45 pages • 1 hour read
Tanya TagaqSplit Tooth
Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | Adult | Published in 2018A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Split Tooth by Tanya Tagaq is a genre-bending novel that follows an unnamed teenage girl growing up in Nunavut during the 1970s and 1980s, blending memoir, fiction, poetry, and Inuit folklore. The story depicts her magical coming-of-age journey as she faces the challenges of life in the Arctic, the impact of colonialism, and experiences unique spiritual encounters and transformations. The book includes discussions of sexual abuse, substance abuse, and domestic violence.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Tanya Tagaq's Split Tooth blends poetic prose, traditional Inuit storytelling, and stark illustrations to create a visceral reading experience. Praised for its raw emotion and cultural authenticity, the book pushes the boundaries of genre. Critics note, however, that its graphic content and nonlinear narrative may challenge some readers. Overall, it's a powerful and unique literary work.
Who Should Read Split Tooth?
Readers who savor a blend of poetic storytelling, Inuit culture, and spiritual realism will find Split Tooth captivating. Fans of Sherman Alexie's The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven or Louise Erdrich's LaRose will appreciate Tanya Tagaq's evocative, lyrical exploration of indigenous life and mysticism.