Kathryn Stockett ​

Kathryn Stockett is an American author, best known for her debut novel, "The Help", which has been published in more than 40 languages. The novel, set in the early 1960s period of civil rights movement, tells the story of black maids working in white households in the southern United States. The book was also made into a successful movie, earning several award nominations.

Quick Facts ​

• Known for her debut novel, The Help.
• The Help was made into a movie, which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.
• The novel spent over 100 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list.
• It was also awarded the 2009 Indies Choice Book of the Year Award.
• Has continued writing novels, such as The Sleepwalker's Guide to Dancing.

Background ​

Stockett was born in 1969 in Jackson, Mississippi. Her childhood revolved around a close-knit family and a community steeped in southern tradition. After graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in English and Creative Writing, she moved to New York City where she worked in magazine publishing and marketing for 16 years. While in New York, she started working on her debut novel, The Help, which took her five years to complete. The book, set in her native Jackson, Mississippi, during the early 1960s, tells the story of three women, two of whom are black maids, and one, a young white woman. Published in 2009, The Help quickly became a bestseller and was eventually made into a successful movie. It was her relationships with African-American domestic staff during her upbringing that inspired her to write The Help.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Stockett's writing style is known for her strong character differentiation and vivid settings. She tackles themes such as racism, equality, and friendship, provoking thoughtful dialogue among readers. Her work has contributed significantly to discussions of race and privilege in literature. Her ability to seamlessly blend history and fiction has garnered critical acclaim, making her work both engaging and enlightening.

Notable Works ​

• The Help (2009)