Summary of The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

Summary of The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd 

• Summary of entire book
• Introduction to the Important People in the book
• Analysis of the Themes and Author’s Style

Preview of this Instaread: 

The Invention of Wings is a moving novel inspired by the historical figure of  Sarah Grimké. The book is written from the points of view of the two main characters, Sarah and Handful. The story is told in alternating narratives and spans thirty-five years of their lives.

Sarah is the daughter of John and Mary Grimké, members of high society in Charleston, South Carolina. At a young age, Sarah witnesses the whipping of a slave. This upsets her so much that it causes her to have a stuttering problem. This affliction comes and goes at different times.

Handful is a ten-year-old slave girl who is given to Sarah on her eleventh birthday. Handful, who is the daughter of the seamstress, Charlotte, is to be Sarah’s personal handmaiden. Sarah is against the practice of slavery and is horrified to be named the owner of Handful. She wants to give Handful back…