One sentence summary
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd is a historical fiction book about a woman’s journey to freedom and the lasting power of courage and friendship.
Book Genre
The Invention of Wings is a historical fiction novel.
Main Topic of the Book
The novel is set in early 19th century South Carolina and tells the story of Sarah and Handful, two young women, and their fight for freedom in a society and time that inevitably sought to repress them.
Key Ideas
The main theme of the novel is the quest for freedom. It examines the strength of the bond between friends and the power of courage and faith in difficult times. It also explores themes of family, justice, privilege, and racial inequality.
Main Parts of the Book and a Short Summary
The novel is set in the early 19th century in Charleston, South Carolina. It tells the story of Sarah Grimké, a daughter of a distinguished family, and her slave, Handful. Sarah begins to question the injustice of slavery at an early age and is influenced by both her mother and her Quaker friend, Angelina Grimké Weld. As she grows up, Sarah questions her family’s views on slavery and her role in her family and in society. She begins to understand the true impact of slavery and how it affects those around her, including Handful. Handful has her own struggle for freedom and she begins to fight for her rights. As Sarah and Handful grow closer and create a bond of friendship and trust, they inspire each other to fight for their freedom.
Key Takeaways
The Invention of Wings is a story of friendship, courage, faith, and the power of friendship and courage in difficult times. It is an inspiring tale of friendship and freedom, and it is a powerful read for anyone looking to gain further insight into the plight of slaves in the 19th century and the fight for equality that continues today.
Author’s background and qualifications
Sue Monk Kidd is an American novelist, essayist, and non-fiction writer. She is best known for The Secret Life of Bees. Her writing often explores themes of identity, family, spirituality, and emotion. She received her BA in Psychology and English from Texas Christian University, and her Master of Arts in Writing from Hollins University.
Target Audience
The Invention of Wings is intended for adult readers, especially those interested in literature about friendship, courage and the fight for equality.
Publisher and First Publication Date
The novel was published by Viking Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House, in 2014.