Can I Stray
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Wilton Square Books
Published:11th Oct '22
Should be back in stock very soon
The unmissable, conversation-starting debut, perfect for fans of Amber Smith and Kathleen Glasgow.
An honest coming-of-age story — perfect for fans of Amber Smith and Kathleen Glasgow — exploring consent, mental health, and the complex world of teenage sexual politics.
Can I Stray is a contemporary YA romance novel exploring co-dependency, sexual consent, and mental health.
Fourteen-year-old Brooke Tyler has spent her whole life waiting for a boy to choose her. Matt is about to go to university, scared to leave behind everything he knows. When both are cast as romantic leads in Romeo and Juliet, they fulfil the roles of forbidden lovers both on and off the stage. Brooke is sure that her fairy tale is coming true – and best of all, Matt is older.
Brooke considers secrets and lies a small price to pay for her first boyfriend, but the relationship is set to cost her after one night alone in an empty auditorium. When Brooke learns that Matt’s actions that night were illegal, her world shatters.
Years later, Brooke and Matt reunite as adults. Matt wants to undo all the damage he caused, but Brooke makes a choice which forces them both to question their relationship.
Told in three acts this captivating debut reveals a young woman’s journey for independence as she strays away from everything she has ever known to navigate her traumatic past.
'A nuanced reflection on relationships, both with others and ourselves. This book is a stark reminder of the need for high quality, non-judgemental Relationships and Sex Education for all young people." —Eliza Bell, Media and Communications Coordinator at Brook
-- Elisa Bell"A testament to the importance of comprehensive and inclusive Relationships and Sex Education, 'Can I Stray' proves to be a thoughtful and engaging read which captures the essence of the 2020s. I couldn't put it down." —Jack Liepa, Sexpression UK
-- Jack Liepa"Love, confusion, hurt, heartbreak, darkness, growth, compassion, loneliness...this story weaves in so much and I quickly became invested in each character and what the future might hold for them. Can I Stray should be in every school library." —Grace Alice O’Shea, Sex & Intimacy Specialist & Author of Sex Educated
"Wow, what a debut! Powerful. Emotional. Thought-provoking." —Reader Review
"A modern coming of age story, which covers the lack of consent and metal heath from school and parental figures. Loved it, very refreshing." —Reader Review
"An emotionally beautiful snapshot of lives across a decade. Highly recommend." —Reader Review
"An incredibly powerful debut novel. I can't recommend it enough, especially if you're looking for a book to buy for anyone in their late teens." —Reader Review
"All young women should read this. Such a real and educational depiction of relationships from teenage years to adults. I wish I could have read this when I was younger." —Reader Review
"It was so, so powerful it took my breath away..." —Reader Review
"I devoured this in three days. Fully recommend!" —Reader Review
ISBN: 9781911107538
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 386g
432 pages