An overview of
Sharp Teeth
by Toby Barlow
2.Harper Perenniala
a.2009
Sharp Teeth summarized (in two sentences or less)
In Sharp Teeth, a modern-day epic poem set in Los Angeles, packs of werewolves live hidden among humans and engage in turf wars for control and survival. Amidst the violence and chaos, a dogcatcher named Anthony falls in love with a werewolf named Lexi, and their unconventional romance becomes the emotional core that humanizes the brutal world they inhabit.
Sharp Teeth Trivia and/or (Un)fun Facts
Epic Poetry: The entire novel is written in free verse, mimicking the style of ancient epic poems like "The Odyssey." It's like Homer meets werewolves in L.A., which is pretty wild when you think about it.
Genre-Bending: The book is a unique blend of horror, romance, and crime thriller, all wrapped up in poetic form. It's like a genre smoothie, and not many books can pull that off.
Real Dog Research: Toby Barlow spent time with actual dogcatchers to research for the book. So, while the werewolf part might be fictional, the dog-catching details are legit.
Why Sharp Teeth Is Challenging
It's written in blank verse.
Also, it's a novel about Los Angelean hobo werewolves.
Did I mention that it's written in blank verse?
Why Sharp Teeth Is Worth Reading
The coolest thing about Sharp Teeth has got to be its format: an entire novel written in free verse. I mean, how often do you come across a modern epic poem that's also a genre-bending thriller about werewolves in L.A.? It's like the literary equivalent of a unicorn.
Who Sharp Teeth Is For
Poetry Lovers: If you dig the rhythm and flow of verse, this novel-in-poem will be like music to your ears.
Genre Adventurers: Love horror, romance, and crime thrillers? This book mashes 'em all together in a genre smoothie you won't be able to resist.
Unique Format Seekers: If you're tired of the same old prose and are itching for something that breaks the mold, look no further.
Romantic Souls: Amidst the werewolf chaos, there's a love story that'll tug at your heartstrings. If you're a sucker for romance, this one's got you covered.
L.A. Enthusiasts: If you're fascinated by the City of Angels, the book offers a gritty, poetic tour that's far from the Hollywood glitz.
What Sharp Teeth Looks Like
How to Read Sharp Teeth
Embrace the Format: Don't be thrown off by the free verse. Let the rhythm of the poetry guide you through the story.
Multiple Perspectives: The book jumps between different viewpoints. Keep track of who's who to get the full picture.
Savor the Language: The poetic form means every word packs a punch. Take your time to appreciate the nuances.
Keep an Open Mind: This book is a genre-bender—part horror, part romance, part crime thriller. Be ready for a wild ride.
Read Aloud: Seriously, try it. The book's poetic form really comes alive when you hear it.
Discussion Questions about Sharp Teeth
Sharp Teeth Research Prompts for Postdocs:
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Narrative Poetics: How does the free verse form impact the narrative structure and pacing of the novel? Does it enhance or detract from the genre elements?
Genre Hybridity: The book blends horror, romance, and crime thriller. How does this genre-mixing challenge or reinforce the conventions of each individual genre?
Intertextuality: Given that the book is an epic poem, how does it engage with or subvert the traditions of classical epics like The Odyssey or Beowulf?
Urban Anthropology: How does the setting of Los Angeles serve as a microcosm for broader societal issues, such as class struggle, territoriality, and identity?
Liminality and Transformation: The werewolves in the story exist in a liminal state between human and animal. How does this liminality serve as a metaphor for other forms of social or personal transformation?
Romantic Subplot as Social Commentary: How does the romance between Anthony and Lexi serve as a lens through which to explore issues of otherness and acceptance?
Narrative Voice and Subjectivity: The story employs multiple perspectives. How does this multiplicity of voices contribute to the reader's understanding of the characters and their motivations?
Ethics of Violence: The book doesn't shy away from depicting violence. How does it navigate the ethical implications of this, especially in a poetic form?
Metapoetic Elements: Are there instances where the book becomes self-aware of its own poetic form? How does this affect the reader's engagement?
Cultural Critique: How does the book engage with cultural myths and stereotypes about werewolves, and what does this say about societal fears and desires?
Sharp Teeth Conversation Starters for Normal People:
- Form and Function: How does the book's unique format as a free verse poem affect your reading experience? Does it make the story more or less engaging?
Genre Blending: Sharp Teeth mixes elements of horror, romance, and crime. How do these different genres interact, and what does that add to the story?
Setting as Character: The book is set in Los Angeles. How does the setting contribute to the atmosphere and themes of the book?
Love Amidst Chaos: How does the love story between Anthony and Lexi serve as a counterpoint to the violence and chaos in the rest of the book?
Identity and Transformation: The werewolves in the story can transform between human and wolf forms. What does this say about identity and the masks we wear?
Questions about Sharp Teeth that you can ask your dog:
- Doggy Friends: In the story, there are doggies who can turn into people and people who can turn into doggies. Would you want to be friends with a doggy who could talk?
Finding Love: Anthony, who helps catch stray doggies, falls in love with Lexi, who is sometimes a doggy and sometimes a person. What do you think it's like to have a doggy as a best friend?
Big City: The story happens in a big city with lots of cars and buildings. What would you do if you were a doggy running around in a big city?
The Most Amusing Sharp Teeth Review I Can Find
A story about gangs in LA
★★☆☆☆
—Sarah Mellington-Smith via Goodreads
—Sarah Mellington-Smith via Goodreads