The Rustle of a Wing: Finding Hope Beyond Anorexia(The Karnac Library)

'That's the catch when you stop eating - food starts to eat you.'Sophia Gore was thirteen years old when she began starving herself. She had no idea that nearly two decades later she would still be living with anorexia.This book is a true account of the grim realities of chronic anorexia nervosa and the destruction it causes, providing painful home truths about the way that we as a society deal with this most challenging of conditions. Describing years in and out of hospital wards and treatment centres, willingly and unwillingly, at times being force-fed and physically restrained, the author makes an impassioned plea for treatment that recognises the person behind the disease.The author argues that more support is needed for families caring for the sufferer, and that professionals working with eating disorders should broaden their approach so that they may be better equipped to help their patients.At heart this book is written for all those who are living with an eating disorder, by one who has come to the end of the line, in the hope that it may help them to confront their illness before it is too late.

About the Author :
The author of this book has suffered chronic anorexia nervosa for the past sixteen years of her life. During this time she has had various approaches in regards to treatment, some of which were taken voluntarily, but the majority were involuntary and administered under the Mental Health Act. This book has been difficult for the author to write, but also liberating in that it has allowed her to let go of the resentment that she had always felt towards enforced treatment, and to consider it in a wider context. It has been an opportunity to release some of the shame that so often accompanies anorexia, and which needs to change in order for sufferers developing eating disorders to confront their issues before the condition becomes much less treatable.

Review :
'This book is a generous and valuable legacy offered to all professionals involved in the treatment of eating disorders. It is also a courageous admission of a state of mind that can destroy your life. Sophia is a strong and brave woman to have written it.'- Dr Ursula Harben, UK Council for Psychotherapy'Sophia's account of her 16-year battle with anorexia is an eye-opener for anyone who thinks anorexia is just about someone who won't eat.'- Hospice volunteer, London'Sophia relates the history of her terrible illness with honesty and courage. To a doctor, her words are a powerful reminder of the impact of what we do in the name of treatment. For me her story is enormously sad but not without hope. And in that way she has something important to teach us all.'- Dr Sarah Cox, palliative care consultant'An agonising indictment of anorexia treatment in Britain today.'- Meg Rosoff, novelist