Scan barcode
A review by mchill
The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Child death, Deadnaming, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Hate crime, Homophobia, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Transphobia, Violence, Vomit, Medical content, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Abortion, Pregnancy, Lesbophobia, Sexual harassment, Dysphoria, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Biphobia, Cursing, and Abandonment
Minor: Eating disorder and Fatphobia
This is a wonderful book, yet as the author states at the beginning there is no need to stay if it’s going to cause you pain.
This story took my heart and crushed it to dust. Exploring misogyny through the eyes of a trans man. His fragility and trauma is beautifully crafted by the author to show a softer side of masculinity and portray the fight that is being who you are.
Set in the 1800s, this story explores how those who presented female were diagnosed with weak constitution, tortured, forced into marriages far too young and left to carry children they may not even want. As such, it is not a story for the weak of heart.
However, if it is for you, then it is worth every page and I highly recommend giving it a go.