minny to leave, threatening her job in the process.

chapter 18

Minny goes back to Celia's place, finding her unwell but still up for Minny doing her work. She grows worried after Celia spends too much time in the restroom. When Celia finally comes out, Minny is shocked at the amount of blood present. Celia requests Minny to contact Dr. Tate, her physician. While waiting for him, Celia confesses that she was expecting for five months and it wasn't the first time she suffered a miscarriage. Minny suggests that Celia's heavy drinking might have contributed to this, but Celia seems puzzled. She clarifies that she was drinking a tonic from a Native American tribe, thinking it would help her maintain her pregnancy. Eventually, Dr. Tate shows up to aid Celia.

chapter 19

Skimming through Life magazine, Skeeter stumbles upon an article about Carl Roberts, a Black educator who was lynched for criticizing Mississippi's governor. This makes her realize her past ignorance. She's then asked by Stuart to join him on a coastal trip, a proposition she's drawn towards but fears the scandal it may stir up if they share a night. Soon, Skeeter receives a letter from Yule May via Pascagoula. The letter reveals that Yule May, in a desperate attempt to pay her sons' tuition fees, stole Hilly's unused ruby ring. She was apprehended and is now incarcerated, hence unable to contribute to the book. Later, at Aibileen's packed house, a group of women assure Skeeter of their support for her book. Engaging with these new contributors, she uncovers the multifaceted dynamics between them and their employers—often a blend of pure affection for the children they tend, along with despise for their mothers. Through these interviews, Skeeter discerns the duality in her friends' behavior as she learns of Lou Anne's secret care for Louvenia after her grandson was assaulted.

chapter 20

Skeeter and her family join the Whitworths for dinner where Carl Roberts is brought up in conversation by Mr. Whitworth. Surprisingly, Skeeter's father admits a sense of shame about certain events in Mississippi. Mr. Whitworth, who is gradually becoming more intoxicated, mentions that Roberts's comments on the governor might have been ill-advised, yet he doesn't contradict them. Post-dinner, a tipsy Mr. Whitworth discloses his concern for Stuart following his broken engagement. Skeeter manages to get some private time with Stuart, where he shares that Patricia had been unfaithful with a civil rights campaigner, a fact that could tarnish his father's political reputation. Skeeter probes Stuart about his feelings for Patricia, but he deflects the question, suggesting they should pause their relationship for a while.

chapter 21

For the ensuing weeks, Skeeter devotes herself entirely to her task. The risks seem to be escalating, but she understands the significance of these narratives. During an evening League gathering, Hilly challenges Skeeter for not including her Home Health Sanitation Initiative in the newsletter, promising to relinquish Skeeter's booklet only if she publishes the initiative. When Skeeter returns home, she pens down the newsletter inclusive of Hilly's initiative, filled with shame over Constantine's potential judgment of her actions.

chapter 22

On Mae Mobley's third birthday, Aibileen rouses her and serves strawberry and chocolate cakes, knowing the former is her favorite. Skeeter later informs Aibileen she'll be away for three days. During Skeeter's absence, an enraged Hilly calls the Leefolts' home and Elizabeth rushes to her. Aibileen and Mae Mobley, out for a stroll, notice multiple toilets littering Hilly's lawn. Back home, Aibileen overhears Elizabeth's phone conversation, piecing together the chaos: Skeeter misdirected toilet donations destined for a coat drive to Hilly's house through a misleading newsletter. Upon discovering Skeeter's prank, Hilly sternly advises Elizabeth to sever ties with her. When Skeeter returns, she meets Aibileen and Minny, vowing to exercise more caution in the future. However, Aibileen is apprehensive, sensing Skeeter doesn't comprehend the perils they face.

chapter 23

The summer progresses, marked by Martin Luther King, Jr.'s address at the Washington March and a tragic church bombing in Birmingham that kills four African American girls. Amidst this backdrop, Aibileen is startled one day at the bridge club when Celia Foote appears at the door, hoping to assist with the Children's Benefit. However, Elizabeth and Hilly decline her offer, though they extend an invitation to her and Johnny for the event. As Celia writes a check for the tickets, she mentions her maid, Minny, leading to a tense moment when she credits Elizabeth for recommending Minny. Aibileen overhears this and becomes concerned that the lie she spun months earlier might be exposed.

chapter 24

Upon Minny's arrival to work one day, Celia sees bruises on her face and inquires about them. Minny blames her injuries on a bathtub fall but Celia isn't convinced. As they try to deal with the situation, they notice a naked man in the yard. Celia contacts the police while Minny attempts to chase him off. The man responds with violence, knocking Minny to the ground. Celia intervenes, beating the man into unconsciousness with a fire poker. After the incident, Minny goes to Aibileen's house and recounts the day's events. She questions why Celia would stand up to a man, yet allow Hilly to mistreat her. She realises that Celia doesn't acknowledge the social boundaries between herself, Minny, and Hilly. Aibileen states that such boundaries do not exist, but rather are an illusion created by individuals like Hilly. In the lead-up to an upcoming benefit, Celia can't understand why the other women are hostile towards her. Minny, not wishing to hurt her feelings, tells her they believe she was romantically involved with Johnny while he was still with Hilly. The revelation doesn't upset Celia, but instead prompts her to clarify to Hilly that she began seeing Johnny only after their relationship ended. On the benefit day, Minny is taken aback by Celia's ostentatious, cleavage-revealing dress.

chapter 25

During a social event, Celia, slightly inebriated after a few drinks, becomes the center of everyone's attention. The highlight of the evening is the raffle prize announcement, where Hilly wins Minny's chocolate custard pie, much to her surprise and denial. In a slightly tipsy state, Celia celebrates Hilly's win, leading to an accusation that Celia had rigged the raffle. In the ensuing commotion, Hilly's dress sleeve gets torn accidentally. Celia tries to explain that she never had an affair with Johnny during his relationship with Hilly, but Hilly is more concerned about what Minny might have revealed regarding the pie. The event takes a turn when Celia suddenly throws up and rushes to the restroom. As the event quiets down post Celia and Johnny's departure, Miss Walters confesses to having placed the winning bid on the pie on Hilly's behalf.

chapter 26

Following the charity event, Celia is bedridden and depressed. Minny discovers a letter from Hilly to Celia which ostracizes her from all future League activities and demands a $200 donation. Slowly, Celia reveals her regret about leaving her hometown. She also mentions her puzzlement about Hilly blaming her for the pie bid. Minny discloses the truth about the pie incident. She narrates how Hilly, intending to steal Minny away from Miss Walters, had branded Minny a thief. In retaliation, Minny had baked a chocolate pie, which Hilly ate. The shocker was that Minny had added her own feces to it, a fact that both horrified Hilly and amused Miss Walters. Minny clarifies that Hilly mistakenly assumed Celia knew about this incident. Days later, Minny observes Celia damaging the mimosa tree with an axe. She also finds a $200 check from Celia for Hilly, accompanied by a note, “For Two-Slice Hilly.”

chapter 27

Elaine Stein instructs Skeeter to submit the manuscript by December 21, including a narrative about her maid from her childhood. Skeeter relays this to Aibileen, who promises to document the account of Constantine. Soon after, Stuart visits Skeeter, confessing he's over his ex Patricia, but Skeeter dismisses him. Aibileen proposes the book title, "Help," which Minny and Skeeter approve. Stuart pays another visit to Skeeter, and Charlotte, Skeeter's mother, expresses that Stuart doesn't deserve Skeeter if he can't appreciate her intelligence and kindness. Aibileen recollects Constantine's tale to Skeeter. Constantine's daughter, Lulabelle, who has pale skin, was sent to a Chicago orphanage due to societal dangers. Lulabelle reached out to Constantine and planned a visit to Longleaf. Aibileen hands Skeeter an envelope to read the rest of the story privately. Skeeter later confronts Charlotte, who admits that Lulabelle, posing as a white guest, came to a DAR luncheon and spat in Charlotte's face when asked to leave. Charlotte compelled Constantine to choose between her daughter and employment, disclosing the truth behind Lulabelle's adoption. Constantine and Lulabelle relocated to Chicago where Constantine passed away shortly after. Once Skeeter finishes the manuscript, Minny suggests a safeguard to protect their identity: include the incident with Hilly, who would prefer the episode to remain private. Upon including Minny's encounter with Hilly in the book, Skeeter sends the manuscript to Elaine Stein.

chapter 28

Skeeter discovers her mother, Charlotte, is diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer, casting a shadow of gloom over their Christmas celebrations. Despite this, she finds solace in Stuart's presence. As New Year approaches, Charlotte's health seemingly improves. Stuart acknowledges the rumors about Skeeter's involvement in civil rights, but affirms his belief in her intelligence. During a dinner with Stuart, Skeeter chooses to wear a daringly short dress, earning Stuart's discretion when his parents appear at the same venue. Later, at Longleaf, Stuart pops the question to Skeeter, who confesses about the book she's working on. Despite swearing secrecy, Stuart decides he can't marry her. Weeks after, Skeeter announces to Aibileen and Minny that their book will be published by Harper & Row. Despite the limited print run and small advance, they are both thrilled and anxious.

chapter 29

Once the book hits the stands, Skeeter informs Aibileen that it will be discussed on a regional afternoon chat show. Aibileen tunes into the broadcast as she does her ironing, joined by Elizabeth. The show's host humorously suggests that the narrative could be based in Jackson. The book reviewer then takes the reins, labeling the book as a dishonor to the South. All Elizabeth gathered was that the book revolved around Jackson, prompting her to purchase a copy.

chapter 30

In the evening, Minny is curious about Hilly's progress with the book, expecting her to yell once she reads the pie story. Come dawn, she finds Celia and Johnny anticipating a conversation with her at work. Celia has finally revealed her miscarriages to Johnny. Grateful to Minny for looking after Celia, Johnny assures her of lifelong employment with them.

chapter 31

On a particular day, Aibileen eavesdrops on a conversation between Elizabeth and Hilly about the book, with Hilly expressing her suspicion that the book revolves around Jackson. During a grocery store visit, Aibileen encounters Louvenia and both overhear a couple of white women pondering their possible inclusion in the book.

chapter 32

Aibileen shares with Minny the news that Hilly has influenced Lou Anne to terminate Louvenia, despite Louvenia's praise for Lou Anne. Amid her attempts to rest, Minny is hassled by Leroy's threats of uncovering her secret. The following evening, Minny is abruptly awakened by the sound of Hilly's shrill shriek.

chapter 33

Skeeter encounters Lou Anne one day, who informs her of the rumors Hilly has been spreading about Skeeter being the author of the book. She suggests Lou Anne should dismiss Louvenia, but Lou Anne refuses, citing Louvenia's invaluable support during her depression. Skeeter is surprised by people's lack of understanding about each other's lives. Later that evening, Hilly visits Longleaf and confronts Skeeter about writing the book. Once Hilly departs, Skeeter contacts Aibileen and Minny to relay what has happened. She also shares news of a potential job offer she got from Harper & Row as an assistant, expressing reservations about leaving Aibileen and Minny to face the fallout. However, the two ladies encourage her to accept the position.

chapter 34

Aibileen finds herself taking care of Hilly's silverware since her one-armed maid, Ernestine, can't handle the task. Afterward, Aibileen receives a call from Minny, who has finally left her abusive husband Leroy, especially after losing her job due to a command from Hilly's spouse. When Aibileen reaches Elizabeth's home, she is confronted by Hilly who accuses her of stealing silverware and threatens to send her to prison, claiming she was involved in the book's creation. After she is let go without charges by Elizabeth, Aibileen walks away realizing she possesses more freedom than Hilly and Elizabeth.

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