What is before women had wings?

"Before Women Had Wings" is a novel written by Connie May Fowler and published in 1996. The book tells the story of Avocet Abigail Jackson, a young girl growing up in Florida in the 1960s amidst poverty, abuse, and racism. The title refers to a time when women were oppressed and held back from achieving their full potential, much like birds without wings.

The book explores themes of resilience, forgiveness, and the power of storytelling as a means of healing. It also addresses issues such as domestic violence, racism, and the struggle for women to find their own sense of empowerment and agency.

"Before Women Had Wings" received critical acclaim and won the Southern Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction. It was also adapted into a television movie in 1997, starring Oprah Winfrey and Ellen Barkin. The novel continues to be regarded as a powerful and important work in the exploration of women's rights and experiences.