Catchy title, eh? But seriously, I really loved Liz Jensen’s new book My Dirty Little Book of Stolen Time, which is the story of a prostitute in 1890s Copenhagen who is hired as a cleaning lady for a wealthy widow. She discovers a time machine in the basement that catapults her to modern-day London, more adventures and even love. Reminiscent of classic 18th century literature, My Dirty Little Book of Stolen Time is narrated in the first person using old-fashioned language. While telling her fantastic story in a “Dear Reader” style, the she directly compliments the reader’s intelligence and beauty in a unique and endearing way. This is a wonderful cross between science fiction and Jane Austen, with a dash of chick-lit heroine and a hint of the tawdry.
Why read about prostitutes?
“The whore is despised by the hypocritical world because she has made a realistic assessment of her assets and does not have to rely on fraud to make a living. In an area of human relations where fraud is regular practice between the sexes, her honesty is regarded with a mocking wonder.” --Angela Carter
Obviously the institution of prostitution is ripe for further examination. Luckily, there is quite a bit of excellent prostitute-related fiction out there:
In the Company of the Courtesan by Sarah Dunant presents a gripping account of sex, religion and survival in Renaissance Venice, told by the dwarf servant to an esteemed courtesan who has fled from the sack of Rome.
The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber is a powerful portrayal of a young woman named Sugar who yearns to escape her life of prostitution in 1870s London and is drawn into the complicated family life of a customer.
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden tells the life of a famous Kyoto geisha--from her painful apprenticeship in the early 1930s through the years of her prime.
A Private Hotel for Gentle Ladies by Ellen Cooney turns the tables and uncovers The Beechmont, a hotel in 1900 Boston, which turns out to be a male brothel in which handsome porters make discreet visits to the establishment’s female clientele.
Slammerkin by Emma Donoghue takes place in 18th century London, where a prostitute aspires to become a household seamstress and obtain freedom from a life of poverty.
For a contemporary story, Been there, done that by Carol Snow features a thirty-something reporter going undercover as a student at a private college to uncover a supposed prostitution ring, although this chick-lit focuses more on self-discovery as the intrepid reporter, surrounded by angst-filled 18-year-olds, finally grows up.
Memories of my Melancholy Whores by Gabriel Garcia Marquez relates a tale about an old man who, having decided to celebrate his ninetieth birthday by spending the night with a young virgin, falls deeply in love for the first time in his life.
Despite the sensationalist title of this post, historical fiction does let you travel back in time, so whether you prefer time-travel, chick-lit, or the prostitute-with-the-heart-of-gold,
