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  • Published: 15 February 2015
  • ISBN: 9781909531413
  • Imprint: Definitions
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 304
  • RRP: $29.99

Monkey Taming




A true-life story of a teenage girl's battle with anorexia

"You've eaten too much, you fat pig."

When Jessica was thirteen years old, she met the Monkey.

The Monkey lived inside her: a driving, fiery voice telling her that thinness was the only way. The only way to be safe, to be good, to be acceptable and above all, to escape from the cold, looming threat of approaching adulthood. Jessica listened to the Monkey, and it consumed her.

This is the illuminating story of a teenage girl's wanderings in darkness: the spiral down into madness, the terrible realities of an adolescent psychiatric unit, and the stark choice that she must either tame her monster - or die.

Through memory, reflection, and enduring black humour, Jessica makes a tenuous peace with the world and with her emerging adult self.

  • Published: 15 February 2015
  • ISBN: 9781909531413
  • Imprint: Definitions
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 304
  • RRP: $29.99

About the author

Judith Fathallah

Judith Fathallah comes from Cardiff. She is currently studying for an English degree at Cambridge University.
At 13 Judith was diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa and admitted to a psychiatric ward. Now fully recovered, Judith tells her story through the persona of Jessica.

Praise for Monkey Taming

Honest and darkly humourous, this is much more than just an "issues" book. Deserving of a wide audience, it is extremely well written and entirely engrossing

Angela Lockton, The Bookseller

This is a gripping account of a descent into illness. Hones, engaging and grimly humourous, this offers a fresh slant on a much-covered subject

Becky Stradwick, Publishing News

Heart-felt and illuminating account of a young girl's battle with an eating disorder, told with perception and grim humour

The Bookseller

The story is deeply moving - unflinching in its realism, at times humourous and, ultimately uplifting. This is a thoroughly rewarding read taht should be made widely available to all teenagers

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