People can start out one way, and by the time life gets through with them they end up completely different

People can start out one way, and by the time life gets through with them they end up completely different

Sue Monk Kidd is a renowned author known for her powerful storytelling and deep exploration of human emotions and experiences. In many of her works, she delves into the idea that people can start out one way, and by the time life gets through with them, they end up completely different. This theme is evident in her most famous novel, "The Secret Life of Bees," as well as in her other works such as "The Invention of Wings" and "The Mermaid Chair."

In "The Secret Life of Bees," the protagonist, Lily Owens, undergoes a profound transformation throughout the course of the novel. At the beginning of the story, Lily is a young girl burdened by the weight of her past and struggling to find her place in the world. However, as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing, she begins to shed her old self and embrace a new identity. By the end of the novel, Lily has grown into a strong, independent woman who has learned to love herself and others unconditionally.

Similarly, in "The Invention of Wings," Kidd explores the theme of personal growth and transformation through the characters of Sarah Grimké and Handful. Sarah, a young girl born into a wealthy slave-owning family, initially conforms to the expectations of her society. However, as she becomes increasingly aware of the injustices around her, she begins to question her beliefs and ultimately becomes a fierce abolitionist and advocate for women's rights. Handful, on the other hand, starts out as a slave with limited agency and autonomy. But as she forms a deep bond with Sarah and finds her own voice, she undergoes a profound transformation and asserts her own agency and independence.