Reviews

When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill

brireads97's review

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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

rhalfie29's review against another edition

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

jennyclay's review

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slow-paced

4.0