Chrysalis’: Unravelling Anorexia – A Book Review

Looking for a good read that dives into the world of book publishing? Look no further than this book review of “Chrysalis’: Unravelling Anorexia.” Written by bestselling author Emma Kate Codrington If you’re looking for an easy read that will make you reflect on your own life, this is the book for you.

This book is an excellent read for anyone who is struggling with an eating disorder, or who simply wants to learn more about this serious mental illness. The book is full of valuable and eye-opening information. Some of the key themes covered include the roots of anorexia, the psychological factors that contribute to it, as well as effective treatments and therapies.

As a Counsellor who has an expertise in eating disorders, I have read quite a few memoirs by people who have been in recovery or have recovered from the illness.  All have been deeply moving, and at times, challenging, to read.  For anyone who has experienced an eating disorder they will likely be able to recount to you that the experience is one that is isolating, heartbreaking and highly mentally and physically compromising.  For anyone who has cared for and loved someone with an eating disorder they too will be able to share experiences of fear, frustration and despair.

I recently had the great pleasure of reading another eating disorder journey book; but one that was unlike any I had read before.  ‘Chrysalis’: Unravelling Anorexia is written by anorexia survivor Emma Kate Codrington.  A visually moving and stunning hard cover coffee table book, ‘Chrysalis’ is a feast for not only the eyes, but the soul as well.

Chrysalis’: Unravelling Anorexia – A Book Review

Through a series of whimsical photographs, moving journalling and inspirational text, Emma manages to bring the experience of anorexia to a place that is beyond the written word.  One can not only feel, but see, Emma’s descent into the clutches of anorexia via her compelling photographs and then later her bright unveiling into the world of a confident and self believing young woman.  Emma’s photographic talents shine in ‘Chrysalis’ and help transport her reader into a place that so powerfully tells what it is like to be a young woman living with anorexia and the joy of overcoming it.

The thing that I have found most impressive about reading ‘Chrysalis’ is how suitable I consider it to be for any person (including a young person or teen) who is currently struggling with anorexia or any type of eating disorder to read.  Emma has managed to find a beautiful balance between explaining the depths of anxiety and depression she was experiencing through her photo’s and words, but in a way that they could never be viewed as sensationalist or triggering. 

For anyone who knows anything about eating disorders, they know this is often a cause of great concern in an illness where the search for ‘thinspiration’ can often be so strong.  It is for this reason that I consider ‘Chrysalis’ to be a suitable book for any person currently in recovery from an eating disorder and indeed, a beautiful gift for them.   

With a foreword by leading eating disorder authority Tracey Wade, ‘Chrysalis’ is a landmark eating disorder work.  Compelling, heartwrenching, personal, and ultimately, triumphant, ‘Chrysalis’ sits proudly on my coffee table and has been picked up and admired by many people since Emma so kindly gave me a copy to review.  I can’t imagine it moving any time soon.

While this book is not a quick read, it is definitely worth investing in if you are looking for a comprehensive guide on how to overcome an eating disorder. The author have brought together years of personal experience and clinical knowledge to create a book that is both informative and inspirational. We highly recommend it to anyone who is struggling with an eating disorder, or wants to learn more about the complex and serious mental illness that is anorexia nervosa. This is my honest book Review.Thanks for reading!