by Sue Monk Kidd
Historical Fiction*
Grade level 7 and up
Inspired by the true story of early-nineteenth-century abolitionist and suffragist Sarah Grimké, the author creates a moving portrait of two women inextricably linked by the horrors of slavery. Sarah, daughter of a wealthy South Carolina plantation owner, exhibits an independent spirit and strong belief in the equality of all. Impeded from fulfilling her dreams of becoming a lawyer by her father, she struggles throughout life to find an outlet for her convictions. Handful, a slave in the Grimké household, displays a sharp intellect and brave, rebellious disposition. She maintains a compliant exterior, while planning for a brighter future. Told in first person, the chapters alternate between the two main characters’ perspectives, as we follow their unlikely friendship (characterized by both respect and resentment) from childhood to middle age. While their pain and struggle cannot be equated, both women strive to be set free—Sarah from the bonds of her families beliefs and Southern bigotry, and Handful from the inhuman treatment of slavery.
*This book is perfect for a more advanced readers who has a strong interest in history. Even though it is classified as "historical fiction" the information about the main character Sarah Grimke is all true. It inspired me to do further research into the lives of Sarah and Angelina Grimke. A large portion of the events presented in the story are facts from the Grimke sisters' lives.
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