The Invention of Wings

A Novel

By: Sue Monk Kidd

Narrated by: Jenna Lamia, Adepero Oduye, Sue Monk Kidd

Length: 13 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

From the celebrated author of The Secret Life of Bees, a magnificent novel about two unforgettable American women.

Writing at the height of her narrative and imaginative gifts, Sue Monk Kidd presents a masterpiece of hope, daring, the quest for freedom, and the desire to have a voice in the world - and it is now the newest Oprah’s Book Club 2.0 selection.

Hetty “Handful” Grimke, an urban slave in early nineteenth century Charleston, yearns for life beyond the suffocating walls that enclose her within the wealthy Grimke household. The Grimke’s daughter, Sarah, has known from an early age she is meant to do something large in the world, but she is hemmed in by the limits imposed on women.

Kidd’s sweeping novel is set in motion on Sarah’s eleventh birthday, when she is given ownership of ten year old Handful, who is to be her handmaid. We follow their remarkable journeys over the next thirty five years, as both strive for a life of their own, dramatically shaping each other’s destinies and forming a complex relationship marked by guilt, defiance, estrangement and the uneasy ways of love.

As the stories build to a riveting climax, Handful will endure loss and sorrow, finding courage and a sense of self in the process. Sarah will experience crushed hopes, betrayal, unrequited love, and ostracism before leaving Charleston to find her place alongside her fearless younger sister, Angelina, as one of the early pioneers in the abolition and women’s rights movements.

Inspired by the historical figure of Sarah Grimke, Kidd goes beyond the record to flesh out the rich interior lives of all of her characters, both real and invented, including Handful’s cunning mother, Charlotte, who courts danger in her search for something better.

This exquisitely written novel is a triumph of storytelling that looks with unswerving eyes at a devastating wound in American history, through women whose struggles for liberation, empowerment, and expression will leave no reader unmoved.

©2014 Sue Monk Kidd (P)2014 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“A remarkable novel that heightened my sense of what it meant to be a woman - slave or free... a conversation changer.” (Oprah Winfrey, O, The Oprah Magazine)

“Exhilarating...powerful...By humanizing these formidable women, The Invention of Wings furthers our essential understanding of what has happened among us as Americans - and why it still matters.” (The Washington Post)

“A textured masterpiece, quietly yet powerfully poking our consciences and our consciousness... leaves us feeling uplifted and hopeful.” (NPR)

I wish for a sequel.

Would you listen to The Invention of Wings again? Why?

I am not much read in historical fiction. Since my History 101 and Women's Studies classes, I have been wondering about stories that came from the abolition era. This one gave flesh to dry history.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Invention of Wings?

I don't want to spoil the story. I love the continued emergence of the silver button and the respect that Sarah gave to Handful.

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I loved the narration with the speech accents filling in the personalities. The distinction of the racial embellishment in the phrases gave life to the story.

If you could take any character from The Invention of Wings out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Sarah's mother. I would like to know her story and why she was so locked up inside herself.

Loved it

This is one of my favorite books this year. Didn't want this one to end. I'll miss the characters. The narrators were superb.

Great novel

I thought it was intriguing and well crafted. I always looked forward to the story unfolding and was excited for commutes in the car to listen for the next turn in the story.

Very good listen

Would you listen to The Invention of Wings again? Why?

Possibly. I generally don't re-listen to audiobooks, but of the ones I have in my library (up to maybe 50 or so now), this would be in the top few.

Lovely book!!

This was beautifully written and beautifully read. It was difficult to put down and not listen. Loved it and the author too!

Listen at 1.25 speed

Very good book, superbly written. Narration is excellent but a little slow for me, at 1.25 speed it was perfect. Highly Recommend.

Old South - Charm and Heartache

Where does The Invention of Wings rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Very Good, kept me listening

What did you like best about this story?

Handfuls story

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narrator was very good - and I am very picky about the narrator, if I don't like a narrator I usually don't continue to listen.

narrative duo carried the story

Downloaded this book because of fond memories of reading Secret Life of Bees in high school. This story was captivating. After this performance, I am eager to find another story read by two narrators. Enjoy!

Wonderful blend of fiction and nonfiction

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. The author thoroughly researched her subject and presented a beautiful tale.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Invention of Wings?

The character development and parallel struggles were poignantly told.

Which scene was your favorite?

The moment when Handful was able to help, and gain the respect of, one of the leaders of the anti-slavery movement.

If you could rename The Invention of Wings, what would you call it?

The prisons we live in.

A vivid account" (My Story,Your Story)

What other book might you compare The Invention of Wings to and why?

I have traveled to Charelston and visited the markets,the horse drawn carriages and the walled mansions. Pat Conroy has written most of his great books about the South, S.M. Kid has a passion for the people who are and were once a living breathing institution.