Illuminating Anorexia

Hospitalised with anorexia nervosa in 1978 at the age of 15, Sparkes weaves together a fascinating account of the issues that led her to question her value and right to life. She articulates the conflict at the heart of her struggle with food and weight and provides a compelling insight into the voices at war within her as her quest for perfection - a self worth living for - becomes increasingly untenable. Emerging from hospital with negligible weight gain and no real insight into her condition, Sparkes travels through non-purging bulimia, binge-eating and a back injury before discovering the self acceptance and inner peace she hungers for. With the benefit of hindsight and the wisdom of a health professional, she comments on the factors that could have propelled her recovery in the 80s, factors relevant for anyone struggling with an eating disorder today.This book is a must-read for anyone ready to confront their disordered eating behaviour and for those who care for them.