YOUth Review: A Certain Hunger by Chelsea G. Summers

Reading “A Certain Hunger” by Chelsea G. Summers is not so simple. It’s one of those books that leaves you constantly wondering why? 

The first thing that caught my attention was the character and narrator of the book, Dorothy, a highly intelligent and attractive woman in her 50s who is also a food critic. However, the most notable aspect about her is that she’s a cannibal. The character messes with your mind, and it’s written in a way that Dorothy, the main character, is writing her manifesto. One would think that’s enough for the reader to dislike and harbour disgust towards Dorothy, but it is quite the opposite. Summers writes Dorothy in such a way that readers can’t help but be fascinated and charmed by her. Dorothy is a dominant woman who knows what she wants, whether it be success, sex or something much darker, and is a character who, quite frankly, is unapologetic about her actions. It plays with your mind because, although she talks heavily about her crimes, you often find times when she cracks a joke and makes you forget that she’s a killer and has done horrible things to people.

The writing style is a huge part of what makes this book so addictive. It is a lush, descriptive, and specific writing style, especially when Dorothy talks about food. The reader can see the overlap when she’s talking about food and murder, something that isn't often compared in day-to-day life. Each sentence is carefully structured, and Dorothy’s voice is so alluring that one
cannot help but keep reading, no matter how uncomfortable the details get. Reading it feels like a guilty pleasure, a secret you are not supposed to hear, but you still lean in closer. Another thing I loved about this book is that it does not hold back. It is violent, graphic, satirical and points out cultural stereotypes. Summers pushes the limits of what a woman can be
in fiction. Dorothy is not soft; she doesn’t try to make you like her. She’s not maternal and is brutally honest. It’s exciting to read a female character who completely breaks those moulds.
Even though Dorothy is considered a monster, I can’t help but admire her for the way she takes control of her life and exudes confidence. There is a tone of resentment towards men in her
narration that made me think about how much women in real life are told to tone themselves down.

Overall, A Certain Hunger was unforgettable. Chelsea G. Summers did a great job in captivating the audience, and it is one of the most twisted, stylish, and exciting books I have ever read.

Written by Tania P.