Fiction Friday: Melissa Broder's Milk Fed (A cautionary review)
An Unsettling Exploration of Addiction, Identity, and Desire
Milk Fed, a novel by Melissa Broder, offers an unfiltered delve into the world of Rachel, a young woman navigating her eating disorder, her infatuation for an Orthodox Jewish woman, and her own self-identity. While laudable for its raw honesty and engrossing writing, it may not be a comfortable journey for all readers.
At the heart of the story is Rachel's struggle with addiction, an element that hits quite close to home for some. Broder's approach to such sensitive themes is bold, offering a revealing look into Rachel's psyche, but for those with personal experiences with addiction, the exploration may be too raw, too real, especially when this comes to food.
Yes, the book does possess merits. It's thought-provoking, filled with memorable characters and sharp dialogue, and examines the intersections of faith, cultural identity, and personal growth. However, the relatability of the protagonist's addictive tendencies might make it a challenging read for some. I know I did. The sense of shame I felt when Rachel was in full swing of her addiction hit far to close to the bone for me.
To sum it up, Milk Fed is a well-structured narrative with an uncomfortable truth about addiction at its core. Reader discretion is advised. Its a book one should read. However, if like me, food is your adjunct to the darkness which pervades us all. Tread carefully.
Read my full review on my blog