The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd 5 *'s

[MargieD2017]

Based on historical events, Sue Monk Kidd presents a tale of two 19th-century abolitionist Grimke sisters and the slaves of their household. Beginning with Sarah Grimke's 11th birthday and her birthday gift of her own slave girl (10 year old Hettie), the author takes us on a revealing tale over 35 years of what it means to be a slave and a defiant slave owner growing up in the Southern town of Charleston. The author has done an amazing job of weaving all the facts of the time and the historical contributions of the Grimke sisters while allowing us the reader to walk in those same shoes. She develops Sarah (along with sister Nina) and Hettie in alternating chapters that keep you close to them as their lives intersect and their own personalities and characters develop.

I learned a great deal from this novel. I was touched by the unfolding of their lives stories and marveled at the author's ability to present them like we were sitting down at the kitchen table over a cup of coffee.

[Susan]

Thanks for a nice review. I enjoyed this book too.

[Amy]

Really enjoyed this one!

[NancyJ]

Oh,this sounds great. I've seen the title many times, but for some reason I thought it was something else entirely.