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whatsmacksaid's review against another edition
3.0
Three and a have stars--I keep going back and forth between three and four. Some of the writing is genuinely incredible in its beauty. The structure is a little weak, though, and I couldn't help but wonder just how self-aware Shane was of all the little foibles she shared. Some of it was obviously intentional, but some seemed more subtle than literally anything else in the book.
It was very interesting, though, and as I said, the writing is generally quite good. I do recommend it.
It was very interesting, though, and as I said, the writing is generally quite good. I do recommend it.
georgia_reads24's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
cobhtachfan's review against another edition
4.0
I really loved Shane's way of thinking about love and sex and life. The way she writes about falling in love, and unrequited love in particular really changed the perspective in which I consider my feelings.
elohcineiram's review
challenging
emotional
funny
medium-paced
5.0
An excellent account of sex work by a sex worker.
rachaelreads92's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
slow-paced
3.5
3.5 Stars
Title: An Insightful Glimpse into Unconventional Relationships
I recently finished listening to the audiobook "Prostitute Laundry" by Charlotte Shane and I must say, it was quite an interesting experience. The introduction by Katherine Angel initially set my expectations high, hinting at a feminist memoir delving into the intricate connections between women, sexuality, and prostitution. However, the book took a different path.
Rather than a straightforward feminist exploration, "Prostitute Laundry" felt more like a series of intimate journal entries. The author, Charlotte Shane, takes us on a journey through her life and relationships, sharing fragments of her experiences in a letter-like format. The narrative revolves around three main relationships, each providing a distinct perspective on love, sex, and intimacy.
Charlotte's long-term relationship with her boyfriend, whom she met while working as an erotic masseuse, unfolds as a unique arrangement that challenges conventional norms. Their open view on monogamy allows them to explore their desires beyond the boundaries of traditional commitment. The introduction of George, an unconventional love interest, adds complexity to Charlotte's dynamic, leading to a delicate balance of emotions and relationships.
The core of the narrative, however, revolves around her profound connection with Max, whom she considers the love of her life. The complexities of Max's struggle to accept Charlotte's past as an escort and her persistent desire to return to that lifestyle form a significant part of the book's emotional landscape.
Charlotte's writing is undeniably beautiful and eloquent. Her command over words shines through, and her ability to convey emotions and experiences is commendable. I found her reflections on monogamy and rediscovering her own desires thought-provoking. While I personally couldn't relate to all of her choices, I appreciated her honesty and willingness to share her unconventional experiences.
Throughout the book, I couldn't help but feel conflicted about Charlotte's expectations of Max. Her desire for him to understand and accept her past seemed self-serving, especially considering the discomfort it caused him. While I admired her openness, I found it challenging to fully empathize with her perspective in this regard.
"Prostitute Laundry" wasn't quite what I anticipated from an escort memoir. I expected more tales from her encounters with clients, but instead, it delved into her personal growth, sexual exploration, and unconventional relationships. Despite this, I found it to be a worthwhile read, though it did take me some time to get through. The narrator's performance was engaging, capturing the essence of Charlotte's letters, even if some of the voice choices were a bit peculiar.
In closing, "Prostitute Laundry" offers a glimpse into a world that challenges societal norms surrounding relationships and intimacy. Charlotte Shane's candid storytelling and eloquent prose make it an intriguing read for those open to exploring unconventional narratives. Special thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an audiobook copy in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.
Title: An Insightful Glimpse into Unconventional Relationships
I recently finished listening to the audiobook "Prostitute Laundry" by Charlotte Shane and I must say, it was quite an interesting experience. The introduction by Katherine Angel initially set my expectations high, hinting at a feminist memoir delving into the intricate connections between women, sexuality, and prostitution. However, the book took a different path.
Rather than a straightforward feminist exploration, "Prostitute Laundry" felt more like a series of intimate journal entries. The author, Charlotte Shane, takes us on a journey through her life and relationships, sharing fragments of her experiences in a letter-like format. The narrative revolves around three main relationships, each providing a distinct perspective on love, sex, and intimacy.
Charlotte's long-term relationship with her boyfriend, whom she met while working as an erotic masseuse, unfolds as a unique arrangement that challenges conventional norms. Their open view on monogamy allows them to explore their desires beyond the boundaries of traditional commitment. The introduction of George, an unconventional love interest, adds complexity to Charlotte's dynamic, leading to a delicate balance of emotions and relationships.
The core of the narrative, however, revolves around her profound connection with Max, whom she considers the love of her life. The complexities of Max's struggle to accept Charlotte's past as an escort and her persistent desire to return to that lifestyle form a significant part of the book's emotional landscape.
Charlotte's writing is undeniably beautiful and eloquent. Her command over words shines through, and her ability to convey emotions and experiences is commendable. I found her reflections on monogamy and rediscovering her own desires thought-provoking. While I personally couldn't relate to all of her choices, I appreciated her honesty and willingness to share her unconventional experiences.
Throughout the book, I couldn't help but feel conflicted about Charlotte's expectations of Max. Her desire for him to understand and accept her past seemed self-serving, especially considering the discomfort it caused him. While I admired her openness, I found it challenging to fully empathize with her perspective in this regard.
"Prostitute Laundry" wasn't quite what I anticipated from an escort memoir. I expected more tales from her encounters with clients, but instead, it delved into her personal growth, sexual exploration, and unconventional relationships. Despite this, I found it to be a worthwhile read, though it did take me some time to get through. The narrator's performance was engaging, capturing the essence of Charlotte's letters, even if some of the voice choices were a bit peculiar.
In closing, "Prostitute Laundry" offers a glimpse into a world that challenges societal norms surrounding relationships and intimacy. Charlotte Shane's candid storytelling and eloquent prose make it an intriguing read for those open to exploring unconventional narratives. Special thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an audiobook copy in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.
tesslw's review against another edition
challenging
informative
sad
tense
slow-paced
2.5
This was undoubtedly an incredibly interesting, candid and perceptive memoir and reflection on a career in sex work - and is an equally interesting one for me to gather thoughts on in order to be able to review. Prostitute Laundry was born from a series of intimate and insightful letters that the author penned and sent to a small mailing list, detailing her innermost thoughts and considerations about her life as a sex worker, the complexities of relationships, and the experience of falling in and out of love. Over the coming months she continued to write these letters, as her mailing list grew in thousands and eventually caught the attention of news and media outlets such as The Washington Post.
This memoir was deeply honest (and really outlined how many horrifically entitled and callous people - particularly men) there are in the world - and it neither glamorized nor condemned escorting or sex work as a career path, simply provides an honest window into the author’s encounters and experiences.
For me there were parts of this in which the pacing was off - but I can’t work out whether that’s because I wish some of the letters hadn’t been included, or whether I think there is scope for them to be lengthened and strengthened and turned into something more like an essay (or collection of!) I appreciated the in depth insight into one woman’s journey of sex work (and ultimately the decision to leave it and settle down with one man), but aside from the fact that to me this felt too loosely meandering in places, I think I was searching for more insight, more opinion and more topics for thoughtful discussion. I realise now that this is not what this book was geared to do, so maybe at least part of the issue is mine, not the book’s.
This memoir was deeply honest (and really outlined how many horrifically entitled and callous people - particularly men) there are in the world - and it neither glamorized nor condemned escorting or sex work as a career path, simply provides an honest window into the author’s encounters and experiences.
For me there were parts of this in which the pacing was off - but I can’t work out whether that’s because I wish some of the letters hadn’t been included, or whether I think there is scope for them to be lengthened and strengthened and turned into something more like an essay (or collection of!) I appreciated the in depth insight into one woman’s journey of sex work (and ultimately the decision to leave it and settle down with one man), but aside from the fact that to me this felt too loosely meandering in places, I think I was searching for more insight, more opinion and more topics for thoughtful discussion. I realise now that this is not what this book was geared to do, so maybe at least part of the issue is mine, not the book’s.
bi_n_large's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Drug use, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Sexual assault, Infidelity, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, and Body shaming
Minor: Rape, Alcoholism, and Abortion