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olivialandryxo 's review for:
What I Lost
by Alexandra Ballard
CW: eating disorders
I’m not sure if this novel is ownvoices. However, it is a raw, powerful story about a girl with anorexia working toward recovery. It tells Elizabeth’s story of successes and struggles, and also discusses the medical side of eating disorders, such as other symptoms and diseases/disorders that can come from an ED. I found it informative, but not in an overwhelming way. Information was woven into the novel, given at the right times and for the right reasons.
A common, valid concern surrounding mental health novels is that there’ll be a love interest or a relationship that will cure the illness. While Elizabeth is coping with a breakup and a future romance is eluded to, she directly says that she wants to put herself and her recovery first. I think that was good on the author’s part.
The relationships that did exist were complex. Elizabeth’s mother likely had an eating disorder as well, though it was never specifically addressed. They struggled and fought and Elizabeth’s father was trying to understand both sides. I think this aspect was wrapped up well, and that eventually they could work through their problems.
On that note, though, I think the book as a whole ended a bit abruptly. I liked where it was going, and then it was over. A novel like this would be difficult to wrap up completely, given its subject matter, but an epilogue would’ve been nice. Maybe a couple of months later, about Elizabeth’s recovery, her friends from inpatient care, her adjustment to returning to school, even her mother’s recovery and how their family is doing.
I really liked Willa, Lexi, and Margot; Willa was my favorite. They were good friends to Elizabeth while still being developed side characters.
I went into this novel curious after hearing that two of my favorite booktubers enjoyed it. I didn’t know much about or expect much from it, but I was pleasantly surprised. This turned out to be a compelling story that I sped through, and I’m interested to see what Alexandra will do next.
I recommend this to everyone that can handle the content; several eating disorders are mentioned and a variety of related aspects are discussed in fair detail. Please be careful if you pick this up.
I’m not sure if this novel is ownvoices. However, it is a raw, powerful story about a girl with anorexia working toward recovery. It tells Elizabeth’s story of successes and struggles, and also discusses the medical side of eating disorders, such as other symptoms and diseases/disorders that can come from an ED. I found it informative, but not in an overwhelming way. Information was woven into the novel, given at the right times and for the right reasons.
A common, valid concern surrounding mental health novels is that there’ll be a love interest or a relationship that will cure the illness. While Elizabeth is coping with a breakup and a future romance is eluded to, she directly says that she wants to put herself and her recovery first. I think that was good on the author’s part.
The relationships that did exist were complex. Elizabeth’s mother likely had an eating disorder as well, though it was never specifically addressed. They struggled and fought and Elizabeth’s father was trying to understand both sides. I think this aspect was wrapped up well, and that eventually they could work through their problems.
On that note, though, I think the book as a whole ended a bit abruptly. I liked where it was going, and then it was over. A novel like this would be difficult to wrap up completely, given its subject matter, but an epilogue would’ve been nice. Maybe a couple of months later, about Elizabeth’s recovery, her friends from inpatient care, her adjustment to returning to school, even her mother’s recovery and how their family is doing.
I really liked Willa, Lexi, and Margot; Willa was my favorite. They were good friends to Elizabeth while still being developed side characters.
I went into this novel curious after hearing that two of my favorite booktubers enjoyed it. I didn’t know much about or expect much from it, but I was pleasantly surprised. This turned out to be a compelling story that I sped through, and I’m interested to see what Alexandra will do next.
I recommend this to everyone that can handle the content; several eating disorders are mentioned and a variety of related aspects are discussed in fair detail. Please be careful if you pick this up.