Confessions of a Courtesan Kindle Edition

Eighteen year old Elizabeth Cane, destitute and starving after the sudden death of her sick, blind father, was saved from dying on the streets of London when she was spotted by Ned Armistad, who recognizing her beauty and especially her lovely hair, took her in, fed her, had her clean up, dressed her well and took her to a nice building where he introduced her to Mrs. Goady. Although Elizabeth asked Ned if this was a brothel, he denied it. In the following weeks, Ned took her there often to be trained in being a lady and catering to men. Elizabeth fell in love with Ned and because he often left her at night, she became jealous and followed him. She discovered that he was gay and she left him. Knowing that she must find a way to make a living, she returned to Mrs. Goady, quickly learning that Mrs. Goady owned a high classed brothel catering to young, rich men, especially upper class. Mrs. Goady was extremely strict about the girls and if they got pregnant or poxed, she threw them out immediately. Since this was to be her profession, fortunately Elizabeth was naturally a passionate woman.One night a group of five drunken, overly exuberant young men who lived rather frivolous lives, burst into her room while she was servicing one of their buddies. They made such a disturbance that Mrs. Goady held Elizabeth responsible and forced her to leave. Elizabeth decided the only way she could support herself decently was to become "the most sought after courtesan in the empire." They took up the challenge and decided she must have French lessons, her portrait painted by a famous painter and hung up with those of other famous courtesans, and she must learn to act. A courtesan personified the goddess of pleasure and sin and had to be publicized with an air of mystery as to pique the curiosity of rich men, who would support her and ply her with expensive gifts. She was like a status symbol to those rich or titled men who competed for attention in society.Through the help of these men, she was "discovered" and many important men sought her favors in return for supporting her extremely well. Several courtesans were in favor and Elizabeth became competitive for patrons. Elizabeth, however, was very human, kind, helpful and loving to most of them. Although Elizabeth did bed each of those buddies, they flowed in and out of her life through the years, seeking her moral support, sympathy and advice.The reader becomes one with Elizabeth as she experienced sometimes happiness, sometimes grave disturbances, needs and love. Many realistic sexual scenes were described so that the reader was aware of the life of the courtesan, but with taste. All of the time I was reading this book, which named so many different lords, ladies, prominent men, I wondered if these events and people actually existed. At the end of the story, the author revealed her research, which made her story a truly historical novel. For those readers who enjoy history, romance, and drama, you will find this book entertaining, fascinating and informative.

I truly enjoyed this book. It is part Georgian Historical (takes place during George III's battle not to lose the American Colonies) and part biographical novel of the life of Elizabeth Fox, Queen of the Cypriots and wife of George Fox, a notable statesman. Elizabeth loses her brother and Mother to an epidemic that leaves her actor father blind. She takes care of him on the small amount he earns begging until she loses him one day. She is unable to find work and is care for by Mr. Armistead, a hairdresser and molly who is being blackmailed and needs to leave the country. She had fallen in love with him before she knew he was gay and with no other options, decides to let him go ahead with his plans to sell her to a good London bordello. She stays there five years and learns the difficulties and dangers facing a woman of her occupation. When she is thrown out through no fault of her own, she decides to make the best of it and wagers the men who caused her downfall to make her the best courtesan of her time and she becomes that through luck, self improvement, hard work and intelligence.Lizzy is as steadfast as her literature namesake and she is a women who has heart and warmth in a business where it is every woman for herself. Her breaking her own rule of never falling in love is surprising and dangerous. Rooting for Elizabeth to make it through the pitfalls of age, fortune and time is easy. The story never flags and the pace keep you interested. The whims of fortune that takes Elizabeth off the street and makes her a part of the great or important men of her time gives you a snapshot of the Georgian era. I cannot recommend this story enough.

Loved the beginning of the book. Hale writes a credible account of Georgian England, the plight of an unprotected girl that ends up with a predictable outcome. When I picked up the book, I had no idea I was reading an account of an actual historical figure. Life in the high priced brothel was both interesting and brutal, but the book lost steam when Elizabeth Armistead has her Eliza Doolittle moment. It became repetitive and I skimmed more than read the second half. Still, you can't deny the subject is fascinating and as it is based on truth, and interesting read.

I bought this book on a whim (the author was new to me) and then had doubts as to whether I could actually read it. Let me explain. I've read a number of historicals where the heroine was captured by pirates, sold into white slavery, forced to become a concubine, coerced to marry a monster, or sometimes even worse (I read a lot). Terrible horrors were visited on these women over a prolonged period. Graphic abuse of women is particularly difficult for me as a man, husband, & father to stomach (I offer no excuses). My brother is fond of saying, "You can't un-see something". These types of stories have haunted me dreadfully, so I now try to avoid them. Confessions of a Courtesan is not one of these books. In fact in many ways, this book is an antidote for these other stories. Bad things happen to Elizabeth, but this story is about recognizing the peril of one's situation and having the courage to do what has to be done, the immeasurable value of real friendships, and the salvation that true love offers. It is a wonderful story, told extremely well, while remaining true to actual people and events. I enjoyed this book immensely and would describe it as a must read. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I won't soon forget Elizabeth Armistead.