"THE INVENTION OF WINGS" Sue Monk Kidd

This vivid, layered story was as rich and colorful as the quilts that Handful's mother, Charlotte, created. It was a book about family, friendship, gender roles, race relations, religion, and at its very foundation, prejudice. It was about freedom, 'finding wings'; which perhaps had a different meaning for the two main characters, Sarah Grimke and Hetty (Handful).
We all found the 'Author's Note' at the end of the book to be most educational, as it gave depth and meaning to the story itself. These two, larger than life sisters truly did exist in the early 19th century, and became the first outspoken voices for women's rights as well as racial equality. What a premise in which to build a fascinating novel!
There was much discussion about the many characters in the book. Most of us felt great admiration for Charlotte and her independent nature, and the way she brought up daughter Handful. We felt that both were more psychologically free than the reluctant aristocrat Sarah, who grew up in a repressive family culture. Someone in our group pointed out that Charlotte and Hetty were true artists, as witnessed by the quilts and beautiful dresses they created with their own hands. Hetty was audacious. Who else would so boldly take a bath in the precious copper bath tub! Hetty and Sarah had a complicated relationship. Not a friendship, which it never could be, but there was a strong connection based on promises and circumstances, and they needed each other.
We talked at length about slavery, abolition, and what is the difference between racism and prejudice. Is power the root of slavery? Why did slavery last so long? How is it that humans are capable of such cruelty to each other, then and now?
And, of course, our own experiences with growing up in the 60's and 70's, and how the world treated women and girls then. And how the world treats women and girls now...
It is difficult to pen all the thoughts and ideas that were generated by this book. Maybe we need to take a field trip to Charleston, and immerse ourselves in the culture for a few days....??
**Annie