The Fattening Hut

A parent might reach for this book when their teenager begins to question the expectations placed on their body or when they are struggling to reconcile personal autonomy with cultural or family traditions. Written in evocative free verse, this novel tells the story of Helen, a girl in a traditional society who is confined to a fattening hut to prepare for marriage and adulthood. As she discovers the darker truths behind the rituals she once accepted, she must find the internal strength to reclaim her future. It is a powerful exploration of consent, the female experience, and the courage required to say no to a community's path. Due to its focus on female genital mutilation and body image, it is best suited for mature readers aged 14 and up.