All Grown Up

Neveah is fifteen, a schoolgirl who is neglected in different ways by both her parents. She lives with her mum, Marie, who works nights and isn't too bothered what Neveah gets up to, as long as it doesn't affect her. Neveah's dad is the lead singer of a band and is often on the road, maintaining sporadic contact with his daughter.

Neveah is a good student and is ambitious for herself. She also has a secret life. She's earning good money by moonlighting as a digital freelancer. Neveah is also having an affair with her biggest client, Giles, who is married with a troubled home life. Neveah lies to him about her age, telling him she's twenty-two and he believes her. Neveah will do just about anything to stop him from finding out her true age. Not only does she need the money, but she has developed strong feelings for Giles. But a secret this big can't stay under wraps forever. When it all comes out, the consequences are devastating. Not only for Neveah and Giles, but for Giles's family.

The novel examines toxic masculinity and the early sexualisation of young girls and society's collective collusion in this process, including by the girls themselves. Why do some young girls become sexually active way sooner than is good for them, and if a man has sex with a girl who lies about her age, is he still culpable?

Welcome to the murky world of contemporary sex, where everyone has something to hide. -- Catherine Evans