Questions About The Invention of Wings

by Sue Monk Kidd (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (30)

So I read the book... Could somebody explain the title to me?

Dana Per the author's notes:
The original idea of the "wings" came from black folklore where people in Africa were thought to fly and then lost their wings …morePer the author's notes:
The original idea of the "wings" came from black folklore where people in Africa were thought to fly and then lost their wings when captured as slaves.

Wings mean freedom. The Invention of...means how these characters came to find their personal freedom through abolition and women's rights.

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Is this book written in the same style as The Mermaid Chair?

Dee Mermaid Chair is more mystical. The Invention of Wings is more realistic, based on historical facts. I liked the the Invention of Wings much better.

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Does it have a lot of sexual content?

Frances No, it doesn't - a indistinct mention of sexual intercourse between two consenting adults and 'Mills and Boon' flirtation between others.…moreNo, it doesn't - a indistinct mention of sexual intercourse between two consenting adults and 'Mills and Boon' flirtation between others.(less)

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Was there ever any historical mention of what happened to Hetty after she got away?

Judy Lindow The only historical reference to a real Hatty was as a young girl when she was given to Sarah. However, per the author's note (at the end of the story…moreThe only historical reference to a real Hatty was as a young girl when she was given to Sarah. However, per the author's note (at the end of the story) the life long relationship relationship between the two women is one of the more fictionalized aspects, as the real Hattie, was recorded to have died fairly young.(less)

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I completely apologize if this is seems mysoginistic. I don't intend for it to be. I don't see any male reviewers for this book. I'm interested in reading it but don't know why men haven't revieed it? Thanks.

Sandi Dickenson This book may hold more of an appeal to women. It was written by a woman about women. The male characters are not as developed and they all play a sec…moreThis book may hold more of an appeal to women. It was written by a woman about women. The male characters are not as developed and they all play a secondary role. As a female, I have enjoyed and been enlightened by male centric books. They have given me insight into men and how/why they respond to what life throws to them.
This principal applies to this book. It reveals how girls are influenced by their world and how/why some choose the mission of changing humanity instead of more traditional roles. Of note there is a wide array of female characters in this book. Like the book’s male characters, the secondary female characters merely hint at the existence of their diversity in personality and characteristics. (less)

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