205. The Girls at 17 Swann Street by Yara Zgheib

BOOK REVIEW: The Girls at 17 Swann Street by Yara Zgheib (Courtesy of Pansing)

Eating is on my top list of To-Do's any day, anytime, anywhere! Food has an iridescent meaning to me, both as a chef and on a more personal level. My family bonded over mealtimes, junk foods help me to get over that time of the month (girls, put your hands up!) and can change your mood while satiating your body's need for nutrition. But can you imagine individuals who practically DESPISE eating? Yikes! Do they even exist? Sadly, they do.

Eating disorders are a range of psychological disorders characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits. There are 6 types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, pica, rumination disorder and avoidant or restrictive food intake disorder. However, this book deals with the two major and more familiar eating disorders which are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, shortly known as anorexia and bulimia.

People with anorexia generally view themselves as overweight, even if they're dangerously underweight. They tend to constantly monitor their weight, avoid eating certain types of foods and severely restrict their calories. Individuals living with it may experience osteopenia (thinning of the bones), infertility and even multiple organ failure.

People with bulimia often binge eat until they are painfully full. The individuals then attempt to purge to compensate for the calories consumed and relieve gut discomfort. Common purging behaviors include forced vomiting, fasting, laxatives, diuretics, enemas, and excessive exercise. Side effects of bulimia include worn tooth enamel, acid reflux, inflamed throat and severe dehydration.

Written in a dreamy poetic style that is at once captivating, this book is about Anna, who suffers from anorexia, in spite of it and beyond it. It tells the lives of young women from different backgrounds who live in 17 Swann Street, a house which doubles up as a rehabilitation centre for women with eating disorders. Anna watches women like her struggle to get back on track for their children, their spouses, families but most importantly themselves. 

Woven poignantly, the story relates the seriousness of eating disorders that when not looked into can often lead to death due to malnutrition. Although we may not all suffer from the same psychological afflictions, we all have inner demons to confront. It is this ultimate truth, dished up squarely on a plate, that makes this debut novel from Yara Zgheib one that will resonate with everyone.

A heartwarming story of one woman's struggle to get her life back, it makes me realize that my life, in comparison to hers, is a bed of roses. At least being full bodied leaves me feeling proud instead of getting myself malnourished. A 10/10 read, I highly recommend this book to readers who want to familiarize themselves to eating disorders in a relaxed way and cherish the food that we nourish ourselves with.