Woman, Eating

by Claire Kohda
Woman, Eating cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Literary Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 987
  • Added: 2025-09-24
  • Updated: 2025-09-24
  • ISBN: 9780349015606
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2022-03-24
  • Formats: 20
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99

Lydia is a young woman with a unique and challenging condition: she can only digest blood. Living in London away from her Malaysian-British mother for the first time, she struggles to source fresh pigs' blood while trying to build a career as an artist. Her story is a profound exploration of alienation, appetite, and the complexities of being a young woman experiencing life with intense awareness. Lydia's journey is not just about survival but also about reconciling the conflicts within her—between her demon and human sides, her mixed ethnic heritage, and her relationship with food and humans. The novel is praised for its witty and thought-provoking narrative, offering a contemporary take on the vampire mythos.

Reviews
What is Quinn Reading · 2024-12-19
thought-provoking 4.00

The novel offers a fresh and bleak take on vampire lore, described as a thought-provoking literary wonder. It stands out for its unique perspective and compact yet impactful storytelling.

This reviewer found 'Woman, Eating' to be a refreshing addition to the vampire genre, praising its bleak yet thought-provoking narrative. They highlight the novel's bite-size literary quality, which makes it a compelling read despite its brevity. The unique perspective of the protagonist adds depth and originality to the story, making it a standout piece in contemporary fiction.

Quick quotes

    A fresh, new spin on the lore.

    A bleak, thought-provoking, bite-size literary wonder.

    Claire Kohda's debut is a memorable exploration of identity and hunger.

Ancillary Review of Books · 2022-04-13
powerful 3.50

Despite some structural issues, the novel is praised for its powerful intersectional themes and exploration of anxieties and alienation.

This reviewer acknowledges that 'Woman, Eating' has some structural problems, such as repetitiveness and uneven pacing. However, they believe the novel remains powerful due to its intersectional themes and exploration of anxieties and alienation. The protagonist's struggles are portrayed in a way that resonates deeply with readers, making the novel a significant piece of contemporary literature.

Quick quotes

    Although Woman, Eating has some structural problems, such as repetitiveness and uneven pacing, the novel remains a powerful intersectional exploration.

    The novel's exploration of anxieties and alienation is particularly compelling.

    The protagonist's struggles are portrayed in a way that resonates deeply with readers.

The TLS · 2022-03-11
mesmerizing 4.50

The prose is patient, strange, and persuasive, offering a mesmerizing and beguiling reading experience.

The reviewer at The TLS is captivated by Claire Kohda's prose, describing it as patient, strange, and altogether persuasive. They find the novel mesmerizing and beguiling, highlighting the author's ability to create a compelling narrative that draws readers in. The unique blend of elements in 'Woman, Eating' makes it a standout piece of fiction that lingers in the mind long after reading.

Quick quotes

    There is much here to mesmerize and beguile readers.

    Kohda's prose is patient, strange and altogether persuasive.

    The novel offers a unique blend of elements that linger in the mind.

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