As you’re reading this — I have a confession. My original plan was to have When Women Were Dragons By Kelly Barnhill finished by the beginning of October so the entire month could be dedicated to my Spooky Reading Challenge. But I ran out of time and had to finish this for my Book Club meeting anyway, so here I am! The Book Club Wheel Of Fortune dictated we read When Women Were Dragons next, a 2022 historical fiction fantasy novel that takes place in an alternative version of America’s 1950s landscape. I can say, now having finished it, I appreciate the book for what it is; I appreciate it, I enjoyed the story it told, but I don’t think I can include it in one of my top picks for 2025.
Book Review: When Women Were Dragons By Kelly Barnhill
Like I said above, this is the first adult novel by author Kelly Barnhill, and it’s a feminist magical realism take on the limitations of women in the ‘50s and ‘60s, during which women spontaneously turn into dragons en masse:
Alex Green is a young girl in a world much like ours, except for its most seminal event: the Mass Dragoning of 1955, when hundreds of thousands of ordinary wives and mothers sprouted wings, scales, and talons; left a trail of fiery destruction in their path; and took to the skies. Was it their choice? What will become of those left behind? Why did Alex’s beloved aunt Marla transform but her mother did not? Alex doesn’t know. It’s taboo to speak of.
Forced into silence, Alex nevertheless must face the consequences of this astonishing event: a mother more protective than ever; an absentee father; the upsetting insistence that her aunt never even existed; and watching her beloved cousin Bea become dangerously obsessed with the forbidden.
When Women Were Dragons. Kelly Barnhill. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58783802-when-women-were-dragons.
First, let’s talk about the things I like in this book. The way the narrative is framed is interesting because it’s all told via memoir from our main character, Alex, intermixed with transcripts of speeches, letters, and scientific research papers by another character, Dr. Gantz. The mixture of personal recollections and news stories, interviews, and testimonies from the wider fictional world in relation to dragoning is a very unique, engaging way to develop worldbuilding and immerse the reader more into the story and this historical aspect of it.
Another thing I really like about When Women Were Dragons is the magical realism. I love the idea of all these women just turning into dragons and then still being integrated into the world during the times of the House Un-American Activities Committee; President Nixon; the Civil Rights Movement; and many other real historical events. I like the retelling of this time period with real historical accuracy, but with the addition and rose-colored glasses of magical integration. And on that note, this book is very overtly feminist (not necessarily in a bad way) and is very supportive of women and sisterhood in general. When Women Were Dragons is a representation of closted, repressed feminine rage finally manifesting and it being turned into young girls and women becoming fire-breathing creatures of wonder and strength. We love ourselves some feminine rage and I do really like the metaphor.
Now onto the things I don’t necessarily dislike, but notice and could potentially turn readers off. Very early on I could tell that this book is, like I said, more heavy-handed with its feminist themes; it comes across as more blatant and obvious than the very similar themes in Weyward: A Novel by Emilia Hart. It’s more a larger part of the story and less subversive, which is likely on purpose, but can potentially be distracting to certain readers. Very early on we see references to women stereotypes and expectations from that era and a few figures who act as rebels amid a rigged system; including Alex’s aunt who is basically Rosie the Riveter, the librarian who helps her continue into higher education, and the elusive Dr. Gantz.
I’m glad I read When Women Were Dragons and I appreciate it for what it is, what it does in the genre, and the story it told. But I wouldn’t say it is as memorable as other books I’ve read this year. Again, I love the feminine rage metaphor and Alex discovering what anger is — and the concept of prejudice against dragons itself could also easily apply to things outside of actual dragoning (think race or the LGTBQ community) — but I don’t think this is a favorite. I do recommend it as a think-piece read, though!
My Hot Takes (Spoiler Warning)
- This whole beginning of this book makes me think of Taylor Swift’s mad woman.
- Alex’s mother was a horrible mother and I cannot understand why she would be idealized. May be accurate for the time period, but she was a horrible mother and I cannot believe the situation she put Alex and Bea through. I cannot comprehend her perspective at all.
She says (or at least insinuates) on her deathbed that she chose to not become a dagon and to be there for her family (I assume). Was that a good idea? It impacted Alex and Bea significantly. I don’t think she did that great of a job, not to mention this could also be part of the extended metaphor; she chose not to be her true self and courageous and instead died and weathered away. - The female reproductive system education in this book’s timeline a fucking joke. And while we’re on the subject, PSA to all ladies: don’t make yourself smaller for the sake of men or the sake of others.
- Alex’s father is also a horrible person and I don’t feel bad for him at all. He deserves to die of a heart attack and have his house burned down by Marla.
My Rating: 3/5 Stars
