Historical · Literary
The Invention of Wings
In early nineteenth-century Charleston, Sarah Grimké is given ten-year-old Handful as a gift. The two narrate decades of their lives, one fighting slavery as an abolitionist, the other for freedom.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 2014
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 383
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you like moving historical novels based on real people that follow women for many years.
Skip this if you prefer lighter reading or avoid depictions of slavery and cruelty.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about The Invention of Wings
- What is The Invention of Wings about?
- In early nineteenth-century Charleston, Sarah Grimké is given ten-year-old Handful as a gift. The two narrate decades of their lives, one fighting slavery as an abolitionist, the other for freedom.
- Who should read The Invention of Wings?
- Read it if you like moving historical novels based on real people that follow women for many years. Skip it if you prefer lighter reading or avoid depictions of slavery and cruelty.
- How long and how fast is The Invention of Wings?
- It is a medium-paced, medium read of about 383 pages, first published in 2014.
- Does The Invention of Wings have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Slavery, Racism, Abuse, Violence.
- Can I borrow The Invention of Wings for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Invention of Wings; the borrow button above searches it for you.
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| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
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| Ebook | ||
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| Audiobook | ||
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