TITLE: Baby Teeth
AUTHOR: Zoje Stage
PUBLISHER: St. Martins Press
PUB. YEAR: 2018
SETTING: unsure
FORMAT: - Library
FORMAT: - Library
RATING: 4/5 stars
Alex, Suzette and Hanna Jensen are a family. Alex, an architect, Suzette, stay at home, home-schooling mom, and Hanna, a challenging seven year old child.
Hanna is described as extremely intelligent but is non-verbal, despite a battery of tests and no findings. Hanna, comes across as the "the bad seed". She is extremely loving toward Alex, but manipulative and exhibiting extremely dark and frightening behaviors toward Suzette when Alex isn't around. They've tried her at a few different schools, all ending in her dismissal because of things she has done to others. The few words Hanna does utter, in Suzette's presence prove disturbing. Hanna is determined to get her mother out of the picture at any cost so that she can have her father to herself.
This novel felt like it was written to shock. It is told from alternate viewpoints of Suzette and Hanna. The reader is privy to each horrific thought and action Hanna plans against her mother. I found it hard to believe that a seven year old, regardless of intelligence, could come out with and carryout some of these plans. I had issues with both of the parents. Suzette had a less than perfect childhood and is estranged from her own mother. She had other issues as well. Alex did not seem concerned enough or supportive of his wife. I was happy I tried this one and think psychological thriller fans might like this page turner. Book clubs would have plenty to discuss with this one.
I liked this book but had issues with it too. I found the capsule scene pretty unbelievable. Do you think there will be a sequel?
ReplyDeleteI was surprised by ending and I did see "sequel" potential.
DeleteEvil Hannah does sound interesting.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, she's a shocker!
DeleteI've been on the fence about trying this one. Not that I think I'd be scared or whatnot, but I think I'd have to be in the mood for a 'bad seed' type story. I'm still considering and might pick it up at some point or maybe put myself on my library's audio hold list. Yes, think that's what I'll do. Thanks for helping me decide, Diane!
ReplyDeleteIt's worth a try, I'd be curious what the audio will be like.
DeleteI've read mixed reviews on this one. It sounds extremely creepy, if you ask me.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, this kiddo is something else.
DeleteI can see how some readers would be upset!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I'll read this one. I don't want to read about a scary 7 year old.
ReplyDeleteWell, an evil character, no matter what age or sex, always makes a good story. Think of Cathy in East of Eden. I think it is because someone who is truly evil implicates the rest of us somehow.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds almost creepy. I think that cover is great so I'm happy to hear it was an interesting story!
ReplyDelete