It is the peculiar nature of the world to go on spinning no matter what sort of heartbreak is happening

It is the peculiar nature of the world to go on spinning no matter what sort of heartbreak is happening

In the world of Sue Monk Kidd's novels, heartbreak is a common theme that characters must navigate through. Whether it be the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a betrayal, Kidd's characters often find themselves grappling with the pain and sorrow that comes with heartbreak. And yet, despite the overwhelming emotions that accompany these experiences, the world continues to spin on, indifferent to the individual suffering that is taking place.

One of Kidd's most famous works, "The Secret Life of Bees," explores the theme of heartbreak through the eyes of its protagonist, Lily Owens. Lily is a young girl who has experienced more than her fair share of heartache, having lost her mother at a young age and being raised by a distant and abusive father. Throughout the novel, Lily grapples with the pain of her past and the uncertainty of her future, all while trying to make sense of the world around her.

Despite the weight of Lily's heartbreak, the world in which she lives continues to move forward, seemingly unaffected by her struggles. The bees in the novel, which serve as a symbol of resilience and perseverance, continue to buzz and pollinate, going about their daily tasks without pause. This juxtaposition between the unrelenting nature of the world and the fragility of the human heart serves as a poignant reminder of the cyclical nature of life.

In Kidd's novel "The Invention of Wings," the characters Sarah Grimké and Handful endure their own forms of heartbreak as they navigate the complexities of slavery and oppression in the antebellum South. Sarah, a white woman from a privileged background, struggles to reconcile her beliefs in equality and justice with the reality of her family's ownership of slaves. Handful, a young slave girl, grapples with the harsh realities of her existence and the limitations placed upon her by society.

Despite the heartbreak that both Sarah and Handful experience, the world around them continues to spin on, indifferent to their suffering. The institution of slavery persists, the injustices of the world continue unabated, and the characters are left to navigate their pain in a world that seems to offer little solace.