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Sep 14, 2015SuzeParker rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
In her Author's Note, Kidd confesses she knew nothing about the Grimke sisters, despite being a Charleston resident. How wonderful that The Invention of Wings brings their important voices into the 21st century. Because enslavement of African-Americans is (thankfully) long past, we think little today about the the brave individuals who, against overwhelming opposition and at great personal risk, took up the fight to abolish slavery. We also rarely consider what it would feel like to be owned by another human being. Kidd wisely juxtaposes Handful's voice with Sarah's to drive this thought to the fore and underscore the sheer brutality of slavery. (Oh, the inconceivable notion of “gifting” a child with her own slave!) This is a powerful book about female courage, whether the female is free or enslaved.