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Prostitutes -- Fiction Books
Best books
John Cleland
Memoirs of Fanny Hill A New and Genuine Edition from the Original Text (London, 1749)
"Memoirs of Fanny Hill" by John Cleland is an erotic novel first published in 1748-1749. Written while Cleland was imprisoned for debt in London, it is considered the first original English prose pornography to use the novel form. The work became one of history's most prosecuted and banned books, sparking landmark obscenity trials in both Britain and America that continued into the 1960s. Notable for its elaborate euphemisms and literary devices, the novel avoids explicit terminology while depicting sexual content through creative language.
Stephen Crane
Maggie: A Girl of the Streets
"Maggie: A Girl of the Streets" by Stephen Crane is a novella published in 1893. Set in New York's Bowery district, it follows young Maggie Johnson as she struggles to escape grinding poverty and her brutal, alcoholic family. When a seemingly refined bartender named Pete offers hope for a better life, Maggie pursues the relationship—only to face abandonment and condemnation from those around her. This stark work of literary realism explores determinism, hypocrisy, and the inescapable cycle of urban poverty.
Daniel Defoe
The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous Moll Flanders
"The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous Moll Flanders" by Daniel Defoe is a novel published in 1722. Born in prison to a convict mother, Moll navigates survival through a series of marriages, deceptions, and reinventions. As circumstances strip away her security time and again, she transforms from hopeful young woman to skilled con artist to accomplished thief. Through cunning and charm, Moll pursues the one thing that eludes her: lasting prosperity and peace in a world that offers women few honest paths to independence.
Kate Percival
The Life and Amours of the Beautiful, Gay and Dashing Kate Percival The Belle of the Delaware
"The Life and Amours of the Beautiful, Gay and Dashing Kate Percival" by Percival is a novel written in the early 20th century. This work presents the autobiographical narrative of Kate Percival, who boldly recounts her life filled with sensuality and amorous exploits, beginning from her childhood and moving into complex relationships with both men and women. The story is likely to explore themes of desire, identity, and societal norms, particularly as it pertains to female sexuality. At the start of the narrative, Kate introduces herself as a woman of pleasure, revealing her intention to share the intimate details of her life, starting with her childhood in Pennsylvania. She describes a stark upbringing with a stern father and an absent mother, highlighting her isolation and emotional neglect. As she transitions into her teenage years and enters boarding school, her life begins to intertwine with desire, particularly through her relationship with a girl named Laura, which serves as her introduction into the world of physical intimacy. This opening portion sets the tone for a provocative exploration of sexuality and emotional connections, suggesting that the book will delve deeply into the personal experiences that shape Kate's understanding of love and pleasure.
John Cleland
L'oeuvre de John Cleland: Mémoires de Fanny Hill, femme de plaisir Introduction, essai bibliographique par Guillaume Apollinaire
"L'oeuvre de John Cleland: Mémoires de Fanny Hill, femme de plaisir" by John Cleland is an erotic novel first published in London in 1748 and 1749. Written while Cleland was imprisoned for debt, it follows the experiences of a woman of pleasure through elaborate euphemisms and literary devices, avoiding explicit terminology. Considered the first original English prose pornography in novel form, it became one of history's most prosecuted books, sparking obscenity trials across centuries in Britain and America before landmark court rulings eventually permitted its publication.
Walter Lionel George
A Bed of Roses
"A Bed of Roses" by Walter Lionel George is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with the departure of a ship from Bombay, introducing a cast of characters that includes two women, Molly and Victoria. As the narrative unfolds, it conveys themes of transition, personal tragedy, and the search for identity amidst life's challenges. The opening of the novel sets a reflective tone as it presents the departure from Bombay and the contrasting emotions of the characters. Victoria Fulton is depicted as a widow navigating her new reality after her husband's demise, haunted by memories of her past and grappling with her current state of boredom and uncertainty. As she boards the steamer to return home, there’s a palpable sense of loss and the need for transformation. Through Victoria's interactions and introspections, readers observe her struggle between the remnants of her previous life in India and the uncertain prospects awaiting her in England, establishing the groundwork for her journey of self-discovery.
Reginald Wright Kauffman
The house of bondage
"The House of Bondage" by Reginald Wright Kauffman is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative explores themes of societal expectations, the struggles of young women, and the harsh realities of life in the urban underbelly, focusing on the main character, Mary Denbigh, a sixteen-year-old girl navigating the challenges of her environment. As an evolving character, Mary's journey encapsulates the tension between youthful rebellion and the oppressive circumstances that seek to define her fate. The opening of the novel introduces us to Mary Denbigh as she transitions from school to the complexities of adulthood in a small town. Already feeling the weight of familial expectations and the rigid confines of her domestic life, Mary encounters a stranger who disrupts her routine, leading her to a series of decisions that ultimately push her toward rebellion. After an argument with her mother and an unexpected escape to the river, she meets Max Grossman, who offers her a glimpse of a different life, one filled with the allure of city excitement. However, her desire for freedom quickly leads her into a dangerous world, foreshadowing the deeper challenges she will face as her story unfolds.
David Graham Phillips
Susan Lenox: Her Fall and Rise
"Susan Lenox: Her Fall and Rise" by David Graham Phillips is a novel written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the complexities of social perceptions and the challenges faced by the titular character, Susan Lenox, who is born out of wedlock. The narrative reflects themes of societal standards, morality, and the often harsh realities of gender dynamics during a time when such topics were considered taboo. The opening of the novel sets a dramatic tone, introducing a poignant scene where Dr. Stevens valiantly attempts to revive a newborn baby believed to be dead. This early episode foreshadows the struggles that Susan will face throughout her life as she is a "love-child" born to a life filled with disgrace and social stigma following her mother’s untimely death. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to key characters, including Ruth and George Warham, who will play significant roles in Susan's life, navigating their relationships while grappling with their own insecurities and societal expectations. The narrative highlights Susan's innocence and beauty, creating a stark contrast against the judgmental world around her—setting the stage for a compelling exploration of her fall and rise within that society.
Patrick MacGill
The Rat-Pit
"The Rat-Pit" by Patrick MacGill is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in the impoverished environment of Donegal, Ireland, focusing on the lives of the downtrodden, including women supported by community ties as they navigate the hardships of their existence. The protagonist, Norah Ryan, embodies the struggle against societal judgment and economic despair, representing the plight of many in a world marked by shame and survival. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Norah and her frail mother in a ramshackle cabin at dawn amid a harsh winter storm. Norah prepares to leave for the town, where she has hopes of procuring food while her mother, bedridden and unwell, urges her to be careful. As Norah ventures out, we see the gritty realities of life populated by impoverished women who endure great suffering yet share a deep camaraderie. Through vivid descriptions of their daily struggles and communal reliance, the opening portrays a raw yet poignant portrait of life at the margins, setting the stage for Norah's journey through hardship, maternal responsibility, and societal judgments that define her fate.
Leonid Andreyev
The dark
"The Dark" by Leonid Andreyev is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a young radical named Alexis, who is deeply tangled in a web of political insurgency and existential despair. As he prepares for a pivotal act of terrorism, we see his mental and emotional struggles unfold against the backdrop of a brooding, dark atmosphere. The beginning of the novel introduces Alexis as he grapples with exhaustion and imminent danger from the police, who are closing in on him. Desperate for rest before executing a significant plan, he decides to enter a brothel—an unfamiliar territory for him. There, he encounters Liuba, a young prostitute who, despite her profession, stirs feelings of compassion and conflict within him. As their interaction progresses, it becomes evident that both characters are in search of understanding and connection amid despair, inviting readers to explore deeper themes of human experience, sacrifice, and moral ambiguity as the narrative unfolds.
Arnold Bennett
The Pretty Lady
"The Pretty Lady" by Arnold Bennett is a novel set during the early 20th century, likely around the time of World War I. The story introduces Christine, a young woman navigating the complexities of life as a courtesan in London. The book explores themes such as desire, identity, and the contrasts between public and private personas in a society shaped by war and morality. At the start of the novel, we see Christine, accompanied by Madame Larivaudière, attending a performance in London's West End. As she looks around the Promenade, she is struck by the somber and restrained atmosphere. Feeling a disconnect from the English men present, she questions her ability to exert her charm in this unfamiliar environment. However, when a gentleman approaches her and speaks French, her confidence returns, igniting a sense of hope and intrigue regarding her place within this foreign society. This opening sets up the contrast between her past experiences and the uncertain future she faces in London, hinting at the exploration of themes of power and vulnerability that will be further developed throughout the novel.
Marcel Proust
Un amour de Swann
"Un amour de Swann" by Marcel Proust is a novel written during the late 19th century. The work delves into the intricacies of love and societal dynamics through the experiences of the protagonist, Charles Swann, as he navigates his infatuation with Odette de Crécy, amidst a backdrop of elite Parisian society and its peculiar rituals. The opening of the novel introduces the reader to the exclusive social circle of the Verdurins, where adherence to their peculiarities and eccentricities is paramount for acceptance. The initial focus is on the Verdurins and their interactions, which set the stage for Swann's introduction into their group, specifically through Odette, a woman of mixed social status. We witness Swann's ambivalence, as he moves between the allure of the social dynamics crafted by the Verdurins and his personal longing for love, all while reflecting on his past experiences with women and music. This rich tapestry serves as a precursor to the deeper exploration of Swann's love for Odette and the complexities of his feelings that will unfold throughout the narrative.
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