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A review by cinnamonmarti
When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
3.75
In her acknowledgements, the author states that this story was partly inspired by the bravery shown by Christine Blasey Ford at her Senate hearing. After having re-read that speech, it is immediately clear why.
This is a magical realism story that appears to hinge on female rage on the surface, but is actually much more influenced by generational trauma, and how the shame, grief and pain we carry as kids can shape our life and personality for years to come. Albeit I found it a tad too slow or repetitive at times, it's a novel that comes by the heart in such an unmistakable and poetic way. I personally found it almost too sad to bear, particularly the bits dealing with family dynamics. Still, there are love, hope and plenty of wonder to be found in this story, particularly if you're curious to read about feminism in a magical realism frame!
This is a magical realism story that appears to hinge on female rage on the surface, but is actually much more influenced by generational trauma, and how the shame, grief and pain we carry as kids can shape our life and personality for years to come. Albeit I found it a tad too slow or repetitive at times, it's a novel that comes by the heart in such an unmistakable and poetic way. I personally found it almost too sad to bear, particularly the bits dealing with family dynamics. Still, there are love, hope and plenty of wonder to be found in this story, particularly if you're curious to read about feminism in a magical realism frame!