Book Review ~ The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

Discussion at book group this afternoon was lively and interesting about this novel by Sue Monk Kidd. The Invention of Wings is a many spirited work of fiction superbly crafted with wisdom, heartbreak and humour. History and historical figures are written in stories of slavery, abolition and the oppressive roles of women in the southern United States in the early 19^th century. This fascinating book is inspired by the historical figure, Sarah Grimke. An abolitionist at heart from a young age after accidentally witnessing the whipping of a slave, she was frightened and appalled. At her 11^th birthday, she was given a slave, Handful (Hetty), as a birthday present. Her attempt to free this slave was unsuccessful. The note for that freedom written in her own hand was torn up by her father whom she loved and respected. This detail of his 'betrayal' is not revealed until much later in the story and she believes that her mother has torn up the note. The story unfolds from there showing the trajectory of both Sarah's and Handful's lives over a thirty five year period. Brutal facts of slavery are laid out. The strictured world of women, in the north and the south, are woven throughout this novel. Sarah leaves her home in the south, travelling north with her father, and becomes acquainted with a Quaker family, where there is more freedom for women, however still patriarchal expectations. 

Handful, as a woman is a fictional character. History shows that Handful died at a young age, however Sue Monk Kidd developed the character of Handful in juxtaposition to Sarah Grimke. Sarah and Hetty (Handful) followed very different paths, each learning about their own desires and plans for freedom. They are reunited at the very end in a final burst for achieving their goals.

Voice also was a central theme throughout the book. Sarah had difficulty with her ability to voice  her opinions, often developing a stammer or literally being unable to speak. Handful had to learn to speak in two voices, the voice of a submissive slave and her own voice within her community.

Note: At the back of the book is a section separating history and fiction.

“My body might be a slave, but not my mind. 

For you, it’s the other way around.”

~ spoken by Handful to Sarah

Sue Monk Kidd, The Invention of Wings

Title: The Invention of Wings
Author: Sue Monk Kidd
Publisher: the Penguin Group (First published by Viking Penguin)
Publication Date: 2014

Type:  Fiction

Format:   Hard cover
ISBN: 978-0-670-024780-6