I started When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill at the end of last year, but it wasn’t really a winter holiday read. I set it aside knowing I’d come back to it. I had other books that felt a bit more pressing and I wanted to be able to really enjoy the rest of the experience.
I was a little afraid it couldn’t possibly be as wonderful as I remembered. As I started up a bit past the halfway mark, I was swept up once again, reassured of my memory. Then the story began to shift and I was actually brought to tears.
Now, I am a crier, but not usually with books. I might gasp, be sad or upset. I might laugh out loud or snort, but I don’t often cry. Might be my reading choices. I cry plenty in real life and at movies, shows, commercials, songs. This book had me crying in the best way. It was just so beautiful.
This is a fiercely feminine tale about memories, society, and love. It’s about becoming, and who we choose to be. Definitely on my top favorite books list. I highly recommend sinking into this one and letting it carry you through its pages. Go get lost in an extraordinary tale.
The Accidental Domestic Goddess 