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The Invention of Wings

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The Invention of Wings

By: Sue Monk Kidd
Narrated by: Jenna Lamia, Adepero Oduye
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About this listen

Don't miss the extraordinary new novel from Sue Monk Kidd, The Book of Longings - published on 21st April 2020, and available to pre-order now.

The No. 1 New York Times best seller from the author of The Secret Life of Bees. The audio edition is a finalist for the Annual Audie® Awards 2015

From the celebrated author of the international best seller The Secret Life of Bees comes an extraordinary novel about two exceptional women.

Sarah Grimké is the middle daughter. The one her mother calls difficult and her father calls remarkable. On Sarah's eleventh birthday, Hetty 'Handful' Grimke is taken from the slave quarters she shares with her mother, wrapped in lavender ribbons, and presented to Sarah as a gift.

Sarah knows what she does next will unleash a world of trouble. She also knows that she cannot accept. And so, indeed, the trouble begins ...

A powerful, sweeping novel, inspired by real events, and set in the American Deep South in the nineteenth century, The Invention of Wings evokes a world of shocking contrasts, of beauty and ugliness, of righteous people living daily with cruelty they fail to recognise; and celebrates the power of friendship and sisterhood against all the odds.

©2014 Sue Monk Kidd (P)2014 Headline Digital Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking

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Editor reviews

From the international best-selling author of The Secret Life of Bees, comes the incredible audiobook and finalist in the Audie Awards 2015, The Invention of Wings, written by Sue Monk Kidd and co-narrated by Jenna Lamia and Adepero Oduye. Set in the deep south of America at the peak of slavery, this is the sweeping panorama of the lives of two little girls, Sarah and Handful, who form a lasting friendship despite the very different worlds they come from. Written into this story is the history of the Abolition Movement and the fight for Women’s Rights. Available now from Audible.
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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.

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

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

a must listen

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

A COMPELLING BOOK

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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.

Brilliantly inspired book!

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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

Shockingly fabulous historic novel

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I loved this book. It was exciting and enticingly written and brought an era closer to me that I didn't have much in-depth knowledge about. I particularly like the fact that it is very close to historical events so you're learning as you read (or listen to, in my case) the story. I would thoroughly recommend it.

Wonderful

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As soon as I started listening to this book i was immediately transported into a different world. The narration is superb. It is a harrowing book at times but the courage of the women are inspiring. I don't want to give any of the story away however I recommend listening to the authors note in the last chapter, she lists other books for further reading.

A wonderful wonderful book

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book, a true lovely story and it wasn't until the end that I found out that it's based in real life. How I truly admire the sisters courage and strength of character and conviction.

Wonderful

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I enjoyed this book very much. The characters were brilliantly portrayed. I would listen to this novel again. I like the way real historical people and events were interwoven to create this story. The authors thoughts about how she decided on writing this book and the research she did was very interesting too. The book left me inspired to find out more about American slavery. thank you for a great story

A beautifully told story. Recommended

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One of the top top top books I have listened to on audible!

Not only is this a captivating and moving story, but it is also based closely on true events. Being told through the voices of the two protagonists, each on the opposite sides of power during the time of Slavery, this book has a role to play in addressing the legacy of slavery and its meaning in contemporary life, by confronting the reader truthfully with the history and its implications.

Furthermore, I particularly enjoyed the reading which has brought to life the characters, cultural differences as well as the context. I believe this book to be even more poignant as an audio book than a self read.

A moving story beautifully read

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