How to Be Eaten

One of the best books of the year according to Glamour, TIME, The Washington Post, Book Riot, USA TODAY, Lithub, and The Millions.

A darkly funny psychological thriller where the heroines of the medieval fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm find themselves as modern adult women in need of psychotherapy. Each has her own story. Each has her own traumatic memories of what they've endured.

In modern New York City, five women meet for a group therapy session, trying to cope with their psychological traumas. Each has a week to tell her story. The main rule: Absolute Honesty.
Bernice struggles with the aftermath of toxic relationships with a psychopath— a blue-bearded billionaire.
Ruby claims she was once eaten by a wolf and now wears a coat made from its skin.
Gretel is plagued by false memories of being held captive in a strange house made of candy and gingerbread.
Ashley, the winner of a Bachelor-style dating show, is tormented by doubts: did she really get her promised fairy-tale ending?
And Raina's unreal love story turns out to be infinitely far from the picture painted in the press.
Very soon, the women, initially cautious with each other, realize: they have much more in common than it seems... But what really brought them here? What secrets will they uncover? And is it too late to save each other?

Dark, funny, sharp, provocative. This novel reinterprets our coziest, most beloved fairy tales and allows us to see all the horror and injustice contained within, challenging our perception of truth.
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“Classic characters are horrifyingly well transposed to our times... The book is funny, dark, and piercing as the characters yearn to believe in a world that often views violence against women as merely a myth.” — GLAMOUR

“In this modern retelling of classic tales, Adelmann dismantles the concept of 'happily ever after.' Brilliantly reveals historical exploitation and manipulation of female trauma in the media. This powerful debut challenges our perception of truth.” — Booklist

“A story of vibrant, real women haunted by a fairy-tale past. A delightful debut. Pure fun with a dark heart.” — Rachel Yoder

“Adelmann wants us to reevaluate the stories we think we know and see the inequality and horror we’ve absorbed from fairy tales. Her most devilish trick may be the one she shows the reader long before the characters uncover it—a crucial reminder not to take anything at face value.” — WASHINGTON POST.