When Women Were Dragons

The author, Kelly Barnhill, created a rich and fascinating world that parallels America's history in many ways. I found the book relevant in this 2024 U.S. presidential election season, where misogyny and the continued desire to control women are prevalent. The populace in the novel bans the discussion of dragons and does their best to ignore the facts of any metamorphosis.

Beginning in the 1950s, fabricated historical and scientific notes are sprinkled throughout the book, adding more layers and helping the story move through the years.

There are stories of women—some treated poorly by their husbands, as well as some who have barely understood yearnings that make them gaze longingly toward the sky. Society does not care for independent women or people who are different, and dragons and any discussion pertaining to them are taboo. 

Alex is a young girl during a time of monumental change. Thousands of women transform into dragons, sprouting tails and wings, and all at once, they vanish into the sky, leaving a trail of destruction. Some even turn on their husbands, burning them up. 

The author gives great depth to the characters, whether human or dragon. The descriptions of the characters' appearances and personalities are richly detailed, and their emotions range from rage to depression to loss and love.

Alex is born into a family that makes for many difficult days, hurt feelings, and little explanation of circumstances. Questions are not encouraged. Her mother is strict and unrelenting, and her father is distant. Alex's mother doesn't want to speak of dragons and is continually crafting items with knots. Alex's aunt Marla later transforms into a dragon and leaves, but her sister, Alex's mother, stays.

The author leads us through events that shaped Alex and her young cousin Beatrice, who is brought into their home as a sister when Marla transforms.

The town librarian is a steady and important figure throughout Alex's life, helping to guide her. As the years progress, readers slowly discover more about the librarian's background and influence in the town. She encourages Alex's studies because she recognizes a young scientist.

Alex is left on her own, living away from her remarried father with only basic financial support. She is set with responsibility for Beatrice, and as they become closer, she constantly fears losing her to dragoning. As she tries to raise Beatrice while keeping her school studies on track, her father makes it clear that he will only support her while in high school. After that, the money stops, and he tells her she must stop the foolish idea of furthering her education and get married. 

The making of knots and items connected with knots are regularly noted in the book and provide a bit of foreshadowing. Toward the end of the book, the knots are included in a beautiful last chapter with a surprise that I didn't guess. The author didn't leave readers hanging and finished the novel with a satisfying ending. I give this five stars and recommend reading it.

Copyright © 11/1/2024 by Andrea O. Corwin

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