Altrincham resident Laura Linck has published her first book, sharing an intimate eight-year journey from personal struggle to healing that she hopes will help others facing similar challenges.
The Weight of Fitting In, available now on Amazon, chronicles Laura's experience with bulimia and the existential crisis that lay beneath it.
Honest and unflinching, the book reflects the author's determination to transform her darkest moments into a source of light for others.
"It wasn't easy," admits Laura, 37, who works as a manager at a veterinary practice - and as a photographer for Altrincham Today. "I started writing in March 2017 and went through 15 drafts. There were many tears shed along the way."
The French-born author, who moved to Altrincham in 2021 with her partner Andrew, developed bulimia in her late teens. What began as occasional episodes escalated when she moved to London at 18, finding herself alone with unprecedented freedom and struggling to articulate her feelings about life.
"For me, it was very much born out of an existential crisis," Laura said. "It was my way of expressing myself when I couldn't find the words. Years of reflection helped me understand it wasn't really about food or appearance - it was about trying to survive life's uneasiness and find where I belonged."
The turning point came at 22 during an unrelated hospital visit. "I realised I was lying to the medical team and actually hurting myself. Until then, I thought I was indestructible."
Recovery was gradual, but it opened Laura's mind to deeper questions about human nature and our universal struggles. "The more I shared my story, the more people opened up about their own experiences. Everyone seemed to be going through some form of existential crisis."
The Weight of Fitting In isn't a typical memoir, combining nonlinear reflections and journal entries, and is "riddled with questions" in a way designed to invite readers on their own journey of self-discovery.
"I hope it gives people clarity and shows them it's okay to go through something like this," Laura added. "Life isn't easy – we all struggle to make sense of it in different ways."
Since moving to Altrincham, Laura has found the sense of community she was seeking. "Life has fallen more into place here. The community has embraced us, and working for the magazine has let me meet people from all walks of life."
The Weight of Fitting In is available as a paperback and e-book on Amazon here.
