The Invention of Wings

In the Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd, she tells the story of the Grimke' sisters, Sarah and Nina and Sarah's slave, Hetty. Sarah and Angelina (Nina) Grimke' are in fact, women of historical significance. They were the first female abolitionists and among the earliest feminist thinkers. Hetty is a completely fictional character, but Sue Monk Kidd uses the details of both of these characters' lives to show how they are limited by their circumstances. Of the two of them, Hetty is the most limited in freedom and has to deal with the most trouble and setbacks. But she remains resolute in her determination to not be defeated and to somehow get free. As she tells Sarah in the novel, "My body might be a slave, but not my mind. For you, it's the other way round." The novel explores Sarah and Hetty's complex relationship. They can't truly be friends because of slavery, but they want to be friends. And the novel also takes us on Sarah's journey from a shy stuttering girl to a confident outspoken abolitionist. This book is a delight to read.