The book covers thirty five years with alternating chapters narrated by Sarah and Handful. Each woman was born in to different lives, yet they were both looking for a similar thing...freedom. They were both determined, had real strength of character and courage.
I enjoyed this book very much and it was beautifully written. I know many people raved about Sue Monk Kidd's The Secret Life of Bees, but in my opinion, this far outdoes it. This is definitely a book I'd recommend you read if you get the chance.
I'd never heard of the Grimke Sisters before, and though the book is a work of fiction, it has inspired me to learn more about their real lives.
If you want to know what else I've been reading lately, you can find a list in the sidebar. This shows all the books I've read this year and there's also lists of the books I've read right back to 2012.
How strange that you should post about Sue Monk Kidd this morning because it was our book group meeting yesterday and our book for this month is The Secret Life of Bees! I must admit that it wouldn't have been a book i would have chosen to read, but, I did make a start on it last night and so far i'm finding it it ok. Perhaps I need a change of genre to get me back to reading again,this year i've really struggled to choose books that grab me. Thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeletePS. i hope you are feeling better.
I read The Secret Life of Bees a few years ago and I did enjoy it but I definitely enjoyed The Invention of Wings more. I think you can go off reading if you're not enjoying the books you're choosing so I tend to be quite selective with what I read. Thank you, I'm feeling much better now.
DeleteI have enjoyed both of her books so much. This one was so interesting to me in a different way than The Secret Life of Bees. Glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed the books too. I enjoyed this book more than The Secret Life of Bees and it's inspired me to learn more about the Grimke sisters.
DeleteThe knitting bug is going strong. The sewing mojo is back with a vengeance. Now where can I squeeze in the time to rediscover my love of reading? I will put some serious thinking time in as the book sounds just my sort of read.
ReplyDeleteI think a good book can kick start the reading bug and I'm sure this one wouldn't disappoint, I found it a very good read.
DeleteThanks I will add to my reading list
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
DeleteMy favourite type of fiction is that which is based on history in some way, either events, people or simply being staged in a different era. I've not heard of the Grimke sisters before either but it certainly sounds like a fascinating story.
ReplyDeleteI've grown to love history more the older I've got. I'm fascinated to learn more about the Grimke sisters now, though this book is a work of fiction, there's a chapter at the end where the author explains how she was inspired to tell this story and which bits are based on fact.
DeleteI'm glad to hear you enjoyed this one as I have a copy of it here somewhere. I need to get back into my reading :)
ReplyDeleteYou should dig out your copy. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'm sure you will too.
DeleteI enjoyed the secret life of bees so maybe should read this too. I do enjoy reading or learning about something that is based on a true story xx
ReplyDeleteIf you enjoyed The Secret Life of Bees I'm sure you'd enjoy this too. I'm the same, I like true stories or stories based on truth.
DeleteI'll have to see if the library has this one. I like her books. I'm glad you found one you really enjoyed, that's a wonderful thing.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed both books I've read by Sue Monk Kidd. Her daughter's an author too, I quite fancy giving one of her books a try.
DeleteI've read The Invention of Wings and The Secret Life of Bees and enjoyed both. I remember they were stand-out books for me out of the ones I've read over the last few years. I do like those novels that are based on real characters or events and notes or questions to make you think that are sometimes included at the back of a book are always interesting and helpful.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed both books too. I was really interested in the last chapter of this book where the author explained how she came to write the novel and the truths behind it.
DeleteI've heard lots of good things about this book. I love The Secret Life of Bees, and the Mermaid Chair so I'm looking forward to getting stuck into this. I found a copy in a charity shop not long ago for £1 :)
ReplyDeleteJust to let you know, I made a 4th loan via Lend With Care recently using the repayments from the other loans. As I heard about the scheme from you I thought you'd like to know, I doubt I'd have heard about it otherwise.
I haven't read The Mermaid Chair, I think I should as I've enjoyed her other two books. Thanks for letting me know about Lend With Care, it's such a great scheme and it just goes to show the good that such a small loan can do.
DeleteWe read the SLofB at book club and loved it. I shall definitely look out for this one too after your review.
ReplyDeleteLisa x
I think you'd really enjoy this book, especially if you liked The Secret Life of Bees. Hope you find a copy to read.
DeleteI enjoyed the film so maybe I should look out for this. Thanks for sharing,
ReplyDeleteI didn't know the book had been turned into a film, I shall have to watch out for it.
DeleteSounds a good book & I've never heard of that author before. I don't read as much these days, but with another trip this winter in the caravan, I might look out a few books to take with me. Take care.
ReplyDeleteThe Secret Life of Bees was very popular by this author a few years ago. I really enjoy reading when I'm on holiday, I make sure my Kindle's stocked with lots of good books for when I go away.
DeleteI read this book and The Secret Life of Bees, Jo. I loved them both. I enjoy historical stories set in the South, especially since I moved to America from England. It is such an important period of U.S. history which should never be forgotten. P. x
ReplyDeleteI agree. It's hard to imagine in this day and age but it's something which shouldn't ever be forgotten.
DeleteMany thanks for the review. I enjoy a story that is also based on history in some way. I've not heard of the Grimke sisters, this does sound a very good read.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
I thoroughly enjoyed it and I'd certainly recommend it.
DeleteI shall certainly look out for it, sounds my kind of a book.xxx
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'd enjoy it. I hope you manage to find a copy.
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