The Invention of Wings

The Invention of Wings

by Sue Monk Kidd

Why should you read this book?
This book is a historical fiction that is based on a real person, Sarah Grimke, and her sister Angelina Grimke.  They were born on a plantation in South Carolina.  Both were prominent abolitionists during the 19th century.  Kidd creates two other strong female characters who are slaves on the Grimke plantation who pursue their freedom throughout the book.  Hetty, whose nickname is Handful, is given to Sarah on her 11th birthday.  Charlotte is Hetty's mother and the seamstress on the plantation.  Their experiences are based on true stories.  When it was published in January of 2014, the book spent one hundred weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.  The appeal is the way in which readers see the empowerment of the oppressed.  The bonds between sisters, mother and daughter, and friends create a story that engages readers.


What will you learn about history?
The book starts in the year 1803 and follows two young girls; one white and one black.  Readers get a unique look at life in the Antebellum South. They are exposed to various views on slavery during the first half of the 19th century and the role of women in early 19th century America.  Sarah and Angelina grew up to become influential in both areas. They wrote the pamphlet that inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe to write Uncle Tom's Cabin! The book also explores the religious movements of early 19th century as well as the abolition movement.  Readers walk away with a unique look at this time period told from the perspective of an actual person.