sampena16's review against another edition
4.0
It was difficult getting through this book, not because it wasn't excellent but rather because it was so hard reading a story so sad. Set in Florida in the mid 60s, Before Women Had Wings tells the story of a family broken by a never ending cycle of violence and shame. Told from the story of a 9 year old girl, the violence and abuse were made all the more unbearable when juxtaposed with the girl's innocence and hope of something better. However, despite the novel's themes, the story was so beautifully written that I had to finish through to the end. And I'm happy I did. The hope at the end of the novel was powerful. Fowler makes it clear that it's no fairy tale ending, but it's the best chance they have at forgiveness and redemption, which I found very human. I would never read this book again as it was too sad, but I'm happy I read it.
sjj169's review against another edition
5.0
Powerful book! I read this in one sitting last night because my heart was totally drawn into Bird's story. Ms. Fowler portrays the abused child perfectly. The love/hate relationship with the parent. She also gives you insight to the abuser. It's a book that will stay with you after you finish it.
keross72's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. Really just an amazing writer and book. Really love her characters, how you find yourself pulling for them.
marilynsaul's review against another edition
3.0
Bird captivated me from page 1, so I kept on reading, even though the child abuse scenes were horrifying and I hated the mother - just really couldn't forgive her. I understand abuse is a nurtured disease, but I cannot fathom beating one's child and NOT registering distaste, not registering that you need to quit and change. Anyway, Miss Zora was a wonderful addition, and I wanted the book to continue focusing on her and her life. I really didn't get the Big Al thing - rather stuck in there. Anyway, I liked it but do not necessarily recommend it, except to the emotionally hardy.
shellwitty's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Coming of age, family dysfunction, realistic fiction
rjvrtiska's review against another edition
4.0
Fowler captured the dicotomy of South Florida's lush biology and the clostrophobic nature of poverty and domestic violence within a young girl's narrative. The voice was a bit mature for Bird's age, but effective. The bird/angel/butterfly/airplane metaphor was well placed and maintained a sense of hope through an otherwise dark novel.
cassiefleurs's review against another edition
3.0
Good enough but honestly no child thinks like that.
The story is solid enough and sadly a very common tale of violence and abuse generating more violence and abuse among poor people but really the protagonist was far too young to be so aware and concious of many things. Bird talks as if she had been studing sociology for years and understand the oppresive structures, it was simply off putting.
The story is solid enough and sadly a very common tale of violence and abuse generating more violence and abuse among poor people but really the protagonist was far too young to be so aware and concious of many things. Bird talks as if she had been studing sociology for years and understand the oppresive structures, it was simply off putting.
amysteid's review against another edition
5.0
Beautifully written, hauntingly true to life; wonderful themes....