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Description edit
Ever since her engagement, the strangest thing has been happening to Marian McAlpin: she can't eat. First meat. Then eggs, vegetables, cake, pumpkin seeds--everything! Worse yet, she has the crazy feeling that she's being eaten. Marian ought to feel consumed with passion. But really... read more
Ridiculously Simplified Synopsis edit
Characters/People edit
- Marian McAlpin: Main character who gets engaged and finds herself unable to eat
- Peter Wollander: Marian McAlpin's boyfriend and then fiance
- Ainsley Tewce: Marian McAlpin's roommate who has her own unusual problems to deal with
- Len Slank: Old friend of Marian's that she introduces to Peter and Ainsley
- Clara Bates: Friend of Marian's that is married with three children
- Duncan: Friend of Marian's with whom she has a more intense relationship after her engagement
- Joe: Clara's husband
- Trevor: One of Duncan's roommates
- Lucy: A woman Marian works with, one of the "office virgins"
- Millie: A woman Marian works with, one of the "office virgins"
- Fischer: One of Duncan's roommates
- Emmy: A woman Marian works with, one of the "office virgins"
Quotes edit
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“... life isn't run by principles but by adjustments.”
Setting & Locations edit
First Sentence edit
I know I was all right on Friday when I got up; if anything I was feeling more stolid than usual.
Themes & Symbolism edit
- rejection of gender roles: Marian's refusal to eat can be seen as her refusal to be forced into her role as a woman; subdued and passive.
- Disassociation: As the narrative of the book drifts from first person to third person, Marian exhibits an increasing alienation with her own body. She wishes to be a separate entity from it.
Series & Lists edit
This book is in Random Synapses: 100 Book Reading Challenge (2011). (community list)
First Edition edit
Original Language: English
Publisher: McClelland and Stewart
Country: Canada
Publication Date: 1969
ISBN: 0233961399
Page Count: 281
Publisher: McClelland and Stewart
Country: Canada
Publication Date: 1969
ISBN: 0233961399
Page Count: 281
Classification edit
- Library of Congress: PR9199.3.A8 E34345 2000
- Dewey: 813.54
Subjects edit
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