The Invention of Wings

It is powerful, intense, and profound in every way. I went into it not knowing whether I wanted to read another book about slavery but came away very glad that I did read this one. I love the way the author took the time at the end of the book to explain her research and what drew her to write about this subject and these characters. Although I had never heard of Sarah and Angelina Grimke before, I thank Ms Kidd for letting me finally get to k...read more

I was nearly to the end of this jewel when I did some research and learned the Grimke sisters were real historic figures and abolitionists. When Sarah abandoned her hometown and religious tradition to go North and become a Quaker, I thought it was a bit far-fetched - never imagining this was, in fact, true! What an amazing woman who, along with her sister, has been given a rightfully-bestowed spotlight on her role in the anti-slavery and women’s ...read more

A well researched book that did drag in parts. Worth the read.

Loved this saga of two girls caught up in the grip of 19th century slavery. Yes there was cruelty and violence, but the important thing about this story is the development of the lives of a young white girl and a young slave girl. Their stories run parallel most of the time, with intersections at various points, like when the slave, Handful is 'given' to the Sarah, plantation daughter for her 11th birthday. Sarah immediately tries to free Hand...read more

"My body might be a slave, but not my mind. For you, it's the other way around."

This beautiful, moving story of hope and courage stirred my heart and mind through and through. I listened to the audiobook where narrators Jenna Lamia and Adepero Oduye give a dazzling performance and portrayal of two young women; one white, one black; the same age, the same time period, the same plantation - yet living in two separate worlds of expectations and bot...read more