Books similar to The Help?

[daisydalrymple]

DD is studying The Help at A’level and needs to choose another book to read to compare a theme to. She’s wanting to explore the theme of the failures of non traditional parenting, and the impact it can have on the individuals involved. She’s found a few books but so far none are main stream enough.
Just thought I’d ask you lovely people on here incase anybody has any recommendations you might have read lately?

To kill a mocking bird came to mind, not sure if it’s a good fit, but it hits several of the themes

Hideous Kinky by Esther Freud? It's semi-autobiographical, about her childhood with Bella Freud.

The Poisonwood Bible
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves
Educated

Wuthering Heights

Thank you all so much, she’s going through the list now.

Mother’s Helper by Maureen Freely comes to mind - it looks like it’s out of print but copies are available on Amazon. Published in 1979, it explores the contradictions and failures of theory driven, ‘progressive’ parenting. Very funny in places. Set in the US.

Also she might have a look at The Good Mother by Sue Miller.

What an interesting theme!