The novel intertwines the lives of two women in the early 19th century in Charleston, South Carolina. The story follows Sarah Grimké, a daughter of a wealthy and prominent slave-holding family, and Hetty "Handful" Grimké, an enslaved girl given to Sarah as a gift on her eleventh birthday.

Sarah, who is intellectually curious and morally opposed to slavery, struggles against the constraints placed on women and the injustices of the slavery system. Her journey reflects her growing awareness and eventual activism in the abolitionist and women's rights movements.

Handful, who is determined, resilient, and resourceful, endures the harsh realities of slavery while seeking freedom and independence. The novel also delves into the relationship between Handful and her mother, Charlotte, who instills in her daughter a sense of resistance and hope through storytelling and quilt-making.

Throughout the novel, Sarah and Handful's narratives alternate, providing perspectives on the same events from different social standings. Their intertwined destinies highlight themes of courage, friendship, and the quest for liberation, both personal and societal. Sue Monk Kidd's richly detailed storytelling and character development bring to life the complexities of the antebellum South and the fight for human rights.

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