Kelly Barnhill's When Women Were Dragons is praised for its imaginative narrative and powerful feminist themes, exploring women's transformation and liberation. Critics commend Barnhill's lyrical prose and compelling characters, though some feel the plot is occasionally uneven. Overall, it's heralded as a thought-provoking and emotive read.

Readers who enjoyed the fantastical elements of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern or the feminist themes in The Power by Naomi Alderman will be captivated by Kelly Barnhill's When Women Were Dragons. This novel weaves magic and feminist allegory, appealing to fans of speculative fiction and empowering narratives.

In Kelly Barnhill's When Women Were Dragons, Alex Green navigates a mid-20th-century America where women mysteriously transform into dragons in moments of rage or desire. As societal repression and censorship attempt to obscure these transformations, Alex pieces together her family's history and the phenomenon of "dragoning," ultimately finding liberation and a new understanding of womanhood amidst a repressive society. The plot includes topics of spousal infidelity and familial abandonment.

Fantastical / Emotional / Inspirational / Mysterious / Contemplative

Kelly Barnhill

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore When Women Were Dragons reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read When Women Were Dragons | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore When Women Were Dragons and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

When Women Were Dragons Summary and Study Guide

Background

When Women Were Dragons Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 5

When Women Were Dragons Prologue-Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-10

When Women Were Dragons Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-15

When Women Were Dragons Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-20

When Women Were Dragons Chapters 16-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-25

When Women Were Dragons Chapters 21-25 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 26-30

When Women Were Dragons Chapters 26-30 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 31-35

When Women Were Dragons Chapters 31-35 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 36-40

When Women Were Dragons Chapters 36-40 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 41-44

When Women Were Dragons Chapters 41-44 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

When Women Were Dragons Character Analysis

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Themes

When Women Were Dragons Themes

Symbols & Motifs

When Women Were Dragons Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

When Women Were Dragons Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

When Women Were Dragons Essay Topics

When Women Were Dragons

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read When Women Were Dragons?

Reading Age

Book Details