Slammerkin

Slammerkin tells the story of teenaged Mary Saunders in 18th century London, who resorts to a life of selling her body in an effort to move past her working class, poverty stricken upbringing. The first thing I want to say is that Emma Donoghue is such a talented writer. I hadn’t read anything by her beforehand, but most will know her from Room. Donoghue excels in explaining details in unique, particular, and beautiful ways. I didn’t find any of the same old tired turning of phrases or plot points in this book. I had an idea of what Slammerkin would be about, and then it took me to a place I actually did not expect. If you’re a fan of the Hulu show Harlots, you’ll love Act 1 of this book as Mary learns the ropes of London whoring from Doll, the carpe diem-rough around the edges-boozing-beautiful in her own way-lady of the night. Mary not only lives with Doll, but looks to the older girl (about 10 years older, I think) as a role model. The intriguing thing about Mary throughout this book is that she doesn’t necessarily have strict ideas about what is good and what is evil, she simply does in order to get something or improve her lot in life. For example, it is seeing Doll with colorful clothing and a glossy red ribbon in her hair that “inspires” Mary to leave her poverty stricken existence behind. Mary sees the toil of her mother–making next to nothing doing little sewing jobs and knows that if she doesn’t do something drastically different, that that empty existence will be…

It's an interesting coincidence that I read "Slammerkin" shortly after "The Sociopath Next Door", that fascinating study of the 4% of individuals who simply do not have a conscience and who lie, cheat and take advantage of everyone they encounter in order to better themselves. Based on a true story, Slammerkin is the story of Mary Saunders who is a sociopath in England in the 1760s. I tend to enjoy well-researched historical fiction that makes you feel like you are living in the period in which it is set. I have read and enjoyed all of Edward Rutherfurd's books, for example. "Slammerkin" clearly has been researched very meticulously. There are many little details about life in 18th century London and Monmouth (on the Welsh border). I love to learn history without feeling that I am studying. The reader of this book does not get educated about major historical events and figures; rather, he or she becomes intimately acquainted with the hardscrabble existence of working class life in the 18th century, covering things like food, sanitation and transport (the details of how Mary traveled from London to Monmouth, for example, are fascinating. Especially the contrast with Google Maps today which shows the journey to take 2 hours and 43 minutes via the M4!) One of the major themes of Slammerkin is the disgustingly compelling story of 18th century prostitution. The unglamorous sex scenes emphasize the seediness. There are some amusing little incidents like the client known as "Mr…