The Invention of Wings

Very compelling historical fiction.  Sue Monk Kidd was startled to discover, at a theatrical performance celebrating the unsung contributions of women, that two sisters, Susan and Antonio Grimke, were towering figures in the history of both the anti-slavery and feminist movements and had grown up in Kidd's hometown of Charleston -  yet she had never heard of them.  Monk's research produced this powerful and lyrical story that brings to life the sisters - especially focusing on Susan, who believed she was being encouraged by her father, a very respected jurist, to pursue the law as a career and become the first female attorney and judge in Charleston - her spirit was nearly broken by the shattering of this dream when her father and respected brother told her in no uncertain terms that this was an ludicrously impossible and inappropriate dream.  Then, on her 11th birthday, following a tradition in the family, her mother "gave" her a slave, Hetty, called "Handful," as a birthday "present" - horrifying Susan, who wishes to set the girl free.  The Invention of Wings follows the separate lives of Susan and Handful and also their relationship, which is close but blighted by the injustice and horror of slavery.  This is both a very absorbing human story and an informative and powerful account of the impact of slavery. Thanks to CH for suggesting this book!  Highly-recommended.