The Women Could Fly
A queer feminist speculative tale of magic and autonomy
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Pan Macmillan
Published:3rd Aug '23
Should be back in stock very soon
In a world where magic is real, The Women Could Fly follows Josephine Thomas as she navigates societal expectations and her mother's mysterious disappearance.
In The Women Could Fly, Megan Giddings crafts a hauntingly beautiful dystopian narrative that resonates deeply with contemporary issues. Set in a world where magic exists, the story follows Josephine Thomas, a young Black woman grappling with the mysterious disappearance of her mother. As rumors swirl about her mother's fate—ranging from kidnapping to witchcraft—Jo navigates a society that strictly regulates women, particularly those who remain single past the age of thirty. This environment breeds suspicion and fear, especially for women who dare to exhibit behavior that deviates from societal norms.
As Jo approaches her thirtieth birthday, she finds herself at a crossroads, torn between the expectations of marriage and her desire for independence. The State's oppressive mandates loom over her, compelling women to either conform or surrender their autonomy. In a bid to connect with her mother's legacy, Jo embarks on a journey that challenges her understanding of identity, freedom, and the very essence of womanhood. The narrative weaves themes of feminism, magic, and societal constraints, creating a rich tapestry that reflects the struggles faced by women today.
The Women Could Fly is not just a story about witchcraft; it is a profound exploration of the power dynamics that govern women's lives. Giddings invites readers to consider the implications of control, the nature of belief, and the resilience of those who dare to defy the status quo. Through Jo's poignant journey, the novel illuminates the complexities of motherhood, loss, and the quest for self-discovery in a world that seeks to stifle individuality.
For fans of Margaret Atwood * Elle Magazine *
Thoughtful novel, written in a wry, magical realist tone reminiscent of Kelly Link and Carmen Maria Machado * Guardian *
Megan Giddings's prose is brimming with wonder. The Women Could Fly is a candid appraisal of grief, inheritance, and the merits of unruliness. -- Raven Leilani, Bestselling author of Luster
This novel put me in the mind of the works of Margaret Atwood. An extraordinary concept * Platinum *
The relationship at the heart of this novel — between Jo and her mercurial mother — is much closer to timeless. * The New York Times *
Perfect for fans of The Handmaid’s Tale and The Power. * Stylist *
The Women Could Fly is an absolute triumph. Giddings conjures up a world that feels familiar, despite the increasingly creepy hints of dystopia. And along the way, she shows what the anti-witch crusaders really fear most: our ability to create a better world if we work together. * Washington Post *
One of the most exhilarating and fulfilling books I've read in years. It's wildly imaginative, funny, deep, radical, and full of suspense. -- Jamie Attenberg, author of The Middlesteins
Profound, daring, wondrous, and utterly original. A feminist dystopian epic . . . a hypnotic blend of enchantment and outrage. I could not love this novel more. -- Jessamine Chan, author of The School for Good Mothers
This is a gem of a book about womanhood, lineage, and defiance. -- C Pam Zhang, author of How Much of These Hills Is Gold
Reading this book is like putting on an old winter coat and discovering a magical talisman in the pocket: it’s full of warmth, comfort, and a whole new world of possibility. -- Adrienne Celt, author of End of the World House
The Women Could Fly recalls legendary works of dystopian fiction but casts a spell all its own. -- Alexandra Kleeman, author of Something New Under the Sun
Megan Giddings has a knack for taking her readers on a wild, suspenseful and thrilling ride. With descriptive setting and peculiar character development, I'm sure this novel is about to give us Dune meets The Salem Witch Trials realness. * Buzzfeed *
A book with echoes of Octavia Butler and Shirley Jackson. * Electric Lit *
Megan Giddings is a young writer to watch. * Kirkus Reviews *
Buzzes with hot-button issues * Daily Mail *
ISBN: 9781035001606
Dimensions: 197mm x 130mm x 27mm
Weight: 206g
368 pages