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elizabethwillett's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kellyculpeppertowe's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
dliterate's review against another edition
4.0
I've started this review over a few times because each time it ended up coming across as a laundry list of issues I have with the book that culminates in me declaring that I enjoyed it anyway. And I don't think that's really doing the book justice.
I do think that the world building in The Women Could Fly is a bit threadbare, to the point that there are some definite holes. And I reckon that a number of characters could have done with some further fleshing out in order to make them feel more real (like Preston, even though I'm also declaring myself Team #justiceforpreston. IYKYK).
What I think ultimately smooths these issues over for me, though, is a well-developed main character who shows some personal growth over the course of the story, and the relationship that exists between her and her best friend. Josephine and Angie felt like real people with a real friendship. Their scenes together stood out for me, and the parallels between their experiences of dual oppressions was mostly handled pretty well, even if I remain a little unclear exactly what the state of play was as far as LGBTIQA+ people are concerned.
I'd be interested in experiencing more stories in this world and having the opportunity to learn more about it.
*E.g. Who can do magic? We're told both men and women can, but only women are regulated. Yet we're also told of examples of gay men being punished for it. You could say that's because gay men are considered feminised, but if that's the case, then wouldn't queer women be seen as too masculine to do magic? Instead, being a queer woman also seems to be treated as a sign that someone is a witch. And if men in general can do magic, why does it seem to be so rare?
I do think that the world building in The Women Could Fly is a bit threadbare, to the point that there are some definite holes. And I reckon that a number of characters could have done with some further fleshing out in order to make them feel more real (like Preston, even though I'm also declaring myself Team #justiceforpreston. IYKYK).
What I think ultimately smooths these issues over for me, though, is a well-developed main character who shows some personal growth over the course of the story, and the relationship that exists between her and her best friend. Josephine and Angie felt like real people with a real friendship. Their scenes together stood out for me, and the parallels between their experiences of dual oppressions was mostly handled pretty well, even if I remain a little unclear exactly what the state of play was as far as LGBTIQA+ people are concerned.
I'd be interested in experiencing more stories in this world and having the opportunity to learn more about it.
*E.g. Who can do magic? We're told both men and women can, but only women are regulated. Yet we're also told of examples of gay men being punished for it. You could say that's because gay men are considered feminised, but if that's the case, then wouldn't queer women be seen as too masculine to do magic? Instead, being a queer woman also seems to be treated as a sign that someone is a witch. And if men in general can do magic, why does it seem to be so rare?
sarahwren's review against another edition
5.0
loved loved loved this! a dystopian book set in present day and witches are real. I've recommended this book countless times, it's such a compelling read and I feel like everyone should read this at least once.
pinkvogue's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
amandadelbrocco's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This had a really interesting concept but it just didn't click with me. I didn't find myself invested in the story at all but it's also not my typical genre.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Racism
bhaywood's review against another edition
5.0
The Women Could Fly is in some ways a fairly simple parable. A gendered McCarthyism and a literal witch-hunt, but the writing elevates it to a compelling page-turner you won’t want to put down.
It’s not subtle, but it doesn’t have to be because its main character isn’t.
Josephine is a woman who has never mastered the ability to grit her teeth and go with the flow with a smile. She can’t blindly follow.
That lived-in perspective buoys this book and makes you want to keep reading, not because you don’t know the lesson it’s trying to convey, but because you need to know if Jo will make it out alive.
It’s not subtle, but it doesn’t have to be because its main character isn’t.
Josephine is a woman who has never mastered the ability to grit her teeth and go with the flow with a smile. She can’t blindly follow.
That lived-in perspective buoys this book and makes you want to keep reading, not because you don’t know the lesson it’s trying to convey, but because you need to know if Jo will make it out alive.
priyabhakta's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5