A review by sampena16
Before Women Had Wings by Connie May Fowler

4.0

It was difficult getting through this book, not because it wasn't excellent but rather because it was so hard reading a story so sad. Set in Florida in the mid 60s, Before Women Had Wings tells the story of a family broken by a never ending cycle of violence and shame. Told from the story of a 9 year old girl, the violence and abuse were made all the more unbearable when juxtaposed with the girl's innocence and hope of something better. However, despite the novel's themes, the story was so beautifully written that I had to finish through to the end. And I'm happy I did. The hope at the end of the novel was powerful. Fowler makes it clear that it's no fairy tale ending, but it's the best chance they have at forgiveness and redemption, which I found very human. I would never read this book again as it was too sad, but I'm happy I read it.