Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Invention of Wings: A Novel
- Author: Sue Monk Kidd
- Narrator: Adepero Oduye, Jenna Lamia, Sue Monk Kidd
- Length: 13:43:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 07/01/2014
- Publisher: Penguin Audio
- Genre: Fiction & Literature, Historical Fiction, Essays & Anthologies, Literary Fiction, Fiction & Literature, Historical Fiction, Essays & Anthologies, Literary Fiction, Fiction & Literature, Historical Fiction, Essays & Anthologies, Literary Fiction
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
As a travel writer who has journeyed through countless landscapes and cultures, I’ve always been drawn to narratives that explore the human spirit’s resilience and quest for freedom. Sue Monk Kidd’s **Invention of Wings: A Novel** is one such masterpiece, and its audiobook rendition, narrated by the talented Adepero Oduye, Jenna Lamia, and the author herself, brought this story to life in a way that felt both intimate and expansive.
Listening to this audiobook reminded me of a time I spent in Oaxaca, where an elder storyteller wove tales of resistance and hope that seemed to transcend time. Kidd’s novel, much like those stories, carries a weight of history and humanity that lingers long after the final chapter.
The story unfolds like a tapestry, alternating between the voices of Hetty “Handful” Grimke, an enslaved woman yearning for freedom, and Sarah Grimke, a white woman grappling with the moral contradictions of her privileged life. Their intertwined journeys, spanning over three decades, are a testament to the power of courage, love, and the unyielding desire for self-determination.
The audiobook’s dual narration by Adepero Oduye and Jenna Lamia is nothing short of extraordinary. Oduye’s voice captures Handful’s resilience and wit with a raw, emotional depth that makes you feel every moment of her struggle and triumph. Lamia, on the other hand, embodies Sarah’s internal conflict and quiet determination with a nuanced performance that draws you into her world. The inclusion of Sue Monk Kidd’s narration in the author’s note adds a personal touch, as if she’s sharing a secret part of her creative journey.
What struck me most about this audiobook experience is how the narrators’ voices create a vivid sensory landscape. You can almost hear the rustle of Handful’s quilts, the clatter of Charleston’s cobblestone streets, and the whispered conversations that shape these women’s lives. The audio quality is impeccable, allowing every word to resonate with clarity and emotion.
Kidd’s storytelling is both historically grounded and deeply imaginative. Inspired by the real-life Sarah Grimke, one of America’s early abolitionists and feminists, the novel delves into themes of identity, freedom, and the enduring power of women’s voices. Handful’s story, though fictional, feels just as authentic, offering a perspective often overlooked in historical narratives.
This audiobook isn’t just a story; it’s an invitation to reflect on the ways we navigate our own struggles and the legacies we leave behind. It’s a reminder that freedom is not just a physical state but a mindset, a choice to rise above the constraints imposed upon us.
For those who enjoy works like **The Secret Life of Bees** or **Beloved** by Toni Morrison, **Invention of Wings** offers a similarly profound exploration of history and humanity. It’s a story that will leave you moved, inspired, and perhaps even transformed.
Whether you’re a seasoned audiobook listener or new to the medium, this performance is a must-listen. The narrators’ artistry, combined with Kidd’s exquisite writing, makes for an unforgettable journey through time, place, and the human heart.
With literary appreciation,
Marcus Rivera
Yours in storytelling and shared humanity,
