This is a stunning and raw look inside the mind of a woman that suffers from anorexia nervosa.
"I do not suffer from anorexia. I have anorexia. The two states are not the same. I know my anorexia, I understand it better than the world around me."
Anna is a young Parisian woman with ambitions to become a ballet dancer. Unfortunately, she never seems to make the cut. When her husband, Matthias, is offered a job in the United States they take the opportunity and Anna hopes that maybe, possibly she'll get her chance at ballet after all. She does not. Matthias works long hours that leave Anna lonely. One thing she discovers while alone is that she doesn't enjoy eating alone so she takes a job as a supermarket cashier in order to help kill time and supplement the income. Anna's life has not turned out the way she has expected. While her love for her husband remains constant she can't help but feel she has no control over anything in her life.
As time ticks by Anna slowly stops eating. The pounds begin to drop and Anna sees this as success. See, Anna can control something. She can control what she eats. The disease is an addiction she feeds off of. The disease is the only sustenance that she needs until it becomes obvious to those that love her that she can no longer continue or she will die.
"Everyone around me thinks I have a problem. Everyone around me is scared. I do not have a problem. I just have to lose a little bit of weight. I am scared too, but not of gaining weight. I am terrified of life. Of a sad and unfair world. I do not suffer from a sick brain. I suffer from a sick heart."
This is how Anna finds herself at 17 Swann St. This is where, we as readers, come to understand the thought process and mentality of those that suffer from eating disorders.
I don't think I have ever rooted for a couple before as much as I did Anna and Matthias. These two share a love that knows no bounds and it was absolutely beautiful to witness. Each and every bit of dialogue between these two brought me to tears.
Yara Zgheibs use of language is exquisite. It's poetic and lovely and packs an emotional punch that will leave you breathless. 5 stars!
I was lucky enough to win a copy of this book through BookishFirst. Thank you!!!
"I do not suffer from anorexia. I have anorexia. The two states are not the same. I know my anorexia, I understand it better than the world around me."
Anna is a young Parisian woman with ambitions to become a ballet dancer. Unfortunately, she never seems to make the cut. When her husband, Matthias, is offered a job in the United States they take the opportunity and Anna hopes that maybe, possibly she'll get her chance at ballet after all. She does not. Matthias works long hours that leave Anna lonely. One thing she discovers while alone is that she doesn't enjoy eating alone so she takes a job as a supermarket cashier in order to help kill time and supplement the income. Anna's life has not turned out the way she has expected. While her love for her husband remains constant she can't help but feel she has no control over anything in her life.
As time ticks by Anna slowly stops eating. The pounds begin to drop and Anna sees this as success. See, Anna can control something. She can control what she eats. The disease is an addiction she feeds off of. The disease is the only sustenance that she needs until it becomes obvious to those that love her that she can no longer continue or she will die.
"Everyone around me thinks I have a problem. Everyone around me is scared. I do not have a problem. I just have to lose a little bit of weight. I am scared too, but not of gaining weight. I am terrified of life. Of a sad and unfair world. I do not suffer from a sick brain. I suffer from a sick heart."
This is how Anna finds herself at 17 Swann St. This is where, we as readers, come to understand the thought process and mentality of those that suffer from eating disorders.
I don't think I have ever rooted for a couple before as much as I did Anna and Matthias. These two share a love that knows no bounds and it was absolutely beautiful to witness. Each and every bit of dialogue between these two brought me to tears.
Yara Zgheibs use of language is exquisite. It's poetic and lovely and packs an emotional punch that will leave you breathless. 5 stars!
I was lucky enough to win a copy of this book through BookishFirst. Thank you!!!