Wayetu Moore's The Dragons, the Giant, the Women is praised for its compelling narrative that merges memoir and magical realism to depict her escape from civil war in Liberia. Critics commend its emotional depth and innovative structure. However, some find its shifts in perspective occasionally disorienting. Overall, it is a powerful and thought-provoking read.

Readers who appreciate memoirs intertwined with history and personal struggle will enjoy Wayetu Moore's The Dragons, the Giant, the Women. Fans of Ishmael Beah's A Long Way Gone or Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Half of a Yellow Sun will find Moore's narrative of war, displacement, and resilience compelling and evocative.

The Dragons, the Giant, the Women by Wayetu Moore recounts her experiences growing up in Liberia during the First Liberian Civil War, her family's harrowing escape, and their subsequent resettlement in the United States. The narrative follows young Wayetu from her fifth birthday in Caldwell, through her family's flight from advancing rebels, to a village across the border, before shifting to her adult life as a writer in Brooklyn, who confronts her past and returns to Liberia seeking closure. Descriptions of war violence and loss are present in the story.

Emotional / Nostalgic / Suspenseful / Mysterious / Inspirational

Wayetu Moore

Adult

Autobiography / Memoir

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Dragons, the Giant, the Women and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Dragons, the Giant, the Women Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Rainy Season”

Part 1, Chapters 1-4

The Dragons, the Giant, the Women Part 1, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 5-8

The Dragons, the Giant, the Women Part 1, Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 9-11

The Dragons, the Giant, the Women Part 1, Chapters 9-11 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Dry Season”

Part 2, Chapters 12-13

The Dragons, the Giant, the Women Part 2, Chapters 12-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Aside: When the Therapist Suggests I Begin Dating Again”

Part 3, Chapters 14-16

The Dragons, the Giant, the Women Part 3, Chapters 14-16 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 17-18

The Dragons, the Giant, the Women Part 3, Chapters 17-18 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Rainy Season”

Part 4, Chapters 19-21

The Dragons, the Giant, the Women Part 4, Chapters 19-21 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 22-24

The Dragons, the Giant, the Women Part 4, Chapters 22-24 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 25-27

The Dragons, the Giant, the Women Part 4, Chapters 25-27 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Dry Season”

Part 5, Chapters 28-29

The Dragons, the Giant, the Women Part 5, Chapters 28-29 Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

The Dragons, the Giant, the Women Key Figures

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Themes

The Dragons, the Giant, the Women Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Dragons, the Giant, the Women Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Dragons, the Giant, the Women Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Dragons, the Giant, the Women Essay Topics

The Dragons, the Giant, the Women: A Memoir

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Dragons, the Giant, the Women?

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Book Details