What Big Teeth

What Big Teeth follows Eleanor Zarrin, who returns to her family's estate after years at boarding school following a disturbing incident. Her homecoming reveals a household of strange relatives with supernatural abilities and dark secrets, forcing her to confront both her family's nature and her own. The novel takes place in a remote coastal setting where Eleanor's family maintains careful isolation from the nearby town. As she attempts to reconnect with her estranged relatives and understand the rules that govern their existence, Eleanor must also investigate mysterious events from her past and present that threaten their precarious way of life. The story combines elements of gothic horror, dark fantasy, and coming-of-age narratives within its supernatural framework. Through transformation, family dynamics, and questions of identity, What Big Teeth explores themes of belonging, self-acceptance, and the complex relationship between monstrosity and humanity.

Readers describe this YA horror novel as atmospheric and unique but confusing. Many note it feels dreamlike and praise the dark fairy tale elements, gothic mansion setting, and complex family dynamics. Readers liked: - The unsettling, eerie atmosphere - LGBTQ+ representation - The blending of horror and fantasy elements - Complex female characters - The illustrations Common criticisms: - Plot is difficult to follow - World-building lacks explanation - Characters' motivations are unclear - Pacing issues, especially in middle sections - Ending feels rushed and unresolved Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (3,800+ ratings) Amazon: 3.7/5 (240+ ratings) StoryGraph: 3.5/5 (1,100+ ratings) One reader noted "Beautiful prose but I spent most of the book confused about what was happening." Another said "The atmosphere and family dynamics were incredible but the plot lost me halfway through."

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🦇 Author Rose Szabo identifies as nonbinary and teaches writing at VCU in Richmond, Virginia, making What Big Teeth their haunting debut novel 🌙 The book's title is a clever nod to "Little Red Riding Hood," though it subverts traditional fairy tale tropes by positioning the wolf-like family as protagonists rather than villains 🏰 The novel's setting in Maine was inspired by the state's gothic literary tradition, following in the footsteps of Stephen King and other horror writers who have used the location's foggy coastline and dense forests as backdrop 🐺 The story incorporates various supernatural creatures from different mythologies, particularly drawing from Slavic folklore and werewolf legends 📚 While writing the novel, Szabo drew inspiration from classic gothic literature like "We Have Always Lived in the Castle" by Shirley Jackson and Angela Carter's "The Bloody Chamber"