Tantrum

Tantrum 

By Moulton, Eve 

G.P Putnam's Sons, 2025. 178 pages. Horror

In this electric horror novella, an exhausted mother thinks her newborn might be a monster. She’s right. Not only was Lucia born with a full set of teeth and a devilish glint in her eye, but she is always hungry. Thea doesn't know whether to be terrified or proud of her rapacious baby girl. But Lucia's rapid growth starts to bring dark memories to the surface. Flashes from Thea's childhood that won't release their hooks from her heart. Lucia wants to eat. Thea might just let her.

Tantrum by Eve Moulton starts off as darkly humorous horror about a mother, Thea, who suspects her infant is evil. As the book unfolds, the true horror is found in the past Thea escaped. This novella explores intergenerational trauma, the shadow self, and childhood abuse through vivid, surreal allegories. Moulton's writing is intimate and visceral that not only entertains, but provokes further examination into how our pasts shape us and how to find power in our rage. Fast paced and engaging, it can be read in one sitting. Fans of literary horror, motherhood narratives, and body horror will find something to love in this book!

TW: Childhood sexual abuse 

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