Chana Porter's "The Thick and the Lean" plunges readers into a world shaped by the gravitational forces of two moons, molding not just the physical terrain but also the societal frameworks and personal aspirations of its inhabitants. Within this landscape, Beatrice resides in the religious enclave of Seagate, where calorie regulation is equated with spiritual enlightenment. Meanwhile, Reiko grapples with the aftermath of losing her college scholarship, eventually being drawn into an underground world of clandestine survival.

Porter skillfully weaves a narrative that critiques labor hierarchies and the oppressive grip of late capitalism, all while exploring themes of fatphobia, diet culture, and the politics of desire. The story is rich with dynamic, morally complex feminine characters who grapple with class-consciousness, religious trauma, and the boundaries between pleasure and restriction.

The world of "The Thick and the Lean'' is deeply diverse, offering sapphic/bisexual, disability, and fat representation. Through Beatrice and Reiko's journeys, "The Thick and the Lean" reflects on the intersections of gender, sexuality, and capitalism, confronting readers with questions of hedonism, solidarity, and the inherent value of bodily autonomy.

Porter's prose is as sensual as it is evocative, drawing readers into a vivid tapestry of colors, flavors, scents, and textures. The novel resists easy categorization, offering a nuanced exploration of pleasure, sacrifice, and the pursuit of freedom in a world shaped by oppressive forces. Porter's exploration of (un)ethical consumption challenges readers to consider the possibilities of collective liberation amidst a capitalist world that demands sacrifices from women in the name of survival.

At its core, this novel refuses to judge women for their choices in navigating a world that seeks to control and commodify their bodies. It is a poignant exploration of the struggle for autonomy and freedom in the face of societal expectations and constraints. "The Thick and the Lean" is a feast for the mind and body, inviting readers to savor every page and reflect on the power of resistance and solidarity in the face of adversity.

📖 Recommended For: Advocates of Body Liberation, Supporters of Queer and Feminist Rights, Fans of Dystopian Fiction with a Twist, and Anticapitalist Readers.

🔑 Key Themes: Critique of Capitalist Labor Hierarchies, Fatphobia and Diet Culture, Religious Trauma and Sexual Politics, Class-Consciousness and Precarity, Solidarity and Found Family.