The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd Book Summary

BOOK SCORE
4.5
TOTAL RATINGS
3,362
BOOK PRICE
$5.99

From the celebrated author of The Secret Life of Bees, a magnificent novel about two unforgettable American women Writing at the height of her narrative and imaginative gifts, Sue Monk Kidd presents a masterpiece of hope, daring, the quest for freedom, and the desire to have a voice in the world—and it is now the newest Oprah’s Book Club 2.0 selection. Hetty “Handful” Grimke, an urban slave in early nineteenth century Charleston, yearns for life beyond the suffocating walls that enclose her within the wealthy Grimke household. The Grimke’s daughter, Sarah, has known from an early age she is meant to do something large in the world, but she is hemmed in by the limits imposed on women. Kidd’s sweeping novel is set in motion on Sarah’s eleventh birthday, when she is given ownership of ten year old Handful, who is to be her handmaid. We follow their remarkable journeys over the next thirty five years, as both strive for a life of their own, dramatically shaping each other’s destinies and forming a complex relationship marked by guilt, defiance, estrangement and the uneasy ways of love. As the stories build to a riveting climax, Handful will endure loss and sorrow, finding courage and a sense of self in the process. Sarah will experience crushed hopes, betrayal, unrequited love, and ostracism before leaving Charleston to find her place alongside her fearless younger sister, Angelina, as one of the early pioneers in the abolition and women’s rights movements. Inspired by the historical figure of Sarah Grimke, Kidd goes beyond the record to flesh out the rich interior lives of all of her characters, both real and invented, including Handful’s cunning mother, Charlotte, who courts danger in her search for something better. This exquisitely written novel is a triumph of storytelling that looks with unswerving eyes at a devastating wound in American history, through women whose struggles for liberation, empowerment, and expression will leave no reader unmoved. ...

The Invention of Wings Book Details

Book Name The Invention of Wings
Genre Fiction & Literature
Author Sue Monk Kidd
Published 07 January 2014, Tuesday
Price $5.99
E-Book Size 3.88 MB

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd Book Reviews

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Themomknows

About about strong women. The Grimke' sisters are to be admire in this partially history book. More than that I admire the courage and bravery of the slaves who held on to their self worth In spite of their situation in life.

Mebaker12

Inspired to learn. This book makes me want to dive headfirst into history about women. Sure wish I would have been able to read this in high school. I believe it would have made me thirsty for history.

Flo 256

Great story telling. I was interested to learn that much of this book is factual. Although the subject matter is at times gruesome, it is a superbly written story with captivating characters. Highly recommended!

Jeangirlk

Beautiful, brilliant. The characterization is superb. An unforgettable story —it will stay with you long after you read the last page.

Stephanie in So. Cal

Truly A Literary Masterpiece!. Sue Monk Kidd has welded fact and fiction to enormous wonder and utter genius! This story is truly magnificent! This will be a greAt movie! The Grimke sisters were true pioneers and paved the way for where women are today!

Srfruchter

Terrible. Not worth picking up.

Roro mama bobo

Great account. I've always loved Sue Monk Kidd and this book as amazing as all her other books. She gives a soul and voice to an important part of our history. Reading her note at the end and learning the Grimke sisters were real made this book more important and I look forward to sharing it with everyone.

Valentofu

One of my all-time favorites. This book is so captivating and so beautifully written, I found it hard to put it down from the moment I started reading it. Definitely a must-read!

Native cali chic

Everyone read this regardless of gender. I cannot stop singing the praises of Sue's book. This is what is needed in the world today to show my peers and upcoming ladies those before us had to endure, and what women of different backgrounds had to fight for so we could have equal footing with men in our society. This book has encouraged me to learn about and support feminism in such a positive way. This story is simply spectacular in scope and utterly mind-blowing.

Bilbo737!1

Historical fiction strikes a chord in today's current events. Once I got into this book, I couldn't put it down. A fascinating tale based on real events that brings to life the horrors of slavery in a way I had not previously experienced. The church depicted in the book started by slaves was the same one that the shooting occurred at earlier this summer. Clearly the work that was began by the Grimke sisters and other abolitionists has not yet been completed.

Lucy B,

The Invention of Wings. The rich history of our past came alive as I read. Thank you to this author for so skillfully telling this story and giving life to the characters.

Kelseydonk

Touching. This book was a truly incredible read. I loved every moment I spent reading it.

Mastiff gal

Exceptional !. I could not put this book down. Wonderful story along with historical happenings.

BeMoBetter

One of the best books I have ever read. This book is enormously compelling, moving, and hard to put down. The characters are so real and relatable and the writing is vivid and artful. I didn't know until the postscript that it is based on real people. I am going to give this to my daughter's teacher and encourage her to teach the book. That's how important the story is, but honestly if it was entirely fictional it would still be one of the best books I've ever read.

Amaisa

Awesome simply amazing. This book brought me to tears! Such a great read!

Esseneguy

The Invention of Wings. Great book!

Just downgrade it

The Invention of Wings. I enjoyed this book immensely, drawing me into the drama of both Sarah and Handful. After the story is told, I then got the incredible factual account of these women and the others involved in their lives. This is a story that would be amazing on the big screen, bringing a true account to a larger audience of what was gone through during the anti-slavery movement. Beautifully written, thank you to the author for writing this.

Smooth-caramel

Great weaving story of historical figure. Absolutely loved this book. I loved the way the author weaved the characters and the time progression. Sad to finish it.

Littleb_21

Beautiful prose, fascinating story. I loved Sue Monk Kidd’s “The Secret Life of Bees” so I knew I would love this book too. I was not disappointed. I didn’t really care what the story was about, I purchased this book just on the strength of the author’s previous books. I was surprised to find, once I read the author’s notes at the end of the book, that this was a work of historical fiction that revealed quite a bit of fact. I did recognize some of the names in the story, but I thought it was coincidence. In fact, the two sisters who were the main protagonists were quite famous women in their own right in pre Civil War days. Their slave, Handful, was also a real person, though Monk Kidd expanded her role to beautifully tell the full story. This story brings not only the Grimke sisters to light, but also forces each of us to question our personal roles when injustice of any kind raises its ugly head. Could I be as brave as either of the Grimke sisters or Handful? We are not so far from this chapter in American history that it is not completely relevant to our choices dealing with the social ills we face today. It is not a preachy book but it is a book that demands more of the reader than just enjoying wonderful prose in a fully realized story arc.

Unfair rating

Inspirational moving and genius. This story moved me beyond words. Slavery may have been abolished and everyone can vote but the fight for equality is absolutely not over!

:-))) Big dog lover

The Invention of Wings.. Deeply interesting and remarkably written.

Czhusker

Great book. Captivating book about pre civil war Charleston and life on a plantation with slaves. Be sure to read the author's note after the story as it gives more insight into the book's characters. Will read more of Sue Monk Kidd's novels.

Cccccccvvdfjjb

The Invention of Wings. This truly was the best book I've read in a long time. Really puts a true perspective on what life was like for females and slaves in the early 1800's and shows how far we have come as a country since then for all of mankind.

Jwwtech

Invention of wings. Great book. Needs to be a movie asap so more people will know of the Grimke sisters, but more importantly, the horrible suffering of black people in slavery.

J Valdes

Courageous reminder. This was more than a peek into two opposing Southern lifestyles. It was a reminder that the determined spirits of a few can inspire so many, even today's reader. This was the best Christmas present I received, and I plan to share it with others.

MissBridget

Slow starter. The last third of the book was the best. Slow moving in the middle. The best parts it felt like the author rushed through, yet she gave lots of detail in areas I found insignificant. Overall I enjoyed reading, but the very end was another rushed part I wish the author has fleshed out more. Worth reading.

Bobduncanlover

LOVED!!!. I was not looking forward to reading this considering it was a summer reading book and a good amount of the time, the books we are forced to read are horrid but this book was fantastic! Its a must read :)

RuthelB

Loved it!. Such a wonderful story! Thank you!

Sjsersun

Windshear for these Winfs. This is an awful book from start to finish. Shortcuts taken to unfold a past as complicated as Americas relationship with slavery place current day values on 19th century norms. I turned page after page without reading more than a sentence....hoping for a glimpse of a great and thoughtful novel.

Stew1020

Good read. It was a good story, I now want to learn more about Sarah.

Tfpharm

The Invention of Wings. A wonderful story that will capture your attention and your heart from the first words. You will not be able to put this wonderfully told story down. I could not wait to see what Sarah and Handful were up to chapter by chapter. Worth every minute of your time!

Kackster

Hard to put down!. The book is well researched, vividly detailed, and engrossing to the point that I hated to put it down. The characters come to life on the pages...and you feel their pain and struggling every step of the way. The author does a great job of mixing facts and fiction - but the factual part of slavery and woman's inequality are difficult to read at times because its such a dark period of American history. This was a great book and I have a newfound admiration and respect for Sarah and Nina Grimke and all they accomplished.

Jburkes3

Wonderful Book. This was an excellent read. The setting, the history, and the characters were so interesting that the book was hard to put down. I didn't realize until the end that the story was based on real people, which made it even more relevant. I have enjoyed reading Sue Monk Kidd's books and this one is my favorite, so far.

Maggie May Carlson

The Invention of Wings. Perfect combination on fiction and nonfiction. Great depiction of history. This novel was educational through story telling.....kept my attention. A great read!

Palmbeach3

Amazing. I couldn't put this book down, it was so good I I didn't want it to end!!

Evrs

Stirring. As an historical novel, this is informative about the details of life for women and slaves in the early 1800's. As a work of art, it is a stirring story of brave women struggling to shape their lives in the midst of oppression. The title is a marvel. The women protagonists invented their ways of flying to freedom.

Bjacea

The Invention of Wings. This was wonderful, sad and touching. Would highly recommend.

Mel bookworm

The Invention of Wings. Growing up in a suburb on the west side of Chicago, slavery was an abhorrent subject we studied in history class, learned that the Civil War was fought over it, but fortunately, never experienced first-hand. I was always glad I grew up as a Northerner whose ancestors never participated in slavery. In fact, my parents’ families struggled through the Great Depression, with several family members out of work, losing homes, stuffing paper in the bottom of shoes that were too small for them, and feeling fortunate to have hand-me-down clothes to wear, even if they didn’t fit or were shabby. Reading this book was an excruciating experience in how inhumane some people could be to other human beings, just because of the color of their skin. Although the Bible describes slavery going back to Noah, it is difficult to believe such inhumanity could be inflicted on people in America. Yet, it happened. While this is a story of fiction, the lives of the characters are so vivid, their experiences so brutal, the trauma so real, the story will permanently alter my perspective of history. This is no longer a subject learned in class, but a national tragedy.

Kasperp

Inspiring and thought provoking. A look at slavery and the historical period in a most interesting way. I was emotionally caught up in the characters. It was easier to understand the topic and opinions around slavery at that time. The multiple perspectives and the intertwining of historical data was an excellent approach. If I was a teacher of US history I would require this book. A must.

Esimono

Could not put it down!. Amazing read! This historical fiction was a perfect blend of fiction and fact. From the first page, I was engaged and felt connected with both characters. This is a genre I normally do not read, but am very happy that I made the purchase.

KathyIquilt

The Invention of Wings. So glad I didn’t pass this powerful book by. Highly recommend this heart wrenching powerful story. We need more women today like the Grimke sisters.

Shari pink

The Invention of Wings. This story became a film before my eyes! I loved reading it and became enthralled with the characters real and fiction. Slavery was an abomination that scarred this nation with facts that continue to make the offspring of slaves stronger and prouder with each revelation of how their ancestors survived such atrocious treatment and conditions.

Birdgirl2016

Totally absorbing. If you’ve ever lived in Charleston or walked its streets, you had to have wondered what the city was like during its plantation days. Sue Monk Kidd takes you into that time with two perspectives: that of Sarah, the daughter of a judge high in the realm of Charleston society, and that of the slave that is given to Sarah on her 11th birthday. This is an unblinking portrait of actual slave life and the dilemma that the real person of Sarah Grimke had to face when she realized that she could not be part of the society- or the family - that treated human beings in such an inhuman way. It is fascinating, horrifying, terrifying and uplifting all at once. I’m still shaking my head at the bravery of the Grimke sisters. An incredibly well-told tale that you’ll not forget.

Ajfilbert

Great read. I really liked The Secret Life of Bees & then tried to read The Mermaid chair... Didn't like it. So, I was a bit reluctant with this book. Well, I loved it! It drew me in and I loved the views of both Hattie & Sarah. Great read!

Slep7

Deep and troubling novel. With beautiful prose and a foundation of great research, Ms Kidd keeps us in suspense about every turn of events in antebellum Charleston and later in the North. What a tortuous life the slaves had, and the Grimke family torn by their customs and heart strings.

SisterLum

Enjoyable. This was a delightful read. Compelling, with enough depth to keep you interested yet not so much that the story gets lost in the details. Believable? Not really, but who reads only what is believable. Everyone wants to have a little fantasy and root for the underdog.

Becmgs

great read. A well thought out novel of fictional and non-fictional proportions. Extremely easy to read and draws you in almost immediately.mi must honestly say I couldn't put it down and read it in just a few days.

Dstiles59

Invention of Wings. I truly enjoyed this book. A very captivating story and very well told. It's one I'll read again and share with others.

Feeding the review algorithm ;

Beautifully written but sorrowful. The author does a wonderful job of expressing the horror of slavery in the south from more than one perspective. An excellent story that has richly written characters and is so enjoyable to read, despite the difficult subject matter.

Kjp14231

The Invention of Wings. Very interesting story. Two, courageous sisters who were almost lost in history. New insights on slavery never fail to horrify me.

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Catmocha

A wonderful read. After attempting to read so many terrible books, it took me 2 years at least to get my passion for reading back. I purchased this book as it was the next in our book club and was not expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. I am so glad that I have broken the cycle of lost interest in reading. This is a wonderful story that keeps you reading. I hate Guly recommend it.

Warrllor

Great Fact/fiction novel. Very well written story on a very difficult subject!

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MB Teddy

The Invention of Wings. This is a fascinating book which deftly weaves fact and fiction. Kidd fictionalizes and brings to life the story of the Grimke sisters, important figures in abolition and women's equality. She also portrays the life of one slave, alternating her story with that of Sarah Grimke. The characters are extremely well drawn and the plot is engaging. I loved this book!

Mganthony

Another fine novel. Sue Monk Kidd is an extraordinary author. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. Initially I was skeptical, thinking another slave novel. But it's so much more than that. Remarkably engrossing. You feel each character.

KHW68

Meh!. When the Secret Life of Bees was published and earned immediate praise from one and all, I purchased and read it immediately and found myself disappointed. At the time, I blamed my disappointment on high expectations and the fact that I opened the book soon after reading one of my favorite books of all time.....the comparison was not favorable. When the Invention of Wings was released, I found myself eager to give Ms. Kidd a second chance, particularly given the various accolades the book received. Unfortunately, I was bored.....bored by the lack of plot and the unsympathetic characters. I made myself finish the novel but I found it impossible to care what happened to either of the protagonists.

SPBerko

The Invention of Wings. This is a brilliantly written book that functions beautifully as historical fiction based on actual history. It is a fascinating, as well as, an educational story about real people and events that took place in first half of the 19th century.

Mhowen66

Couldn't put it down.. Would highly recommend this book.

Linnmally

Loved. Great historical fiction novel! Well researched and written. Couldn't put it down.

Peeking@u

The invention of wings. Excellent blend of fiction and non-fiction. I love books that teach as well as captivate and this one does just that!

Cadekoby

A must read. A remarkable story of slavery and the good people who opposed it. Written with conviction and understanding of the deep divide which existed in our country in that time. This is an absolute must read. I just could not put it down.

PinkySouth

So Moving!. Wonderful book making the reader feel as though they were in the room with Sarah and Handful. Growing up in the south during civil rights, school busing and desegregation one has to feel giant steps were started back in Charleston. Well done Sue Monk Kidd, and thank you for taking us on this captivating journey!

Cleanfox

The invention of wings. Great read. One feels for these people. The slavery happenings grab and leave an indelible impression.

205ENB

Voice?. Perhaps I have a misunderstanding of Sarah's and Handful's characters. I found that the voice of both girls/women were incredibly the same. I imagined that Handful's voice and Sarah's voice would be distinguished by a dialect of their heritage and geographical location. To my eyes/ears there was not much ( if any ) difference between them. If the intent was to show the influence of Sarah's reading lessons, such that Handful begins to speak and think like Sarah, then I missed that point. I did love the plot and the historical significance of Sarah's life.

Voice of spirit

Excellent read. Everything you could want in a book. Loved the blending of fact and fiction and giving a "voice" to the early women abolitionists so we can appreciate their contributions. Wonderfully drawn characters and a believable plot. I also loved that she was able to give details about how fiction differed from fact.

AliceCouzens

The Invention of Wings. Terrific book! It was difficult to put down.

Tferrari

Loved this book!. This is a great read!

Aharris010

Captivating. I could not stop reading, this book was perfect.

Mahoozle

Advanced Copy. Was able to read an advanced copy and was absolutely blown away. As with her previous novels the characters are completely developed and the story is all engrossing. Even Charleston in the 1800's seems like its own character. The alternating chapters of Sarah Grimke and Handful is a masterful way to tell this story from two completely opposite and engaging points of view. My favorite character by far is Handful, who is a slave given to Sarah when she is very young. The imagery of this 'gift' is just one of the many visuals that will stay with you long after you finish the book. If you liked the The Secret Life of Bees then you will like this book. This could easily be the 'it' book of 2014.

Carfar68

The Invention of Wings. I loved this book and could not put it down. Not only has Sue Monk Kidd given life to each character, she has infused them with elements of human trial, hope and suffering that can reach into all of our hearts. I have never been so touched by any historical or fictional account of the South in which I currently reside. The Grimke sisters' bravery and spirit continue on in these words. Bravo Sue Monk Kidd!

Cindy a Schrader

Invention of Wings. Excellent book!

SWAppReviews

Educational and page turning. Loved the writing style and superb character development that occurs throughout this book! The tragic lives of slaves and of their slave owners . The two sisters courage that changed the course of time was nothing short of epic! Inspirational and important truths about an ugly chapter in our American history.

NMAC_DC

Excellent Book. I could not put the book down. The story the author weaves through the pages was magnificent ! The historical account coupled with Ms. Kidd's story telling abilities made the book one of favorites.

Red1952

The Invention of Wings. When I married my husband we spent our honeymoon in Charleston because he had grown up around this area. I have visited many times since and love this area. But I had not heard of this part of Charleston or the sisters of this book. This was a fabulous , interesting book I had a hard time to put down . I have been to the plantation and took the carriage tours in Charleston but this book puts a new prospective to this place. I grown up in Kansas where this really didn't exist . It is appalling that we could treat our fellow humans this way. God bless the sisters for what they did. I realize it wouldn't have been easy. Thank you for this book.

Iwork2much

A tale of a sad history. I was trapped by the first page. The tale of Sarah and Handful was skillfully woven.

Cheezey songs

The invention of wings. Great book! Got into it and could not put down. I think it wAs even better then secret life of bees(which I loved too). Thank you sue monk Kidd!!! JI

Title misfit

Beautifully written, compelling. A must read! Couldn't put it down until the end, and then longed for more.

KathyH2222

The Invention of Wings. A fast read that kept me up at night when I should have been sleeping. Could not put it down and really enjoyed and marveled at the author's colorful use of words and her imagination. She channeled the characters in this book and heard and truly felt the hardships, torture, and agony of the slaves in captivity during the peak of the old south. The white slave owner sisters evolved into such strong characters that you could not help admire for their courage during a time when women were held back and not allowed any rights or freedoms that we take for granted. Should be required reading for high school kids today !

Peg1gy

The invention of flying. There are three points to be made about this book: 1. So many books on Charleston spend time trying to impress the reader with dropping important names and places, this book did not do that. 2. This book gave equal time and feelings to two sides of a difficult problem. 3. This book is easy to read and follow. For these reasons I could not stop reading this wonderful book. Thank you, Mrs. Monk, for your time and effort that went into this novel. (OK, so I overused the word this)

Sue Monk Kidd

The invention of Wings. I loved this book and could not put it down. Sue Monk Kidd is a gifted writer. I have never written a review of a book but was compelled to on this one. What wonderful characters and what an important lesson on our nations history. This is up there as one of my all time favorite books.

MrsClord

Couldn't put it down!. it's a historical fiction book. I don't read a lot of fiction but I read this non stop!

Aaron123Young

Inspiring. Love this Novel. It is really inspiring one. Easy to read and understand.

Jkgoeres

Slow going. Don't get the 4 plus reviews. Story slow, characters not really like able. Interesting historically but book itself only 3 stars, Kitchen Help much better.

Mommy's Night Out

The Invention of Wings. Quite possibly Sue Monk Kidd's most perfect work yet! As a Charleston resident I was swallowed into this book, seeing the places I know well through knew eyes, experiencing the beauty and brutality of a Charleston society I do not know and yet I have walked the same streets and places. Thank you for a beautiful, moving, tragic and lovely story of truth, woven with fact and fiction alike.

Cal Val

the invention of wings. Terrific story--historical fiction--my favorite genre. Told with great care, historical accuracy and bold embellishments. Another winner by Sue Monk Kidd...

Dog walks

Excellent. I have always enjoyed her writings but this book. I could not put down. Loved it.

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5 Books like The Invention of Wings (Sue Monk Kidd)

About Author "Sue Monk Kidd"

Sue Monk Kidd (born August 12, 1948) is an American writer from Sylvester, Georgia best known for her novels The Secret Life of Bees and The Invention of Wings. Early life and education Kidd was born and raised in Sylvester, Georgia. In 1970, she graduated from Texas Christian University with a bachelor of science degree in nursing. She worked as a nursing instructor at the Medical College of Georgia.Kidd was influenced by the writings of Thomas Merton. She took creative writing courses at Emory University, Anderson University, and studied at Sewanee and the Middlebury Bread Loaf Writers' Conference. Career She got her start in writing when a personal essay she wrote for a writing class was published in Guideposts and reprinted in Reader's Digest. She went on to become a Contributing Editor at Guideposts. Her first three books were spiritual memoirs describing her experiences in contemplative Christianity, the last telling the story of her journey from traditional Christianity to fe....

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