: They struggle with moderation; for instance, they can't eat just one square of chocolate and often find negotiating with themselves exhausting. Abstainer vs. Moderator :

feel "panicky" at the thought of "never" having something and actually find that occasional indulgence strengthens their resolve. The Abstainer: A Novel: 9780593133873: McGuire, Ian: Books

: Highly recommended for fans of period thrillers and dark, suspenseful narratives. Community Perspectives on " The Abstainer "

This novel is widely praised as a gripping, atmospheric historical thriller set in 19th-century Manchester.

In the context of habit formation, Gretchen Rubin’s framework classifies individuals as either or Moderators . The Abstainer Profile :

: Reviewers from The Guardian describe the writing as having the "vividness and economy of a screenplay," likening its grit and tension to " The Wire by gaslight ". Strengths :