When the Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore captivates with its lyrical prose and rich symbolism, shining in its portrayal of identity and love. Critics praise its magical realism and character depth. However, some find its pacing slow and its plot occasionally convoluted. Overall, it’s an enchanting read with minor narrative flaws.

Readers who enjoy lyrical prose, magical realism, and themes of identity and transformation will be captivated by Anna-Marie McLemore's When the Moon Was Ours. Fans of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern and One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez will find this novel equally enchanting.

When the Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore follows two teenagers, Miel, who grows roses from her wrist, and Sam, who navigates his transgender identity, as they face challenges from the mythical Bonner sisters who covet Miel's roses. With themes of transformation, family versus independence, and self-acceptance, the novel explores their journey towards love and personal truth. The narrative includes depictions of self-harm, transphobia and misgendering, and child abuse.

Mysterious / Fantastical / Emotional / Romantic / Bittersweet

- When the Moon Was Ours won the 2016 James Tiptree, Jr. Award, celebrating works of science fiction or fantasy that expand or explore our understanding of gender.
- The author, Anna-Marie McLemore, incorporates elements of magical realism in their storytelling, inspired by their Mexican heritage and family tales.
- When the Moon Was Ours was also a finalist for the 2017 Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ Children's/Young Adult literature.

Anna-Marie McLemore

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore When the Moon Was Ours 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.

When the Moon Was Ours Summary and Study Guide

Background

When the Moon Was Ours Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-7

When the Moon Was Ours Chapters 1-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-17

When the Moon Was Ours Chapters 8-17 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 18-26

When the Moon Was Ours Chapters 18-26 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 27-37

When the Moon Was Ours Chapters 27-37 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 38-46

When the Moon Was Ours Chapters 38-46 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

When the Moon Was Ours Character Analysis

theme

Themes

When the Moon Was Ours Themes

Symbols & Motifs

When the Moon Was Ours Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

When the Moon Was Ours Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

When the Moon Was Ours Essay Topics

When the Moon Was Ours

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read When the Moon Was Ours?

Reading Age

Book Details