Book Review: The Invention of Wings

A Story of Wanting to be Heard

By Catherine Groves

The Invention of Wings, Sue Monk Kidds latest masterpiece, introduces Hetty Handful, the slave of Sarah Grimk, and Sarah Grimk herself. Set in early 19th century Charleston, S.C., the Grimk household is a prison to young Handful. Her dreams go far beyond the walls, and owner, which hold her captive, and her spirit drives those dreams to knowing shes meant to be more than a slave.

Young Sarah, possessing an intellect quite rare and a yearning that runs deep, feels she must feed this fire that burns. The limitations imposed on women in her era make her frustrations seem futile, knowing had she been born a boy her mind would have been praised, not scorned.

On Sarahs 11th birthday in 1803, Handful is given to her as a gift from her mother. Although Handful is given to be her housemaid, Sarah cant help but feel that an injustice has occurred. Thus begins a 35-year relationship between two girls determined to change a fate imposed on them.

Although their relationship grows in complexity in the years to come, their bond formed as children will remain. Sarahs guilt and Handfuls rebellion cause estrangement, but they can never cast off the vein of love that runs between them, formed by a world of injustice. As Handful grows into womanhood, she faces devastating loss and heartache, but also finds herself as a result. Peace, which has eluded her throughout her life, begins to make its presence known in her heart. Sarahs own searching, hoping to find a way to exert her mind in a world created for men, takes her out of Charleston and into the early years of the womens rights movement.

Inspired by the real historic figure Sarah Grimk, Kidd delivers a story combining truth and fiction. She weaves intricately despair and courage, heartache and peace. And, in her changing of characters from one chapter to the next, Kidd makes it possible for readers to envision and understand their worlds. The story is both poignant and endearing, a thought-provoking novel that leaves readers with a jolting understanding of one of the most horrific periods in American history.

The Invention of Wings is a moving novel that may very well surpass any of Kidds previous masterpieces.

The Invention of Wings can be purchased at most major bookstores and in e-Reader versions for Kindle and Nook.