The Women Could Fly: A Novel

Author: Megan Giddings

Reminiscent of the works of Margaret Atwood, Shirley Jackson, and Octavia Butler, this novel presents a biting social commentary from the acclaimed author of Lakewood that speaks to our times. It is a piercing dystopian tale about the unbreakable bond between a young woman and her mysterious mother, set in a world where witches are real and single women are closely monitored.

Josephine Thomas has heard countless theories about her mother’s disappearance. Was she kidnapped? Murdered? Did she choose to start anew? Was she a witch? The concern is heightened in a world where peculiar behavior raises suspicions, particularly for women—especially Black women—who can be tried for witchcraft.

Now, fourteen years after her disappearance, Jo is ready to leave the past behind, but her future remains uncertain. The State mandates that all women marry by age 30 or be tracked, giving up their autonomy. Approaching 28, Jo stands at a crossroads. When she is given a chance to fulfill her mother's final request, she embarks on a journey to reconnect with her mother one last time.

In this powerful and timely novel, Megan Giddings delves into the limits women face—and the ways they can defy and surpass them.