Book Review: Teenage Girls Can Be Demons by Hailey Piper
Teenage girls often occupy a fascinating space in literature, sitting at the intersection of adolescence and horror—a time when their once-innocent lives can quickly spiral into chaos. When I came across Teenage Girls Can Be Demons by Hailey Piper, I was instantly intrigued. Not only does the title suggest a thrilling concoction of horror and empowerment, but I also admire Piper’s voice in the realm of feminist horror. Having been captivated by some of her previous works, I was excited to dive into this collection of short stories and one novella that intricately weaves together the eerie, the poignant, and the fierce.
Piper’s anthology does a remarkable job of amplifying the voices of teenage girls within the horror genre, showcasing their resilience, grief, friendship, and, of course, their capacity for vengeance. With stories that oscillate from haunting to heartwarming, each piece serves as a reminder of the complexity of young women’s experiences. Particularly resonant for me were the themes of reclaiming agency and confronting societal expectations, expertly illustrated in tales such as “Why We Keep Exploding,” which chronicles a girl’s awakening amidst a chilling campus moment, and the gut-wrenching narrative of “Unkindly Girls,” where a daughter grapples with the implications of her father’s misogyny.
What struck me most about Piper’s writing style is her ability to craft both tension and nostalgia. Take, for instance, “The Long Flesh of the Law,” where a simple night out morphs into a harrowing chase that left me breathless with anticipation. The imagery is vivid, and the pacing is tight, making it impossible to put down. Likewise, stories like “Last Leaf of an Ursine Tree” explore the uneasy transition from girlhood to womanhood in a way that feels both fantastical and hauntingly real.
Throughout the anthology, there’s also a rich diversity in representation. With stories featuring queer characters and trans girls, Piper enriches the horror palette, reminding us that a diverse cast can amplify the impact of the narrative. As a fan of queer horror, I was over the moon with pieces like “Magical Girl Child Crusader Squad,” which didn’t shy away from the complexities of grief intertwined with the magic of adolescence.
Among the many stories that lingered with me—especially favorites like “Autotomy” and “Benny Rose, the Cannibal King”—the recurring motif is clear: teenage girls can be anything but helpless. They are fierce fighters, quick to respond to injustice, and invariably hold their own against the odds. It’s a reflection of empowerment that resonated deeply with me, providing both chills and catharsis.
If you adore feminist horror, enjoy unraveling the intricate tapestries of female experiences, or just want to be scared out of your wits while celebrating girlhood, this anthology is a must-read. The way Piper weaves these narratives not only showcases the diverse spectrum of young women’s experiences but also invites us to reflect on our own stories of resilience. I found myself both unsettled and inspired after devouring this collection, and I suspect you will too.
In short, Teenage Girls Can Be Demons is not just an anthology; it’s an odyssey through the darker sides of growing up, filled with nuanced characters who teach us the value of fighting back. Grab your copy, and prepare to be haunted—and empowered—by the many shades of teenage girlhood that Hailey Piper brilliantly brings to life.
Discover more about Teenage Girls Can Be Demons on GoodReads >>