A singular celebration of the lifesaving power of community and small gestures.
The New York Times Book Review
A BookMovement Group Read
A People Pick for Best New Books
Yara Zgheib’s poetic and poignant debut novel is a haunting portrait of a young woman’s struggle with anorexia on an intimate journey to reclaim her life.
“This absorbing page-turner illuminates the raw courage of people who, struggling for their lives, somehow find the strength to support those around them.”
—People Magazine, February 2019 People Picks
“An impressive, deeply moving debut. “
—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“One of the best books I’ve read.”
—Jen Lancaster, New York Times bestselling author of I Regret Nothing
“Heart-wrenching and beautiful . . . a must read.”
—Erica Bauermeister, national bestselling author of The School of Essential Ingredients
The chocolate went first, then the cheese, the fries, the ice cream. The bread was more difficult, but if she could just lose a little more weight, perhaps she would make the soloists’ list. Perhaps if she were lighter, danced better, tried harder, she would be good enough. Perhaps if she just ran for one more mile, lost just one more pound.
Anna Roux was a professional dancer who followed the man of her dreams from Paris to Missouri. There, alone with her biggest fears – imperfection, failure, loneliness – she spirals down anorexia and depression till she weighs a mere eighty-eight pounds. Forced to seek treatment, she is admitted as a patient at 17 Swann Street, a peach pink house where pale, fragile women with life-threatening eating disorders live. Women like Emm, the veteran; quiet Valerie; Julia, always hungry. Together, they must fight their diseases and face six meals a day.
Every bite causes anxiety. Every flavor induces guilt. And every step Anna takes toward recovery will require strength, endurance, and the support of the girls at 17 Swann Street.
The Girls at 17 Swann Street has been translated into French, Italian, Spanish, and Turkish.
Read an excerpt here.