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Stalked by Demons, Guarded by Angels: The Girl with the Eating Disorder is a window into the depths of dysfunction as experienced through bulimia, binge-eating disorder, self-harm, and suicidality. Carrying messages of self-loathing and inadequacy from her childhood, Simone explores key relationships and how they shape her—for better and for worse—over the decades. Stalked by Demons, Guarded by Angels offers vulnerable insight into an oft-hidden world. It doesn’t pretend to answer all the questions or solve all the problems but instead attempts to elicit an
understanding of behaviors many people might find inexplicable. Simone’s journey into the world of psychological recovery is raw and personal, as full of relapse and regret as it is hope for the future. Her road to recovery is not a destination; it comprises learning a new way of being. She leaves the reader with a vision of freedom from disordered eating—as she imagines it to be.
Plot/Idea: 6 out of 10
Originality: 6 out of 10
Prose: 7 out of 10
Character/Execution: 6 out of 10
Overall: 6.25 out of 10
Assessment:
Idea: Yemm delves into her experiences with her own mental health and process of healing in this intimate memoir.
Prose: The writing style employed by Yemm in this memoir provides a sense of ease in sharing these affecting experiences.
Originality: While many memoirs focus on issues of mental health, body image, and emotional struggles, Yemm structures her memoir in an intriguing manner that allows it to stand apart.
Character/Execution: Yemm's candor about her eating disorder and exploration of the underlying emotional and psychological causes, is refreshing and emotionally impactful.
Date Submitted: January 31, 2022