Despite some of the other reviews, I did not find this book to be quite so ... "flat." In fact, just the opposite! I could relate to many of the relationships and I especially liked how well the lives were woven together. The racial tensions were well written without being too in-depth. Coming from a town with mild racial tension even today, I could relate somewhat to the unease.
Hilly reminded me of some of the girls I went to school with -- seemingly sweet but with an indescribable power over people and mean as a rattlesnake when provoked (whether intentional or not).
The unfolding of the tale of Skeeter's mama brought tears to my eyes as I recalled a nearly identical part of my own life.
In all, the story was well written. I could hardly put it down! Just enough was left to the imagination and just enough artistic license were present to keep the story flowing smoothly to the end. I hope there will be many books to come from this author!