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, the author of When Women Were Dragons, has previously won the prestigious Newbery Medal for her book The Girl Who Drank the Moon in 2017.
- When Women Were Dragons is known for its unique blending of historical fiction and fantasy, exploring themes of female empowerment and societal transformation.
- The novel introduces an imaginative concept known as the "Mass Dragoning of 1955," an event around which the narrative builds its exploration of identity and transformation.

**Alex Green**  
Alex Green is the protagonist and narrator, recounting her experiences growing up in a society fearful and controlling of dragons and dragoning. Her journey explores the complexities of love, acceptance, and transformation without undergoing a literal change herself.

**Beatrice**  
Beatrice is a resilient and passionate character, who is drawn to dragons and eventually embraces her true self. She serves as a contrast to Alex, highlighting themes of choice and self-acceptance.

**Bertha Green**  
Bertha Green is Alex's mother, whose memory and choices significantly impact Alex. Her life is defined by her decision to suppress her dragon nature in order to fulfill traditional family roles.

**Marla**  
Marla is Bertha’s sister and serves as a foil to her, living a life more aligned with personal truth and defiance of societal norms. She eventually transforms into a dragon, reflecting her liberation.

**Mrs. Gyzinska**  
Mrs. Helen Gyzinska is a philanthropist and activist who supports research on dragoning and advocates for women's education and liberation. She becomes an ally and supporter of Alex.

**Sonja Blomgren**  
Sonja Blomgren is Alex's childhood friend and love interest, whose relationship with Alex is marked by societal pressures and personal decisions. She embodies themes of love, loss, and transformation.

**Dr. Henry Gantz**  
Dr. Henry Gantz is a researcher and figure of rationality, studying the phenomenon of dragoning. His work offers Alex insight into understanding the changes in herself and the world around her.

**Mr. Green**  
Mr. Green is Alex’s father, symbolizing the restrictive gender norms and societal expectations of the era. His attitudes and actions reflect the challenges faced by women within their families and wider society.

Kelly Barnhill

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Prologue-Chapter 5

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Chapters 6-10

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Chapters 11-15

When Women Were Dragons Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-20

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Chapters 21-25

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Chapters 26-30

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Chapters 31-35

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Chapters 36-40

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Chapters 41-44

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When Women Were Dragons

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