The Edible Woman Summary

Marian McAlpin works in a market research firm, writing survey questions and sampling products. She shares an apartment of a house in Toronto with her roommate Ainsley, and has an obnoxious yet sophisticated boyfriend, Peter. Marian also keeps in touch with her friend Clara, who is married to Joe and has three children.

One day, Ainsley says she wants to have a baby without getting married. She is looking for a man who does not have any interest in marriage or being a father. Ainsley thinks up a plan so she can become pregnant.

At work, Marian meets Duncan, a graduate student. They two meet at a laundromat, talk and kiss. This makes Marian feel confused and scared if Peter ever found out, she suddenly begins to stop eating all meat.

Later on, Peter and Marian go out for dinner. On the way home that evening, Peter asks about them getting married. Marian feels that she better leave all the big decisions up to Peter, so she doesn't disappoint him. Marian then discovers she is unable to eat vegetables or cake. Then soon after, she is unable to eat everything. Marian realizes that Peter is metaphorically devouring her, so she prepares a test for him. Peter fails her test. Marian then realizes what she has to do.