A review by avocadotoastbee
Milk Fed by Melissa Broder

challenging funny informative reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

The first thing that comes to my mind is, this book is for people
  • with mommy issues
  • who like to read smut
  • who don't have a history of eating disorders

I fall into two of those categories.
Before I picked up Milk Fed, I knew nothing about the plot. After reading the first few pages, I wasn't sure if I should continue because the depiction of the thoughts and actions of a woman struggling with an eating disorder sounded too familiar and was triggering for me. However, I decided to continue because I liked Melissa Broder's writing style and finished the book in one sitting.

As the book progressed, I noticed that some passages were better written than others. Also, the ending was a little disappointing.  This is another sapphic book with no happy ending.

On the other hand, I liked the development of the main character, Rachel, and how Broder portrayed her "overcoming" her eating disorder. It wasn't easy, but a struggle that felt real. Also, Broder's writing style made up for many of the book's shortcomings. She made me laugh several times, even though the topics covered were heavy.

All in all, it's a good book. In my opinion, Milk Fed is made for a niche audience, which explains the differing opinions on this book.

"More than anything, all I'd ever wanted was a total embrace, the embrace of an infinite mother, absolute and divine. I wanted to lose the edges of myself an blend with a woman, enter the amniotic sac and melt away. I wanted a love that was bottomless, unconditional, with zero repercussions. I wanted an infinite yogurt, a mystical and maternal yogurt, something of which I could have unlimited quantities that would not hurt me."
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