First, I should say that this is not the type of book I normally read. I usually go for Science Fiction or Fantasy – I don’t usually look to Oprah for book advice…
I do enjoy high-quality writing, though, which isn’t guaranteed in ‘my kind’ of books. And Invention of Wings is very well written. There were plenty of sentences that were just so good that I stopped reading to let them sink in.
I didn’t realize the story was based on real people, so I was all set to criticize the book for the unrealistic aspect of these sisters becoming nationally famous. It seemed far fetched, but actually happened.
The story seems to accurately capture the points of view of not just the two main characters, a slave and a reluctant (to say the least) slave-owner, but also those of slavery supporters, wavering slave-owners, and various others. The writing brings the characters to life so thoroughly that you as a reader quickly begin caring about what is happening, and often dreading what’s coming up.
This is a well-told and fascinating novel, and very much worth your time to read – even if it isn’t your usual kind of book.