A review by kari_f
When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0


I’ve read most of Kelly Barnhill’s books, and this one was unlike anything I’ve read of hers. In fact, it was very unique and different from *anything* I’ve ever read before.

Focusing primarily on government sanctions on scientific freedoms to fit a desired social narrative, as well as gender stereotypes and stigmas, this book is a perfect example of art imitating life…but with dragons added in. I’d place it somewhere between magical realism and fantasy, with relevant themes and topics that need to be discussed in our very real world.

The book goes back and forth between historical accounts of the phenomenon known as dragoning, scientific explanations and research on the topic, and a narrative perspective from a young woman growing up in a family greatly impacted by dragoning. 

This is the first non-middle grade book I’ve read from Barnhill, and while the audience is different from what she usually writes, the whimsical nature of her books remains! I was hopeful this would be the case, as I’ve loved that aspect of her books written for younger audiences. I’ll admit there were a few times near the beginning that I felt the book was dragging a bit, but it makes sense since those parts were non-narrative sections or world-building scenes. Once I really got into it, I was truly excited about each point of view and section!

The premise was unique and fascinating, the stories leading up to many of the dragonings were infuriating and heartbreakingly relatable to real-world’s-not-so-distant-history, the theme of acceptance was heartwarming and lovely,  and the main characters were fascinatingly brave in their own ways. All in all, I really enjoyed this book and continue to be excited about the author’s future literary works!

Thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for this arc!
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