I hope Prof. Spufford is busy writing the next novel. Here he explores the power dynamic between the sexes with laser-like insight.

Walker is an amazing author. This is a very heavy story full of abuse, but Walker handles it well and with compassion.

Marston Meysey book Group, December 2011 The book appealed to nearly all members of the group. Those of us who read it for the second time found it as captivating as the first time. We were drawn to the main characters who are vividly depicted and felt empathy for them as they struggled bravely to achieve their goal. The obvious point of discussion is racism. Why does racism happen? Were white women like Hilly the product of the society they lived in or were they inherently bad? What about racism in our own country? It might be interesting for future readers to read "An Open Statement for the Fans of The Help", written by the Association of Black Women Historians. (Their website is ABWH). The members of the Association express very strong views on both the book and the film. We would strongly recommend "The Help" to reading groups. Star rating: 4,5 out of 5

Although sad and controversial, it's an amazing book for anyone 14+. It's written amazingly well and very immersive. Definitely 5*****!

Chippenham Ladies Book Group, October 2011 An often humorous read with some unusual and interesting perspectives on World War ll. Definitely a book of two halves, the first half is a little slow and the focus of the book is unclear. The style is not chronological which can make it difficult at times but if you can persevere to the end all becomes clear. A truly entertaining read.

This is quite an epic novel-nearly 700 pages and very small type. It is complex in its structure and needs concentration to follow 'the plot'. Much of it is also in Jamaican patois [or pidgin English] so sentence construction is not straight forward. However, this should not deter you; I admit at times that I almost gave up but am glad that I perservered and throughly enjoyed reading it. Being a pensioner, Bob Marley is more than a character in this novel to me and, if this is a reflection of what happened, then I am better informed. I know that there is a basis of fact in this novel.

Coleman Book Group, February 2012 Half a Yellow Sun, takes its title from the emblem for Biafra, the breakaway state in eastern Nigeria that survived for only three years, and whose name became a global byword for war by starvation. Adichie's writing is a powerful focus on war's impact on civilian life. She describes each of the central characters attempts to understand and survive this war. Some of us found the book difficult to read, both because of the gruesome events described and because we struggled with unfamiliar names. However we felt it was a worthwhile emotional and educational read.

Reading Group review. We almost all liked this book. An easy read and an interesting story, with its glimpses of US racial attitudes of the day. Only complaint was that it was a bit too like a fairy tale - the good people 100% good, the bad 100% bad.

Everyone enjoyed the book. Brilliant - a description of small town life through a child's eyes.