Wow.... i am speechless after reading this blatant review. Well, it's a free country and this person is certainly entitled to his/her opinion.

I am lucky enough to live in a modern, civilised world where racism and ignorance are not tolerated (although both exist still, in every day's life)....

i bought the book intentionally before I watch the film, I literally finished the book 2 hours ago feeling elated, humbled, sad and happy. I believe some of the book is based on real life experience of the author. I DON'T think the story is patronising, in fact, i believe in every single scenario whether it is wife-beating, Whites getting on with the Colours, Whites looking down on the Colours,.... the story is not telling anyone to sympathise anyone, or be on any one side, white or black. I guess the true message of the book is, we are all human beings and we can all make mistakes, we are all so similar yet so different. Life would be much more beautiful if we try, at least try to get on and respect each other's differences... look at the friendships between Skeeter and Abileen, also Abileen and Minny.... these relationships are not epic, but honest and heart-warming.

I am so looking forward to seeing the film. And also, to anotherjoebloggs, go online or search in the library, the history of black slaves and see how come so many Africans were shipping from Africa (by force, on chains) to various parts of the so-called civilised Western world to be slaves....... then, you'll know.