Roxane created her own fortress to protect herself from trauma, and for a long time she was silent about it.īut she doesn’t want to be silent anymore. They assume they know the whys and the hows, but they don’t understand how Roxane got where she is now. People see bodies like Roxane’s and make assumptions. She systematically built a cage around the girl she once was, hoping to protect herself from any more pain and hurt. But she did understand that fat people weren’t desirable. In the aftermath, she didn’t understand how to cope. As a young girl, Roxane experienced trauma. Her size is of her making, but it isn’t solely her responsibility. But she doesn’t want to be noticed: She wants to hide.

In a world that tells women to be small, to not take up space, Roxane will always take up space. She never will be, not least because she stands at 6 feet 3 inches tall. It’s not a story of success, but a story of truth - a confession. It’s not a story with stark before and after photos, nor is it a tale of harnessing willpower. This is a memoir of Roxane’s body and her hunger. Enjoy fresh, honest perspectives of the worldĮach of our bodies has a unique story to tell.Are interested in human stories and life experiences.Want to understand the effects of trauma and shame.Roxane hungers for safety and acceptance, but more than anything she hungers to be comfortable in her own skin.Īn honest expression of shame and empowerment in an unaccommodating world. Learn how widespread the damages of sexual violence can be, and how a girl simply tried to cope with them by making her body a fortress. This book review of Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body, explores Roxane Gay’s moving story about shame, vulnerability, trauma, and strength.

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