Written by Sasha Zatz
In Juno Dawson’s new YA novel, Meat Market, it features themes of fashion, feminism, and self-discovery, all the while being a raw and powerful story about the realities of the fashion industry.
Meat Market will absolutely blow you away and it will submerge you in Jana’s world so quickly that you won’t be able to put the book down. We follow Jana as she enters the fashion industry and experiences the highest of highs and the lowest of lows of what it is like to be a model. Jana was a great character and felt real and authentic, but naturally, she was definitely flawed and this only strengthens her character and causes you to love her more. Jana narrated the story so honestly and openly that the reader can’t help but empathise with her and care for her. Hers truly was the perfect voice to tell this story.
The secondary characters are also amazing as Sabah and Ferdy were the best as they really support Jana’s story in the perfect way.
Meat Market sends an important message to teenagers, and all readers really, about body image and the reality of the fashion industry. As well as being a story of fashion and its politics, this was a heart-wrenching story of self-discovery and what it means to truly be yourself. Its story also resonates with today incredibly well with the #MeToo movement and its unflinching honesty is impressive since the writing is raw and honest, all the while being lyrical at the same time.
This book is definitely for those 15 years and older as it has trigger warnings for things such as sexual assault and anorexia, and also features sex and the use of drugs.
Meat Market was perfectly paced story wise, even with the short interview chapters. The story never had a dull moment and will hold your attention all the way through. You’ll find that this book will have you laughing and crying, and also internally screaming and smiling with joy. It’s truly a beautiful rollercoaster of emotions and action.
If you’re after a powerful and poignant story, then look no further than Meat Market, as it’s one that everyone needs to read with it tackling important issues like feminism and body image. #IBelieveJana
Meat Market is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.
Have you read Meat Market? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
Jana Novak’s history sounds like a classic model cliché: tall and gangly, she’s uncomfortable with her androgynous looks until she’s unexpectedly scouted and catapulted to superstardom.
But the fashion industry is as grimy as it is glamorous. And there are unexpected predators at every turn.
Jana is an ordinary girl from a south London estate, lifted to unimaginable heights. But the further you rise, the more devastating your fall …
Honest and raw, this is a timely exposé of the dark underbelly of the fashion industry in an era of #TimesUp and #MeToo. It might just be Juno Dawson’s most important book yet.
