A Healthy Appetite by Katie Huttlestone review

About The Book

Book: A Healthy Appetite
Author: Katie Huttlestone
Standalone or Series: Standalone
Publisher: Dead Ink
Publication Date (UK): 13th August 2026

🔍Standout Read. Awarded to books I highly recommend.

My Review

‘Kleenex, Extra Large. They used to be ‘man-sized’ before people without life-threatening diseases took the time to complain. It’s not that I don’t care about smashing the Patriarchy, it’s just that so much of my energy is spent staying alive that I have nothing left in the tank for activism.’

Thirty year old Hannah is battling cancer for a second time, when she’s informed she’s an eligible candidate for an experimental trial.

She keeps a diary of the effects of the trial as it’s underway. The strangest one is her diet, as a staunch vegetarian she suddenly has intense cravings that go against what she believes in. It starts off with just a cheeky tuna sarnie from the hospital cart…

You feel for Hannah – she’s spent years on the sofa under her blanket, had to quit her job due to her health and a lot of the traditional “milestones” we are pushed are seemingly off the cards for her: children, a mortgage etc. She’s supported by her partner Scott, but what seems to be loving care is also control.

As the cycles of the trial progress, it’s clear that the success comes at a high cost. The better she feels, the more her life slowly implodes and the worse decisions she makes.

This can be an uncomfortable read at times, with the food descriptions and treatment portrayal, but I see that as an important thing. Like Sick to Death, a fantastic crime novel featuring a main character with a debilitating chronic illness, this is written so well and highlights the very real struggles that so many sadly go through. The estimated lifetime risk of being diagnosed with cancer is nearly 1 in 2.
But you won’t feel pity Hannah, she’s a very strong character with nuance.

A Healthy Appetite is the debut novel from Katie Huttleston and is definitely one that will stick with me. I cannot wait to read whatever is in store for us next!