Samuel Pollen is a British author known for his debut novel, The Year I Didn't Eat (2019), which draws from his experience with anorexia. He has also won prestigious awards, including a D&AD Pencil and a Cannes Lion, and has written for notable publications such as Creative Review, The Sunday Times Magazine, and The Guardian.
Samuel Pollen was born in Cheshire, United Kingdom. At the age of 12, Pollen began battling anorexia, describing it as a "bad cop within him" that took over his thoughts and actions.
He explains, "Anorexia is like having a severe voice in your head that grows to be all-consuming, but is also separate from who you really are." This personal struggle inspired him to write The Year I Didn't Eat, a novel chronicling 12 months in the life of 14-year-old Max, who faces the same challenges.
In the novel, Max's eating disorder is personified by Ana, a character who feeds on Max's fears and pushes him toward further weight loss. Pollen uses this narrative device to depict the internal battle individuals with anorexia face. He says, "In the book, I draw out a separate character who is the eating disorder … a bad cop version of you is a good way of summarising it."
The story takes a hopeful turn when Max receives a geocache as a gift from his brother. This new hobby introduces him to a world outside his internal struggle and offers a new form of connection and conversation.
The Year I Didn't Eat was named the Lancashire Book of the Year and included in The Telegraph and The Guardian's best children's books for 2019. The book's success highlights Pollen's ability to transform personal pain into a story that resonates with readers, particularly those dealing with similar issues.
With a science background, Samuel Pollen now works as a creative director at Reed Words agency, where he collaborates with clients ranging from tech giants to museums.
Samuel Pollen now lives in London.
Photo credit: www.reedwords.com
Samuel Pollen was born in Cheshire, United Kingdom. At the age of 12, Pollen began battling anorexia, describing it as a "bad cop within him" that took over his thoughts and actions.
He explains, "Anorexia is like having a severe voice in your head that grows to be all-consuming, but is also separate from who you really are." This personal struggle inspired him to write The Year I Didn't Eat, a novel chronicling 12 months in the life of 14-year-old Max, who faces the same challenges.
In the novel, Max's eating disorder is personified by Ana, a character who feeds on Max's fears and pushes him toward further weight loss. Pollen uses this narrative device to depict the internal battle individuals with anorexia face. He says, "In the book, I draw out a separate character who is the eating disorder … a bad cop version of you is a good way of summarising it."
The story takes a hopeful turn when Max receives a geocache as a gift from his brother. This new hobby introduces him to a world outside his internal struggle and offers a new form of connection and conversation.
The Year I Didn't Eat was named the Lancashire Book of the Year and included in The Telegraph and The Guardian's best children's books for 2019. The book's success highlights Pollen's ability to transform personal pain into a story that resonates with readers, particularly those dealing with similar issues.
With a science background, Samuel Pollen now works as a creative director at Reed Words agency, where he collaborates with clients ranging from tech giants to museums.
Samuel Pollen now lives in London.
Photo credit: www.reedwords.com
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