Review: Maisy Hayes Is Not For Sale by Allayne L Webster

Adelaide author Allayne L Webster's latest novel is a moving coming-of-age tale about a teenage girl who is living in poverty. Things are not going well for Maisy Hayes, who turns fourteen in the early chapters of the novel. Her family, which includes her mum, older sister and younger half brother are doing it tough. Money is tight, their Housing Trust home is in a state of disrepair and older sister Luka has a serious heart problem and needs an operation. Then comes some surprising news. Maisy's dad, a wealthy lawyer who has all but abandoned his daughters, wants Maisy and Luka to stay with him in Melbourne during the school holidays. Luka is quick to realise that something is wrong with the whole set up, while the younger and more optimistic Maisy is about to learn some huge life lessons ...

There were times when this novel absolutely broke my heart. The novel focuses on a number of issues,  including the daily realties of living in poverty in Australia, including a scene where Maisy is unable to afford a tampon and another where her mum turns to prostitution to pay the bills. Her father is a distant figure with ulterior motives. Later chapters focus on the impact of her trip to Melbourne and Maisy's friendship/possible relationship with Bobbie. Shame is also a major theme of the novel, as is finding the power to be your authentic self. One thing I loved about Maisy was that she never gave up, and eventually came up with her own solutions to some of her problems--ie finding an after school job, paying Grace back for the phone she destroyed (even though Grace's behaviour was far from perfect). There is also some frank discussion about female sexuality. This is the kind of book that will probably sit on the shelves in libraries across Australia for years to come, being discovered by generations of readers who will identify with many of the core themes.

Maisy Hayes Is Not For Sale is a realistic coming-of-age tale that will no doubt resonate with teenage readers and anyone else who would like to join in.

Recommended.

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