The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

An enjoyable read, as the Civil War/ Slavery era intrigues me. Kidd introduces her theme of women's abolition with a Charleston slave-owning family; with some daughters who identify deeply with the plight of their slaves. Both Sarah and Angelina at young ages, witness punishments to their slaves by an overbearing, cruel mother--who had been taught that she needed to exert great authority, short on mercy or compassion. The chapters are presented by Sarah, then Handful, her personal maidservant; each voicing her own hidden angers and fears and dreams that were planted in each at young ages. Some criticisms by reviewers felt that the story did not present enough conflict between Sarah and Handful; that they did not reach a full "sisterhood" of understanding or shared angst. But it was understandable to me that the full trust factor was not there- too much tension from hurtful experiences in Handful's past. I loved that this story was based loosely on a true historical character, Sarah Grimke, a Quaker women's right crusader. I find it amazing that she boldly went against her parents and Southern roots to fight valiantly for what she believed. It once again makes me wonder what I would be passionate about--standing against evil, instead of shrugging my shoulders and shaking my head over injustice and current moral issues.