Part 5 and 6

[Krista]

And done!

Were you satisfied with how this book ended? What would you have changed or wished was a bit different? Which character had the most growth? How did it leave you feeling? What will your rating be?

[Kristi]

I gave this book 5 stars. I didn't realize going in that the book or story was based off real people. I did Google them but have not really went in depth in getting to know more about them.

I enjoyed the writing style and felt the author did a great job in getting her point across even if the events didn't happen the exact way described in the story. This is in reflect to the author's notes at the end and how certain things were different from real life to fiction.

As far as growth I feel like Sarah became a stronger person. She was constantly fighting her own mind and feelings, but I think in the end she became who she was meant to be.

I was left feeling a sense of sadness and joy. Sadness for the way life can be and how we as humans still haven't completely "got it" yet, or so it seems. And joy because Handful got her freedom, which should have been hers all along.

[Kathryn]

I love historical fiction. I also rated this book a 5 star read and was satisfied with the ending- Handful and her sister finally getting their freedom and escaping Charleston by water- after all those years of looking out the window at the ocean.
My wishful thinking would have been for Sarah not to have "returned" Handful back to her mother but instead take her north with her and free Handful there. Though would Handful go? Did she always have hope that Charlotte would one day return return?
Over the course of the story, I think Sarah had the most character growth.
Side note: I live near the poet/abolitionist John Greenleaf Whittier's birthplace and homestead museums. When they reopen, I will have to revisit them to see if there are any mentions of the Grimke sisters (last visit was a grade school class visit many, many years ago)

[Debbi]

I just finished this book last night. It was a re-read for me. I first read it in 2014 right after it was published and I don't think it impressed me as much then as it did this time. I gave it a solid 5 stars.

I think Sarah followed her heart and mind all through the story. She knew from age 11 that slavery was wrong. She knew she had a purpose in life but it sure was a rough road for her getting there.

I carefully read the author's notes and she sure did a good job of explaining everything. After I read that Sarah and Nina were real people I want to find out more about them. (I wish I could visit the Grimke house in Charleston like Sue Monk Kidd did. That would be so much fun.)

Thanks for another great choice, Krista.