By: Zoje Stage
Genres: Suspense Psychological
Posted: July 21, 2018
BABY TEETH alternates viewpoints as we see the story unfold from the eyes of both Hanna and Suzette. I won't lie- despite having a career of many years working with children with behavioral issues, I had to put BABY TEETH down on several occasions just to get control of my own emotions. BABY TEETH is both gut-wrenching and emotionally charged as the situation starts to spiral out of control. I'm still not sure if BABY TEETH is more fitting with the horror genre than the likes of books such as WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN.
Readers who are sensitive to abuse issues may have difficulty with reading BABY TEETH. The abuse isn't on the parents' part, however, as Hanna crafts some of the most diabolical schemes one can ever imagine. It's hard to remember that she's only seven years old at times due to the depth of her anger and complexity of her scheming but then Zoje Stage will expertly remind us just how young Hanna is.
BABY TEETH is a chilling story. It will make many flinch at the abusive and manipulative scenes orchestrated by Hanna. It's not an easy read, but it's one that will perhaps open some eyes to what a family living with a violent child experiences. BABY TEETH is Zoje Stage's first novel and I look forward to seeing what she has in store for us next.
Book Summary
Afflicted with a chronic debilitating condition, Suzette Jensen knew having children would wreak havoc on her already fragile body. Nevertheless, she brought Hanna into the world, pleased and proud to start a family with her husband Alex. Estranged from her own mother, Suzette is determined to raise her beautiful daughter with the love, care, and support she was denied.
But Hanna proves to be a difficult child. Now seven- years-old, she has yet to utter a word, despite being able to read and write. Defiant and anti-social, she refuses to behave in kindergarten classes, forcing Suzette to homeschool her. Resentful of her mother’s rules and attentions, Hanna lashes out in anger, becoming more aggressive every day. The only time Hanna is truly happy is when she’s with her father. To Alex, she’s willful and precocious but otherwise the perfect little girl, doing what she’s told.
Suzette knows her clever and manipulative daughter doesn’t love her. She can see the hatred and jealousy in her eyes. And as Hanna’s subtle acts of cruelty threaten to tear her and Alex apart, Suzette fears her very life may be in grave danger…
by: Zoje Stage
St. Martins Press
July 1, 2018
On Sale: July 17, 2018
Featuring:
320 pages
ISBN: 1250170753
EAN: 9781250170750
Kindle: B076ZTC4GQ
Hardcover / e-Book