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brireads97's review
4.0
When Women were Dragons is a magic realism book about dragons, feminism, queer love, found love and self discovery. A book in which I will hold dearly to my heart.
…
The only reason the book is four stars instead of five is b/c of glaring white feminism ideals through the book.
TW: Sexism, TW: Abandonment
…
The only reason the book is four stars instead of five is b/c of glaring white feminism ideals through the book.
TW: Sexism, TW: Abandonment
rhalfie29's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting feminist thought experiment, but owing much to Margaret Atwood (the "historical remnants" texts scattered throughout) and The Power ('what if women all suddenly....'). I found the main character and her relationships relatable and readable, and the Wisconsin setting was a charming backdrop which brought the 50s / 60s American era to life well. Something about the dragons subplot left me a bit cold - it's interesting to read the author's notes that although this book started about anger, in fact she ended up finding it more interesting exploring the idea of forgetting / enforced silence - she's right in that the secrecy, embarrassment, propaganda and use of language is the more interesting feature of the narrative (in terms of being a parallel to how we talk about eg sexism, sexual harassment, abuse) than the dragons which towards the end become a bit silly. However, the book is a worthwhile exercise, enjoyable and readable.
catriona99674's review against another edition
The extended metaphor is just not doing it for me. I'm not invested in the characters and there isn't really a plot.
livboyer's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I absolutely loved this book!
gabrielal's review
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
mlenore's review
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
1.5
viaannajane's review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
itisbrittany's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
mcdonom's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0