THIS ROOM IS IMPOSSIBLE TO EAT – A novel by Nicol Hochholczerová

(jointly translated from the Slovak Táto izba sa nedá zjesť)

Parthian Books, Cardigan, May 2025, Print ISBN 978-1-917140-41-6; EBook ISBN 978-1-917140-42-3,  Paperback, March 2026 ISBN 978-1-913830-48-9

“In this superb translation by Julia and Peter Sherwood, Hochholczerová joins the ranks of major European novelists. Nicol Hochholczerová’s striking debut novel, This Room is Impossible to Eat is part fairy tale, part allegory, and one of the realest stories you’ll ever read. With effortless prose that is as beguiling as it is lucid, Hochholczerová captures the dynamics of abuse in a way few novels, or even memoirs, are able to do.” Joshua Mensch, European Literature Network, June 2025”

“The short sections mingle the minor intensities of teenage school strife and rebellion (smoking, piercings, arguments with parents), the secret relationship with Ivan and vivid, surreal images of consumption, insects, hair, fairy-tale creatures. They testify to a triumphant vividness of sensation and independence of vision.” Kathryn Murphy, Times Literary Supplement, November 2025

“Hochholczerová’s prose is hyperrealistic and at the same time mystical, full of metaphors about the difficult familial relationship, eating disorders and the emptiness that Tereza tries to fill up no matter the cost. An unmissable, brave new literary voice.” Gosia Buzzanca, Buzz, 1 May 2025

“Nicol Hochholczerová’s debut is a masterclass in writing the uncomfortable. In this slight, poetic coming-of-age story, themes of power, abuse, body image and shame are boldly navigated.” Emily, Gloucester Road Bookshop, Bristol