Muscle and Mouth

In Muscle and Mouth, Jade struggles with her identity while preparing for university, torn between ambition and her northern roots.

In Muscle and Mouth, the protagonist Jade navigates the complexities of identity and belonging as she prepares for her future at Durham University. Faced with societal pressures to distance herself from her roots and the friends who shape her world, Jade grapples with the notion of leaving her hometown in Manchester. This richly woven narrative explores the emotional ties to place and the sacrifices that come with pursuing one's ambitions.

As Jade delves into her pre-University assignment, she reflects on the vibrant, yet often harsh realities of her life in Manchester. The author captures the essence of northern identity, illustrating how leaving a familiar landscape can feel like losing a part of oneself. Through Jade's eyes, readers experience the bittersweet nature of growing up and the tension between aspiration and authenticity.

Muscle and Mouth is not just a coming-of-age story; it is an exploration of the rawness of language, love, and the deep connections we form with the places we call home. The narrative resonates with anyone who has ever felt the pull of their roots while striving for something greater, making it a poignant read for those on the brink of change.