One of the best books I've ever read (listened to)

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

Highly recommended! This book tells a gripping story based on fact. It is well written and excellently read. The story is told from two sides throughout, giving it depth of insight.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favourite character has to be Sarah or Handful... I cannot choose between them.

Have you listened to any of Jenna Lamia and Adepero Oduye ’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No I haven't heard these actresses read before, but they did an excellent job.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Many moments moved me – too many to relate. The book ends on an open note and I am left wondering what happened to Hetty and Sky. My favourite version is that they reached freedom, but it seems unlikely.

Any additional comments?

The author's epilogue was helpful in explaining how much of the story was true and how much was fiction.

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4 people found this helpful

a must listen

I love it, made all the better by the afterward by the author explaining the historical facts from the book.

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A COMPELLING BOOK

An enlightening book wonderfully read which kept me listening into the wee hours of the night. I didn't want it to end!

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Brilliantly inspired book!

After listening to the author comment, I knew that there had to be some truth to this book, from how well it was constructed. I definitely enjoyed how well the author's creativity and interpretation of events were presented.

The narrators did a fantastic job and helped create and bring the visuals to life.

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Shockingly fabulous historic novel

Performed brilliantly and a well written story that has the right amount of fiction to fact. One of my top 3 books of all time. Thank you

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The Invention of Wings

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

Yes - the story is based on true events during the lead up to the US Civil War. It is told from 2 points of view, a slave girl and the child she is 'given' to who is age 11. This young girl Sarah is bright, thoughtful and sensitive. Her abilities are stifled by the over-riding desire of her parents for her to fit into society.

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

This is difficult to answer without giving away the story. The story swings from the pampered world of the plantation owners who lack all humanity towards their slaves and the slave quarters themselves. The exception is the young daughter, Sarah, who understands, intrinsically, that slavery is wrong. She has to live within the South's society all the while hating what it stands for. Eventually she leaves for the North leaving young Handful behind. Meanwhile we watch Handful grow up, see her hopeless situation and witness her mother's brutal punishment for running away. Of course with Sarah in the North Handful begins to think there may be a chance for her to reach freedom too.

What about Jenna Lamia and Adepero Oduye ’s performance did you like?

The performances are well done and sound distinct from each other. The characters of Sarah and Handful are very different so having varying voices helped. The character of Sarah has a speech problem and this was handled well, Meanwhile Handful's strength and endurance comes through her 'voice' too.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes if I had enough time all at once!

Any additional comments?

Sue Monk Kydd is a consistent author and with this book she is definitely hitting high standards. I had no idea that Sarah and her sister , Nina, were real people.

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8 people found this helpful

Loved it

Just brilliant and gripping. I don't have a particularly good knowledge of American history and this was a wonderful way of learning more about the abolition movement and the Grimke sisters, who I'd never heard of before.

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Wonderful

This book holds so much thought provoking material told through a brilliant narrative. Many of the characters and events harbour historical truth about activists and slaves of America. It tells a marvellous story filled with emotion and strength. Well worth a listen or read.

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Powerful and telling read

A story of the ages, the people who fought for their rights and others. People who made history in perilous times. People who saw each other as beings just like themselves.

Well written; a clear and non-digressive historical fiction. A very good read, one that kept me up for many hours last night.

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Brilliant

This is my second book from Sue Monk Kidd and I wasn’t disappointed she weaves historical fact with a fictional story making you feel like your part of that story
Can’t wait to dive into her next book I’ve discovered a gem of a Author and will be reading all of her books

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