Baby Teeth: The emotional, thought-provoking novel about motherhood, secrets and lies

by Celia Silvani

Baby Teeth is a unique story which I found quite unnerving for the most part. It might be a difficult read for anyone with fertility problems, and/or for those who have suffered the loss of a baby. It’s a thought-provoking story though and one I think will stay with me.

I still can’t decide if I liked Claire, or not, but I did find myself immersed in her story. I was thrilled for her when she finally finds out she’s expecting, but I didn’t really understand her reluctance to talk to her husband, or her other family. I do understand her loneliness as I experienced both of my pregnancies with a lot of time on my own as my husband was in the Army at the time. I had no access to the internet back then though, so there was no danger of me falling into the same trap as she does.

Honestly, it’s terrifying how many so-called experts there are online and how many people take their word as gospel. I absolutely agree that mothers should be listened to, always, and pregnancy shouldn’t be treated as an illness, when everything is straight forward. However, I can not begin to imagine refusing any health checks or treatment when required. I do not understand why any mother would put their child, and themselves, at such unnecessary risk. The attitudes of some of these mothers frightened me and their attitudes towards anyone who doesn’t agree with them, well…. Just scary! And when the worst happens, still blaming everyone else but yourselves for which, quite frankly, is neglect in my opinion…. Unbelievable, but sadly entirely believable!

I’m so glad Claire comes to her senses after the trauma she witnesses, but that ending! I wanted to shake her all over again!!

Brilliantly written! This story really got under my skin, in the best possible way. It won’t be easily forgotten that’s for sure.

** Many thanks to the author and publisher for my review copy via NetGalley **

They said a mother knows best and I believed them. Was I wrong?

It is supposed to be a dream. James and I have been trying for years. But now it is starting to feel like a nightmare.

Doctors don’t ask questions, or care about how you’re feeling. They just tell you what to do. They never listen.

Mam and James don’t understand either. James thinks I’m being anxious and Mam says it’ll pass. It always does. That’s what she did when Dad died.

I’ve never felt more alone. Or scared.

Then I joined an online group for mothers. A sisterhood, really. They might be on a screen, but sometimes it feels like they know me better than James. They listen, they care. It’s all I could have asked for.

Until the worst happens and I see them for who they are. But if I leave, what if they come for me next?

Readers are loving Baby Teeth

‘Propulsive’ Chris Bridges
‘A compelling read’ 5* Reader Review
‘Horribly relatable’ Lucy Ayrton
‘It is dark and intense and such a fabulous read’ 5* Reader Review

*Trigger Warning: This book contains discussions and references to pregnancy and infertility. There is also a scene of pregnancy loss*