Several weeks ago I was approached by Violet Ivy with a request to review her book, “Lucky Girl – How I Survived The Sex Industry” (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lucky-Girl-How-Survived-Industry/dp/1621419959). Being interested in the subject of Violet’s book I readily agreed. I should add that I received a free electronic copy of “Lucky Girl – How I Survived The Sex Industry” from the author.

The book is a roller coaster ride through Violet’s career as a professional escort or call girl. Coming from a small rural community in Australia the author left to attend university in the big city. At first she works in a bar but loses her job due to providing free drinks to her then boyfriend Toby (she was going to pay for them later but the bar manager still sacked her). Lack of money leads to Violet becoming a topless barmaid in a seedy establishment where she endures the stares of men who regard her as meat (a sex object to be enjoyed). She later graduates to stripping and, from there to escorting (I.E. high class prostitution).

The title “Lucky Girl” derives from Violet having made a great deal of money in the sex industry (she owns several properties and has made many friends including fellow working girls and some clients). However Violet is not always Lucky. On one occasion she is confronted by a madman in a Vegas brothel. There is no panic button in the room so Violet’s only option is to flee into the communal area and summon help. On another occasion she feels physically ill when acting out the paedophile fantasy of a banker in London. Her client gets aroused by her pretending to be a very young schoolgirl and in order to make money Violet must play along much against her own conscience (there is a school near to the client’s home and as she leaves Violet prays for the safety of the children and their parents).

Other stories are rather touching such as the client who has never had sex before. Violet takes great care to ensure that his experience is a positive one and extends the booking without charging the customer any extra. As a consequence he leaves satisfied with a smile on his face. On the one level the incident is deeply moving, however I couldn’t help feeling that it was a pitty that this man’s first experience of intimacy was with a working girl rather than with a girlfriend or at least in a one night stand situation in which the exchange of money is not involved. However we don’t live in an ideal world and I for one don’t feel in a position to judge either Violet or her clients. At least the customer had an enjoyable experience in a consensual albeit paying situation.

From time to time Violet touches on the ethics of prostitution. On the one hand she argues that it is better for a man who’s wife is no longer interested in sex to obtain release through a prostitute rather than via an affair (he may still love his wife and a connection with a prostitute is uncomplicated unlike the messiness which stems from affairs), however on the other hand Violet admits that she would be upset where a partner of her’s to see a prostitute.

One of the parts of the book which moved me most was Violet’s description of her love for Derek. They where on the point of marriage but on finding out via accidentally coming across a contact for a sex establishment on Violet’s phone that she is a working girl Derek very gently breaks off the relationship. Heart rending for both parties.

There is so much more that I could say about this book. For example the discussions between Violet and her best female friend regarding prostitution (the friend dates well-to-do men and accepts expensive gifts from them, however she is not paid for sex as such. Violet asks whether there is such a big gulf between her and the friend – a very interesting question)?

I’d wholeheartedly recommend this well written and very interesting book.

Kevin