A review by hickorynut
The Moth Girl by Heather Kamins

emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A magical realism depiction of what it's like to be diagnosed with a rare chronic illness during high school. Anna begins having issues with floating, and is diagnosed with a gravitational disorder. She has a variety of symptoms that mirror moths and butterflies - sensitivity to light yet being drawn to it, scaly skin, floating, cravings for sugar, etc. This follows as she experiences her first symptoms and major episode, is diagnosed, begins medication and weekly clinic visits, tries to manage her high school social life and relationships with her parents, and begins to process the new realities of her life.

The parallels to non-magical chronic illness were well done, showing the depth of pain, fatigue, and isolation. Many social structures were explored - indifferent doctors, clueless peers, worried friends, support groups, manipulation, etc.