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A review by pixiedust_
Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage
3.0
Zoje Stage's thriller novel "Baby Teeth" initially captivated my attention with its gripping premise and intriguing characters. The story had a promising start, but as it progressed towards the climax, I found myself yearning for a clearer explanation or conclusion regarding the nature of Hanna's behavior. The uncertainty prevented me from fully immersing myself in the story and left me with some unanswered questions.
Stage did a wonderful job of creating a suspenseful atmosphere from the very beginning, whereby the dynamic between Hanna (the daughter) and Suzanne (the mother) was particularly well developed. Suzanne's increasing desperation to understand her daughter's disturbing actions brings out a sense of unease and tension that keeps the reader engaged.
However, as the narrative unfolded and we witnessed Hanna's unsettling behavior escalate, the story failed to provide a definitive answer as to whether she was possessed or dealing with a mental illness or disorder. While this ambiguity can work well in some thrillers, in "Baby Teeth," it left me feeling sort of unsatisfied. I was left wondering if the author intended to leave room for interpretation or if the lack of resolution was an oversight.
Another thing was that I LOATHED that bum of a husband, Alex who exhibited an alarming level of ignorance and denial. That man refused to acknowledge the gravity of the situation until his wife's life was directly threatened. Their (both Alex and Suzanne) lack of proactive parenting and failure to address the unfolding dangers left me exasperated and disappointed.
Despite these shortcomings, "Baby Teeth" is an enjoyable and suspenseful thriller. I’d recommend "Baby Teeth" to fans of psychological thrillers, with the caveat that some aspects may leave you wanting more.
Stage did a wonderful job of creating a suspenseful atmosphere from the very beginning, whereby the dynamic between Hanna (the daughter) and Suzanne (the mother) was particularly well developed. Suzanne's increasing desperation to understand her daughter's disturbing actions brings out a sense of unease and tension that keeps the reader engaged.
However, as the narrative unfolded and we witnessed Hanna's unsettling behavior escalate, the story failed to provide a definitive answer as to whether she was possessed or dealing with a mental illness or disorder. While this ambiguity can work well in some thrillers, in "Baby Teeth," it left me feeling sort of unsatisfied. I was left wondering if the author intended to leave room for interpretation or if the lack of resolution was an oversight.
Another thing was that I LOATHED that bum of a husband, Alex who exhibited an alarming level of ignorance and denial. That man refused to acknowledge the gravity of the situation until his wife's life was directly threatened. Their (both Alex and Suzanne) lack of proactive parenting and failure to address the unfolding dangers left me exasperated and disappointed.
Despite these shortcomings, "Baby Teeth" is an enjoyable and suspenseful thriller. I’d recommend "Baby Teeth" to fans of psychological thrillers, with the caveat that some aspects may leave you wanting more.