Not Going to Plan

This debate worthy verse novel comes from the pen of Tia Fisher, Carnegie Medal for Writing shortlistee. Written for ‘the rebel inside her’, it aims to educate, including analytical discussion resources for schools and reading groups at the back. Through the tandem voices of vulnerable and passionate artist Marnie, who uses provocation as armour and cautious, studious scientific introvert Zed, and a cast of troubled characters, she shines a searing spotlight on the insidious crime of stealthing and all of its consequences, exploring the tangled and turbulent world of teen relationships. Its web spins out to cover further thorny topical issues, in the wake of the programme Adolescence and debates in parliament, including the autonomy of a woman’s body, what constitutes consent, misogyny, sexual politics and the right to an identity without labels.

Like her previous novel, which exposed County lines drug gangs, Fisher investigates an important issue that affects and damages the lives of teens. Explicit concrete poetry and punchy verse is employed to shock the reader with the subject matter and highlight characters’ concerns. The battlefield and recklessness of unsupervised teenage parties, the vicious rumour mill at school and character assassination on social media all play their part. With visual clues in the chapter headings, the reader is led through a quagmire of secrets, lies and slander as Marnie deals with the fallout of events along with her friends Zed, Luca and Rakel.

Not Going to Plan is an ambitious project, juggling with a myriad of issues. At times it slips into stereotyped descriptors but ultimately it addresses social stigma, giving teens a voice through art activism. Sometimes the storyline is submerged under a didactic voice though the book’s aim is to help. An empathetic author’s note further elucidates the importance of boundaries and ‘explicit consent at every stage of sex.’ Fisher also cautions against relying on AI sources as the solution to life changing questions, providing help lines for readers needing support.