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Book Discussion

"When Women Were Dragons" by Kelly Barnhill

This month's fantasy book selection is "When Women Were Dragons" by Kelly Barnhill. It will be hosted at the Bridgewater Library branch and will be moderated by Carol Polhemus.

This event is being held in person, however, if you prefer to join the discussion virtually via Zoom, please use this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82793808192

Meeting ID: 827 9380 8192

The first adult novel by the Newbery award-winning author of "The Girl Who Drank the Moon" is a rollicking feminist tale set in 1950s America where thousands of women have spontaneously transformed into dragons, exploding notions of a woman's place in the world and expanding minds about accepting others for who they really are. 

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. 

In this timely and timeless speculative novel, award-winning author Kelly Barnhill boldly explores rage, memory, and the tyranny of forced limitations. "When Women Were Dragons" exposes a world that wants to keep women small— their lives and their prospects— and examines what happens when they rise en masse and take up the space they deserve.

Participation is FREE. Read the book and come for the discussion! All adults are welcome. Please sign up if you plan on attending.

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