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haileyhardcover's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
I can see what Giddings was trying to do with this book. The themes of sexism and racism are loud and undoubtedly important, but damn I wish they were presented with a better written story. I’m really sad to be rating this one so low.
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Forced institutionalization, Racism, Religious bigotry, Sexism, Animal death, Gore, Blood, and Torture
Minor: Death of parent, Homophobia, and Death
wlreed312's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
The Women Could Fly is a novel set in a world that is just a step off from ours, the major difference being that magic is real, but carefully controlled and regulated. It is said that only women are able to access this magic because of their highly emotional nature. Our main character is Jo, who is approaching the age of 28, where she must be registered, and closing in on the age where she must have a man (father, brother, spouse) to be accountable for her actions. Jo is a messy messy character who has a tremendous amount of trauma due to the disappearance of her mother 14 years ago, and her subsequent questioning about witchcraft (torture, not to put too fine a point on it). This is an examination of racism, homophobia, and misogyny, yes. But it's also a story about how bad it screws you up when the adults in your life (especially your parents) don't see everything that you are, and only love an image of you they have in their minds.
This was one of those books that touched me deeply for reasons I can't fully articulate. I love how complicated Jo is, and how she wants to be better for the people she loves. I love that her romantic relationship with a man is complex, because while she does care for him, she resents the fact that she must be in a heteronormative relationship or be monitored in truly invasive ways. There is a power imbalance in every relationship between men and women in this world, and it's explored in interesting ways. My only very minor complaint is that I wish we had a little bit more resolution between Jo and Angie
Graphic: Homophobia, Misogyny, Racism, Forced institutionalization, Abandonment, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Torture and Emotional abuse
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Drug use, and Alcohol
ashlyluvsyellow's review against another edition
- 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
Would recommend those who like thoughtful fiction or fantasy.
It was an alternate reality where witches are real that drew me in, I didn't much like the other elements of the book.
Graphic: Drug use, Cursing, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Grief, Homophobia, Abandonment, Biphobia, and Confinement
minella's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Torture, Suicidal thoughts, Racism, Religious bigotry, Misogyny, Grief, Forced institutionalization, and Abandonment
lpdx's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Graphic: Misogyny, Racism, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Forced institutionalization, Lesbophobia, Alcohol, Biphobia, Homophobia, Sexism, Torture, Abandonment, Confinement, Drug use, and Transphobia
jenmcreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Police brutality, Sexism, Religious bigotry, Racism, Forced institutionalization, Torture, Toxic relationship, Physical abuse, Misogyny, and Grief
kaiyakaiyo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
There were so many interesting layers to this story, and Jo’s relationship with Tiana made my heart ache and my eyes well in a very specific Black mom to Black daughter way. Mother daughter relationships are my Achilles heel (see: me crying my way through EEAAO and Turning Red), so seeing one in my shade was a bit of an arrow to the chest in the best way.
All that being said, this book ends, not quite hopefully, but upliftingly; everything isn’t sunshine and roses, but there is promise of a better future as created by community. nothing materially changes, but the feeling it gives is a positive one. I really liked this book, and will be buying it in print for my shelf :)
Graphic: Kidnapping, Torture, Violence, Religious bigotry, Fire/Fire injury, Misogyny, Homophobia, Police brutality, Forced institutionalization, Racism, and Sexism
Minor: Alcohol, Blood, Lesbophobia, Transphobia, Acephobia/Arophobia, Bullying, and Biphobia
meecespieces's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Misogyny, Torture, Sexism, Confinement, and Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Blood and Alcohol
meganmalonefranklin's review against another edition
4.25
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Hate crime, Forced institutionalization, Alcohol, Death of parent, Blood, Misogyny, Torture, Lesbophobia, Gore, and Abandonment
gabtiffin's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Abandonment, Forced institutionalization, and Blood