Blood Moon
By Lucy Cuthew
ISBN 9781406393446
Walker Books
Periods, sex and online shaming. How is that for an introduction to this compelling debut novel by Lucy Cuthew. The author holds nothing back in topic or her language. The voices of her characters ring true. Their actions even more so.
Caught up in the heat of the moment, Frankie has her first sexual experience with Benjamin but her period starts at the same time. Somehow news gets out and Frankie finds herself the centre of an awful meme and continued hateful and spiteful messages. The news of her experience goes viral and everyone knows about it. Reaction is cruel and swift. Online shaming takes over her life and we see the impact of this awful aspect of living in a digital world. Once something is out there, it’s everywhere and almost impossible to stop.
Written as a verse novel, the language is sharp, emotive and real, allowing us to totally connect with Frankie and her thoughts. Her anguish, despair, sense of shame and betrayal are real. Frankie has no control of her life, nowhere to hide and everything is overwhelming.
When things spiral out of control and every internet post seems to have Frankie’s meme plastered all over it she struggles to cope. Falling out with her best friend creates further turmoil and Frankie is on a rollercoaster of emotions and we are on the ride with her. Lucy Cuthew captures the voices of teens with authenticity. Discussions about periods is often taboo but here, they are very much part of the story. Natural and part of everyday life for females, periods are often shunned and in Frankie’s case, shamed but as Benjamin and Frankie know, periods are just blood, that’s all.
The consequences of online shaming and misuse of the internet can have a devastating impact and the author demonstrates this extremely well. Even after all the happens, Frankie discovers she is stronger than she thinks.
For teens, this is one of those books that needs to be read and read widely.