Jana Novak is catapulted to superstardom when she's scouted by a model agency.
Jana Novak's history sounds like a classic model cliche: 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 expose 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.
About the Author
Juno Dawson grew up in West Yorkshire, writing imaginary episodes of Doctor Who. She later turned her talent to journalism, interviewing bands before writing for a Brighton newspaper. Until recently, Juno worked as a teacher, specialising in PSHE. She is most proud of her work surrounding anti-bullying and family diversity. In 2014 she became a School Role Model for the charity Stonewall. In 2015, Juno announced her intention to undergo gender transition and live as a woman.
Industry Reviews
A gripping, personal tale of fame and misfortune * BBC Radio 2 *
Dawson has a gift for writing believable teenagers characters, and Meat Market is a powerful counterweight to light-hearted literature that still portrays modelling as the stuff of dreams * The Guardian *
Juno Dawson slashes through the glamour of the fashion industry ... combining blockbuster appeal with piercing commentary on modelling, body image and consent * The Observer *
Well-researched and hard-hitting, the novel doesn't skimp on the glamour but neither does it skirt the darker side of fashion * Financial Times *
An unflinching expose of the darker side of fashion * i newspaper *
A compelling story with an important - and timely - message * S Magazine (Sunday Express) *
Having worked as a journalist on the fringes of the fashion industry, Dawson started to realise there were problems - namely, models were often very young, nameless and simply bodies who were not treated well by those around them. Meat Market is a gripping page-turner, an expose of the dark and often seedy side of the industry, addressing timely themes around #MeToo and #TimesUp. * The Independent *
Juno Dawson is one of the hottest writers of young adult fiction and non-fiction in the UK right now * Bustle *
Guaranteed to be your summer read * GLAMOUR *
Engaging, enthralling...Dawson's book is heartbreaking, painful, and worth every second. . . you won't be able to put it down as you get drawn into Jana's world * Happiful magazine *
Honest, raw, this timely expose is essential post-#MeToo reading * Image *
Meat Market shines a probing spotlight on the fashion industry, exposing its dark underbelly with a frankness that's refreshing. Yet what makes this such a compelling and timely read is how Dawson balances the ugliness with humour and heart without being moralistic * Culturefly *
It's a totally compelling and compulsive read * WRD magazine *
In an era of #MeToo and #TimesUp, this is an important read * Woman's Way *
Juno Dawson covers topics applicable and of interest to Young Adult readers with honesty and realism * NB Magazine *
There is something incredibly genuine about this novel in its depiction of the beauty trade's ugly side. . . Dawson manages to make Jana's story feel timely and universal without ever straying into cliche * The F Word *
Intoxicating * Tortoise *
