Penguin scoops 'empowering' investigation by journalist Beth Ashley

Penguin has scooped journalist Beth Ashley’s investigative book Sluts: The Truth About Slutshaming & What We Can Do to Fight It.

Senior commissioning editor Phoebe Jascourt acquired world rights from Florence Rees at A M Heath, and Sluts will be published in hardback on 9th May.

The book is described as "a groundbreaking investigation into slut-shaming, how it continues to affect us today and what we can do to fight against it". The synopsis says: "Packed with informed research and statistics, real-life interviews and practical tips, Sluts gives readers the tools to deal with slut-shaming, rethink the ideas that encourage us to shame those who are sexually expressive and empower us to have open conversations about sex."

Ashley said: “From the Roman Empire and religious communities through to the Jonas Brothers and the ever-changing online world, this book travels far and wide (both literally and in terms of subject matter) as I investigate exactly why slut-shaming remains so pervasive across the globe, what that means for those most vulnerable in society, and what we can do to fight it and have the shame-free sex we all deserve.”

Jascourt added: “Sluts is a fascinating and empowering read for anyone who wants to understand and fight against slut-shaming. Beth’s impressive data driven research and warm, thoughtful writing spans hundreds of years of history and covers many countries across the world. It provides important insight into the issue of slut-shaming and offers valuable support to those affected and those who want to reframe how they think about sex.”