In "The Invention of Wings," Sue Monk Kidd draws inspiration from a thought-provoking quote by Professor Julius Lester, which emphasizes the deeper emotional aspects of history. According to Lester, history transcends mere facts; it encapsulates the shared human experience of suffering. This perspective urges readers to empathize with others' pain in order to prevent the repetition of past injustices.

Kidd's narrative echoes this sentiment by exploring themes of empathy, history, and the collective struggle against oppression. By focusing on the emotional impacts of historical events, she encourages readers to confront their own understanding of history and its implications for the present and future.