I have read a handful of fiction and non-fiction works that attempt to tackle anorexia, but they have left me disappointed in that they typically focus only on weight and body image. Having had several friends with anorexia or bulimia when I was younger, I know the disease is complicated and complex. Zgheib's novel is beautifully written; haunting at times, but with a wry sense of humor as well. She delves into the psychology of anorexia and presents her protagonist, Anna, as a woman with many facets. Anna has many talents and interests, but a traumatic past that she has not dealt with. While Anna is a perfectionist who wants to lose weight, it is her psyche that drives the disease. The novel is paced well and immersive, but its greatest strength is its authenticity. It is rare that a book, particularly a fiction book, brings me to tears, but this one did on multiple occasions. The main detractor for me, if there is one, is that the characters' dialogue never uses contractions. This makes even the young characters' casual interactions feel awkward and stiff at times (i.e. "I do not know."). This is a lovely and compelling debut novel and I hope to read more by Zgheib.