Elena Vanishing

Elena Vanishing is a memoir written by Elena Dunkle and her mother, Clare B. Dunkle. Originally published in 2015, the memoir explores The Physical and Psychological Experiences of Living with an Eating Disorder from Elena’s perspective. It follows Elena’s journey through the development of and continued recovery from her eating disorder, which was fueled by The Desire for Perfection and Total Self-Control. The memoir also examines key relationships in Elena’s life, particularly with her family and The Patient-Practitioner Relationship, as much of her adolescence was spent in treatment.

This guide is based on the 2015 Chronicle Books edition of the memoir.

Content Warning: The source material and guide feature depictions of mental illness (including psychosis), disordered eating (anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa), self-harm, rape, pregnancy loss, substance use, cursing, and sexual content.

Summary

Elena Dunkle is about to begin her senior year of high school when she is hospitalized for health complications related to anorexia nervosa. Living in Germany with her parents, she becomes consumed by her appearance, striving for perfection and self-control. Despite already being underweight, Elena loses more weight, weakening her heart.