In Review

21 November 2008 16:17 BST

Madam by Jenny Angell

Harper Collins (Avon), out now, paperback, 281pp, £6.99.

In a nutshell...

A Belle de Jour type memoir.

What's it all about?

A former call girl presents the life of her madam and friend, Peach, from Peach's perspective. It's a very honest account of the life of a madam and how she deals with her evolving ambitions and dreams while running a successful escort service. Although repetitive at times, Madam provides the reader with an insight to the seedy world of call girls, focussing more on the emotional consequences rather than the steamy details of the encounters with clients.

Who's it by?

Jeannette (Jenny) Angell became a call girl for three years whilst working as a teacher and college lecturer to resolve financial difficulties caused by an ex-lover. Her previous novel Call Girl was a successful autobiography written in a frank and articulate manner. She has written a handful of other novels including historical ones. Despite her life of vice, it appears that the author is a well grounded, intelligent, respected and just a "normal" woman.

As an example...

"It's a job. It's always been a job. I just used to romanticise it to the point of parody... and that's how I saw myself: Outlaw Peach, sexy and seductive, clever and compassionate, the Belle of Boston."

Likelihood of becoming a Hollywood blockbuster

Probably not, but then again, Belle de Jour's blogs were recently converted into the popular ITV series Secret Diary of a Call Girl. Madam could work well as a low-key chick flick.

What the others say

Of previous novel Call Girl:

"Writing from a sociologist's point of view, she takes time throughout her narrative to eloquently discuss these issues [oppression of women, mental health and general injustices in society], as well as making a heartfelt plea not to stereotype prostitutes." - amazon.co.uk

So is it any good?

It was sluggish at the start but became more interesting once the plot started unravelling. Madam most likely wouldn't be considered as appealing if it weren't based on a true story. It is repetitive at times and on the whole quite predictable. Nevertheless, it is honest and frank and provides a revealing insight into the life of a madam.

This will definitely attract the attention of Belle de Jour enthusiasts. However, those seeking raunchy details of erotic scenes will be disappointed. The role of madam is considered from a predominantly business point of view and only occasionally incorporates glimpses of the so-called glamorous side of elite escort agencies. The novel concentrates more on the personal turmoil of the double life led by Peach/Abby. By no means a gripping tale but worth a read if you get the chance.

5/10

Elise Pithouse