Buy a copy of “But It’s Not Fair” or contact us about visiting your school
But It’s Not Fair by Aneeta Prem MBE is a forced-marriage safeguarding novel for young people, families, schools and professionals. It explores coercion, consent and the difference between arranged and forced marriage in an accessible story, and can be used alongside Freedom Charity’s resources awarded the PSHE Association Quality Mark. Tens of thousands of copies have been donated to pupils and school libraries since publication.
For factual guidance alongside the story, see Freedom Charity’s forced marriage information. A free PDF edition is also available through the official GOV.UK publication page.
Sofia and Vinny are sisters who live in the East End of London. Vinny, 15, loves school. She wants to be a teacher when she grows up. Sofia, 10, loves bling and celebrities and wants to be on the cover of all the glossy magazines.
Sofia thinks most things in life are just ‘not fair’. She doesn’t have a laptop or even a mobile phone, and she has to share a room with Vinny. Vinny’s safe world is turned upside down when Abby Kambi and her very traditional family move into the neighbourhood. Vinny and Abby quickly become best friends and Vinny starts to see how different life could be for her. Abby and her family go abroad to her cousin Sarina’s wedding in the summer holidays and Abby doesn’t return to school.
Vinny, and even spoilt brat Sofia, realise that there are far bigger issues than makeup, Facebook and getting your homework in on time. What would you do if your best friend went on holiday and didn’t come back again? Would you turn a blind eye or would you stand up and shout ‘but it’s not fair’ until somebody listened?
This publication makes an important contribution to the ongoing campaign to eradicate all forms of violence and ill treatment of young people”.
Ms Chris Keates, former General Secretary, NASUWT The Teachers’ Union
“This book was a non-judgmental, fictional account of different perspectives on forced marriages, giving the background to the views of the traditional family and the families arriving to settle in this country. At the same time it showed the horrors of girls of 14- 16 being taken abroad against their will, forced to marry, and often being beaten and badly treated by the new husband’s family and with little prospect of any contact with their families here. The repercussions on families and school friends are described, together with ways in which fellow pupils and adults can be alert and know what action they could take. It is a complex situation which requires careful handling. I think the book is essential reading for school children, teachers and all those involved in dealing with the wider situation.”
Sheila Eaton, President, National Council of Women
But It's Not Fair
But It’s Not Fair by Aneeta Prem MBE is Freedom Charity’s educational novel about forced marriage, coercion, consent and the difference between arranged and forced marriage.
The novel can be used alongside Freedom Charity’s separate forced-marriage lesson resource, which has received the PSHE Association Quality Mark and is hosted by the PSHE Association.
Choose your copy
Standard edition — £6.99
For individual reading, home learning, libraries and school stock. Buy from the Freedom Charity Shop.
Signed limited edition — £9.99
A signed copy from a separate print run capped at 400 copies. The story is the same as the standard edition. View availability in the Shop.
Schools and organisations
For class sets, staff copies, invoices, bulk orders or use within training, email [email protected].
A free PDF edition is also available from the official GOV.UK publication page.
Why Buy This Book?
Access the PSHE Quality Mark lesson plans: PSHE Educational Resources
A critical distinction: arranged marriage and forced marriage
Confusion between arranged and forced marriage persists, and that confusion puts young people at risk.
Arranged marriage requires free and full consent.
Forced marriage involves coercion, pressure, threats, or control.
Teaching this distinction clearly is protective. This book provides a straightforward, sensitive framework to support that learning.
Who buys this book and why
Individuals and families buy it because they want:
• a clear, respectful way to understand forced marriage and coercion
• a safe starting point for difficult conversations at home
• a meaningful purchase that supports safeguarding work
If you are buying as a gift, the signed limited edition is a strong option.
Professionals and organisations buy it to:
• support staff learning and confidence in safeguarding conversations
• build a safeguarding resource library
• support PSHE, RSE, pastoral, and safeguarding education with Quality Mark resources
What your purchase supports
Every sale supports Freedom Charity’s work to protect children and vulnerable people through education, prevention, and safeguarding action. Your purchase turns education into protection.
FAQs
Does the book itself have the PSHE Association Quality Mark?
No. The Quality Mark applies to Freedom Charity’s separate forced-marriage lesson resource, which can be used alongside the novel. Access the lesson resources.
Is it suitable for school safeguarding education?
It is an educational novel designed to support carefully facilitated discussion about forced marriage, consent and coercion. Schools should use it alongside their safeguarding procedures and age-appropriate teaching.
Can we order class sets?
Yes. Schools, colleges and organisations can ask about bulk orders, invoices and delivery by emailing Freedom Charity.
What is different about the signed limited edition?
The story is the same. The signed edition is from a separate print run capped at 400 copies and has a limited-edition inside cover.
I am worried someone may be at risk. What should I do?
If there is immediate danger, call 999. Otherwise follow relevant safeguarding procedures and seek specialist advice. See Freedom Charity’s helpline page for support routes.
Published endorsements
Please support Freedom by purchasing our books or a red triangle badge. All profits go towards helping support our cause.
What your donation can provide
can contribute to Freedom Charity’s safeguarding education, prevention and specialist resources
can help fund safeguarding resources, education and routes to specialist support
can make a substantial contribution to Freedom Charity’s safeguarding, education and practical support work
can support a larger package of safeguarding education, prevention, awareness and practical assistance