So Denver is more than ready on the day she and her best friends Dali and Shak sing their way into the orbit of the biggest R&B star in the world, Sean "Mercury" Ellis. Merc gives them everything: parties, perks, wild nights -- plus hours and hours in the recording studio. Even the painful sacrifices and the lies the girls have to tell are all worth it.
Until they're not.
Denver begins to realize that she's trapped in Merc's world, struggling to hold on to her own voice. As the dream turns into a nightmare, she must make a choice: lose her big break, or get broken.
Inspired by true events, Muted is a fearless exploration of the dark side of the music industry, the business of exploitation, how a girl's dreams can be used against her -- and what it takes to fight back.
Muted is loosely free poetry, which makes it quite a quick read. The subject matter, however, will make you want to linger. From outside, it's easy to see how Denver is getting caught up in things out of her control. It's also very easy to see how she doesn't see it, how skilled and careful Merc is.
This is chillingly plausible, and it happened so easily. It's terrifying to think that this could be happening to people right now. If nothing else, I hope this book opens a few eyes. Maybe it'll make one would-be star think twice about a too good to be true opportunity.
This is a brilliant read that should be read by everyone. I'd love to see it in schools and book clubs.
Muted publishes on the 2nd February, 2021.
This is a brilliant read that should be read by everyone. I'd love to see it in schools and book clubs.
Muted publishes on the 2nd February, 2021.
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