Second Star to the Right

That this novel first published 17 years ago has been revived is a measure of the concern and bewilderment generated by the increase in cases of anorexia nervosa. Outwardly Leslie seems to have a perfect life with a stable, caring family, a good school, excellent grades and supportive friends. Then she begins a diet which ends in starvation, hospitalisation and isolation. Hautzig does not take the easy route in simply giving Leslie the excuse of a diet which went wrong. She examines the emotional complexities which lead to a desire to refuse food. In Leslie's case it is the internal voice which takes over control of her life and allows her to claim the attention which makes her uniquely herself and not just a daughter wanting to please loving parents. The cover picture is startling and provokes as much disquiet as this perceptively written book.