Woman, Eating

by Claire Kohda
Woman, Eating cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 987
  • Added: 2025-09-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780349015606
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2022-03-24
  • Formats: 20
  • Reviews: 4

Lydia, a young woman with a vampire's appetite, finds herself torn between her demonic and human sides while living in London. Struggling to find a way to exist in the world, she must reconcile her conflicts with food, her mixed ethnic heritage, and her relationship with humans. As she tries to build a career as an artist, Lydia's journey becomes a profound exploration of alienation and appetite, offering a fresh and contemporary take on the vampire mythos. 'Woman, Eating' is a gripping contemporary fable that delves into Lydia's inner world, highlighting the pain and longing she feels as an outsider. The novel is praised for its witty and thought-provoking narrative, offering a unique perspective on what it means to be a young woman experiencing life with intense awareness.

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.

Not Sarah Connor Writes · 2022-12-07
thought-provoking 3.50

The novel offers an interesting concept with a mixed-ethnic vampire artist struggling with eating, identity, and independence. The reviewer finds the exploration of these themes compelling and thought-provoking.

The reviewer from Not Sarah Connor Writes highlights the interesting concept of a mixed-ethnic vampire artist struggling with eating, identity, and independence. This exploration of themes is found to be compelling and thought-provoking. The reviewer appreciates the unique perspective and the depth of the protagonist's struggles, making the novel a memorable read. The blend of personal and existential questions adds layers to the narrative, making it a standout in the genre.

Quick quotes

    Woman, Eating offered an interesting concept with a mixed-ethnic vampire artist struggling with eating, her identity as an artist, and living on her own.

    The exploration of these themes is compelling and thought-provoking.

    The blend of personal and existential questions adds layers to the narrative, making it a standout in the genre.

I've Read This · 2022-10-18
compelling 4.00

The novel offers a fresh perspective on vampire lore, blending the struggles of a millennial protagonist with the timeless themes of identity and desire. It's a compelling read that explores the complexities of modern life through a unique lens.

This review highlights how Woman, Eating provides a fresh take on the vampire genre by focusing on a millennial protagonist. The reviewer appreciates the blend of contemporary struggles with classic themes, making it a compelling read. The novel's exploration of identity and desire is particularly noteworthy, offering a unique perspective on modern life. The reviewer finds the narrative engaging and thought-provoking, making it a standout in the genre.

Quick quotes

    Woman Eating by Claire Kohda explores the life of a vampire through the lens of a millennial and the struggles unique to that generation.

    The novel offers a fresh perspective on vampire lore, blending the struggles of a millennial protagonist with the timeless themes of identity and desire.

    It's a compelling read that explores the complexities of modern life through a unique lens.

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.

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