Book Review: Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison

‘Such Sharp Teeth’ by Rachel Harrison was published in 2022. It was her fourth novel. This is a piece of powerful, feminist literature within the horror genre. It is a moving, emotional story of bodily autonomy, trauma.

The book follows sisters, Aurora or Rory as she’s better known, and Scarlett, who live in a small town near Manhattan. After a breakup with her long-time boyfriend, Matty, Scarlett summons her twin sister home to help her prepare for the birth in four months time. However, after reconnecting with a High School friend, Ian, Rory has a road traffic accident, hitting a deer on the highway. When she goes out to check on the animal, she is attacked by a monstrous wolf.

After surviving the attack, Rory finds herself permanently changed, leaking silver blood from her wound, having a heightened sense of smell and intense cravings for meat. A month later, after worrying, she is forced to face the truth, she has been turned into a werewolf!

I loved this book, it had an incredible sense of narrative voice, funny narration blended in with strong, heartfelt, poignant and emotional prose that explores the depth and scope of trauma that Rory has experienced. I loved watching Rory navigate the hurdles of her lycanthropy in tandem with understanding the need to heal from the trauma she experienced.

I found the parallels between pregnancy and lycanthropy and the way that you lose a sense of control over your body was incredibly powerful. The body horror throughout is so compelling and interesting. However, it is important to acknowledge that this book does contain triggering themes such as references to childhood sexual abuse! Be mindful of your triggers before proceeding!

I would definitely recommend reading this, it was a fun take on the horror genre and I absolutely devoured it. Just be mindful of your triggers before you proceed!