Meat Market by Juno Dawson – review

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...

Content warnings: sexual assault, drug use, bullying and eating disorders

Every book I read by Juno Dawson just seems to get better and better. Meat Market is brutally honest, brilliantly written and will take you through every emotion.

The voice is one of my favourite parts about this book. Jana feels like a real person and it's like you're living every up and down of the story with her. The dialogue is punchy and realistic, and there are so many memorable characters.

I read this book in less than 24 hours because I had to know what happened. The plot delves unflinchingly into what the fashion industry is like and some scenes are really hard to read. I thought it was great that Meat Market explores the good things about the industry too and that it emphasises how people have the power to change things for the better.

This is one of the best books I've read this year and a week after finishing, I'm still thinking about it. It made me laugh, cry and ultimately feel really uplifted. Thanks Ed Public Relations for the review copy!