From the celebrated author of The Secret Life of Bees and the forthcoming novel The Book of Longings, a novel about two unforgettable American women.Writing at the height of her narrative and imaginative gifts, Sue Monk Kidd presents a masterpiece of hope, daring, the quest for freedom, and the desire to have a voice in the world.Hetty “Handful” Grimke, an urban slave in early nineteenth century … urban slave in early nineteenth century Charleston, yearns for life beyond the suffocating walls that enclose her within the wealthy Grimke household. The Grimke’s daughter, Sarah, has known from an early age she is meant to do something large in the world, but she is hemmed in by the limits imposed on women.
Kidd’s sweeping novel is set in motion on Sarah’s eleventh birthday, when she is given ownership of ten year old Handful, who is to be her handmaid. We follow their remarkable journeys over the next thirty five years, as both strive for a life of their own, dramatically shaping each other’s destinies and forming a complex relationship marked by guilt, defiance, estrangement and the uneasy ways of love.
As the stories build to a riveting climax, Handful will endure loss and sorrow, finding courage and a sense of self in the process. Sarah will experience crushed hopes, betrayal, unrequited love, and ostracism before leaving Charleston to find her place alongside her fearless younger sister, Angelina, as one of the early pioneers in the abolition and women’s rights movements.
Inspired by the historical figure of Sarah Grimke, Kidd goes beyond the record to flesh out the rich interior lives of all of her characters, both real and invented, including Handful’s cunning mother, Charlotte, who courts danger in her search for something better.
This exquisitely written novel is a triumph of storytelling that looks with unswerving eyes at a devastating wound in American history, through women whose struggles for liberation, empowerment, and expression will leave no reader unmoved.
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Sad what African American people had to through during those times.
Very inspirational true story about women trying to help others against slavery.
She is a wonderful writer and this was s truly an amazing book.
I actually am rereading this book. It sticks with you and I wouldn’t want to give anything away. Great characters and historically, a learning experience.
One of the best pieces of historical fiction I’ve read. I learned so much about life during slavery in this country, as well as the life of an historic American female that most people have never heard of.
Fantastic book. Would highly recommend.
Based on true story of the history of slavery dissmise
In as few words as possible, if you are deluded into thinking that the American civil war was not about slavery, read this book. Yes it’s a novel. A historical novel. Many, many of the people in it are real, lived, suffered, stood, fought, died to bring about a better world. “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” If you think slavery was good for the slaves… If you think there was one single thing moral about slavery… Walk a mile; read this book.
Good story, based in real people, well written.
WOW! I loved it!! What a beautifully written book. One I will read again. Wish I could give it “10” STARS!!!
Gorgeously written, excellent character development
This was a great book. Reading the author’s notes at the end, enhanced the story. This is the story that should be taught in schools. Plenty of room for discussion and points of view. The lives of slaves were brutal. Even if the owners were “good”, the laws and punishments were in place to keep the slaves from getting ahead. Sarah and her sister are brought to life by the author.
One of my very favorite books. Ever.
Excellent read. Based on a Historical facts with some embellishments with characters.
Sue Monk Kidd has become one of my favorite authors
Well worth reading! It was a little long and ended suddenly.
Very well written. Interesting.
Forgettable
I read it a very long time ago and don’t quite remember it in detail but I remember enjoying it very, very much.
This is another stunner from Kidd. I was immersed from the start. It satisfied my penchant for literary excellence merged with a solid, compelling plot. It’s a gripping, heart-wrenching, and soul-lifting story. I smiled. I cried. I celebrated. I pounded my fists (metaphorically). The level of detail was satisfying, and the characters rich enough to care about. I rarely read books twice, but this is one that would be worth re-visiting.