The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

This author's best-known work thus far is The Secret Life of Bees which was also made into a movie. This entry deals with slavery in the 1800's.  The main characters in this book are based on actual people.

I first discovered this author by reading Guideposts magazine.  She wrote about her relationship with Jesus Christ.  I have thoroughly enjoyed all of her books and I looked forward to reading this one as well.  This book was published in 2014 but deals with a subject that is never forgotten.  Indeed with the most recent happening in the south, makes us mindful of a time in our history whose attitudes continue to prevail in current times.

The two main characters in this novel are Hetty Grimke (a slave) and Sarah Grimk (her owner).  The interesting thing about both women is their indominitable spirit.  They both shared an uncommon attitude of positive self-worth.   They also were not afraid to declare their feelings about a system that was barbaric.

The author sets the book up in chronological sections which deal with the progression of each characters plight through the years, always focusing on their intent to make right a gross wrong.

Although this work is historical fiction, it goes a long way toward imagining how things may have transpired.  Nonetheless, I feel it is a book worth reading.  It will provide the reader with a good sense of what may have transpired during that time and give one a sense of what it means to pursue a better way of life without the support of those closest to you.

Ladybookbug!