When Women Were Dragons is a feminist, sapphic fantasy in which women turn into dragons and take back their power.
When Women Were Dragons, Kelly Barnhill
Themes: Fiction, Fantasy, Historical Fic
Reading Format: Paperback
4.5 STARS
This book was sent to me from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
What started as a short story has developed into a brilliant story about feminism and the power women hold. Following our main character, Alex, throughout her life as those around her start to turn into dragons, but only the women. This book questions the way things are and the rules women have always been taught. It did a fantastic job of standing against the system and empowering its female characters and readers.
Initially, this book started slow, focusing a lot on Alex’s early years. I found it didn’t really get going until we saw Alex get further in her education and discover more about herself and her wants and desires. Once we established this though, there was a lot more to route for and the clever story started to unfold.
I love it when books call out the flaws in society and this one did big time, in the way the patriarchy has a resounding hold over so much. Alex is a fiercely feminist main character and fights for what she believes in, values I strongly agree with. As a result of the mission this book goes on to spread the feminism message, you’ll definitely feel passionate alongside these characters.
I loved the way the dragons were used to show the fury of the women and also their power, something both beautiful and terrifying all at once – uncovering years of unhappiness and oppression. There were a lot of metaphors hidden in this book, but I’ll leave those for you to discover yourself. A very enjoyable and unique book.
