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How Could You Do It, Mum?
What kind of a woman would sell her own child? A monster. Tess was just eleven years old when her mother sold her to a rich elderly man. Grace ran a brothel in Croydon and she plunged her young daughter into a terrifying world of sex and depravity. Grace was absolutely ruthless in her pursuit of money and had a toxic mix of low cunning and high ambition. Dangerous criminals visited the brothel every day, and Tess was exposed to things no little girl should see. A timid child who longed for her mother's love, she grew up in a world of unimaginable horrors with no one to turn to. Her mother ensured that Tess followed her footsteps and began selling herself. She later opened a brothel too, but became known for looking after her girls and running it as cleanly and as fairly as she could. Along the way she encountered some fascinating characters, including Christine Keeler, the Kray twins and Myra Hindley, as well as numerous well-known actors and politicians. Amazingly, after such a horrendous start in life, Tess has left prostitution and completely turned her life around. HOW COULD YOU DO IT, MUM? offers readers a heart-wrenching and shocking insight into a criminal underworld and is a compelling account of one woman's recovery from the ultimate betrayal.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2008
17 people are currently reading
880 people want to read
About the author
Tess Stevens
3 books5 followersTess Stevens was born and brought up in South London in her mother's brothel. Her early life was a grim cycle of emotional abuse and exposure to an adult sexual world. She worked in the sex industry all her life until five years ago when she finally broke away and she now lives with her partner in Sussex.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 7, 2017
2.5
How can I even write about this?!
The story is about Tess a British girl who grew up in a brothel managed by her mother who at time of need would sell her own child to old men to be abused sexually.
Would I recommend this to anyone?
No!!
why only 2.5 stars?
when Tess was young I really sympathized with her:
1-being locked up in her room with all her siblings for very long hours while her mom had her "parties"
2-also not knowing who her father is
3-and most importantly being sent off with old men who would abuse her sexually and take photos of her naked
at that point I really really felt bad for her and hated her mother.
BUT why didn't Tess change her life to a better one? how can I sympathize with her when she:
1- during the time when her mom didn't send her to old men, she herself let boys in the cinema sexually use her?
2- she became a shoplifter, even though she said how much she hated that when her mother asked to shoplift.
3-and it's beyond unimaginable that Tess of all people opened a brothel years later! *WTH?*
I also hated the last part so bad because:
1-it was soooo fast paced, unlike the much detailed and slow paced first part of the book
2-it felt like: 50 ways you can Insult yourself and make sure you hit rock bottom
3- a combination of Orange is the New Black and 50 Shades of Grey
4- I also wanted to know more about her other siblings, she only mentioned her sister Jess who died of an overdose. but what about the other siblings?
I feel confused and don't want to judge Tess, after all she had the most unusual upcoming which must have had a role in her life choices.
..........................
you know that feeling when you go into the book store to get a specific book and end up buying a totally different collection of books instead. that was one of those books, I started reading this in the book store and couldn't not take it with me *I feel bad bc. I have sooo many unfinished books that I'm currently reading*
How can I even write about this?!
The story is about Tess a British girl who grew up in a brothel managed by her mother who at time of need would sell her own child to old men to be abused sexually.
Would I recommend this to anyone?
No!!
why only 2.5 stars?
when Tess was young I really sympathized with her:
1-being locked up in her room with all her siblings for very long hours while her mom had her "parties"
2-also not knowing who her father is
3-and most importantly being sent off with old men who would abuse her sexually and take photos of her naked
at that point I really really felt bad for her and hated her mother.
BUT why didn't Tess change her life to a better one? how can I sympathize with her when she:
1- during the time when her mom didn't send her to old men, she herself let boys in the cinema sexually use her?
2- she became a shoplifter, even though she said how much she hated that when her mother asked to shoplift.
3-and it's beyond unimaginable that Tess of all people opened a brothel years later! *WTH?*
I also hated the last part so bad because:
1-it was soooo fast paced, unlike the much detailed and slow paced first part of the book
2-it felt like: 50 ways you can Insult yourself and make sure you hit rock bottom
3- a combination of Orange is the New Black and 50 Shades of Grey
4- I also wanted to know more about her other siblings, she only mentioned her sister Jess who died of an overdose. but what about the other siblings?
I feel confused and don't want to judge Tess, after all she had the most unusual upcoming which must have had a role in her life choices.
..........................
you know that feeling when you go into the book store to get a specific book and end up buying a totally different collection of books instead. that was one of those books, I started reading this in the book store and couldn't not take it with me *I feel bad bc. I have sooo many unfinished books that I'm currently reading*
January 12, 2023
I don't actually read very many non fiction/memoir type books in any one year, but I'm sort of glad I picked this up because it was very good.
A monster of a mother, who took the eldest of her five children, eleven year old Tess, and plunged her into a world, that no child should ever have to be subjected to, a world of depravity and sex.
Grace ran a brothel in Croydon, South London. A woman with an obsession for money, and ruthless ways of getting it.
Tess a timid, and somewhat plain child, whose only longing was to be loved, most especially by her mother, grew up in an environment of unimaginable horrors, coming into contact with dangerous criminals, on an almost daily basis.
After such a childhood, it was almost inevitable, that Tess herself would follow in her mother's footsteps, and after a time of selling herself, opened her own brothel.
Eventually Tess left her life of prostitution behind her, but not before a few stints in prison for hoisting, and several beatings, from people whom she had in fact formed close and supposedly loving relationships with.
A shocking but never the less compelling read.
A monster of a mother, who took the eldest of her five children, eleven year old Tess, and plunged her into a world, that no child should ever have to be subjected to, a world of depravity and sex.
Grace ran a brothel in Croydon, South London. A woman with an obsession for money, and ruthless ways of getting it.
Tess a timid, and somewhat plain child, whose only longing was to be loved, most especially by her mother, grew up in an environment of unimaginable horrors, coming into contact with dangerous criminals, on an almost daily basis.
After such a childhood, it was almost inevitable, that Tess herself would follow in her mother's footsteps, and after a time of selling herself, opened her own brothel.
Eventually Tess left her life of prostitution behind her, but not before a few stints in prison for hoisting, and several beatings, from people whom she had in fact formed close and supposedly loving relationships with.
A shocking but never the less compelling read.
May 23, 2008
I think the book's quite well written and I like the attitude of the characters in it.
However I changed my mind about how many stars I give this book because at the very end the narrator seemed to 'dump' all the troubles she's ever had in life, almost every bad choices that she's made herself, even those made after she's became an independent adult, onto her mother's lap...
which I think is highly unfair. I even actually quite admire the mother's character. And she (the mother) can't be that bad. My impression of the mother was that she's a very strong woman... shrewd and manipulative with flaws here and there, I agree to that. But I can still get a tell tale signs of motherhood instincts coming out on several occasions (almost contrary to what was then later stated in the book) and no one can help about being human.
So, one star less for slagging off the strong and resourceful mother.
However I changed my mind about how many stars I give this book because at the very end the narrator seemed to 'dump' all the troubles she's ever had in life, almost every bad choices that she's made herself, even those made after she's became an independent adult, onto her mother's lap...
which I think is highly unfair. I even actually quite admire the mother's character. And she (the mother) can't be that bad. My impression of the mother was that she's a very strong woman... shrewd and manipulative with flaws here and there, I agree to that. But I can still get a tell tale signs of motherhood instincts coming out on several occasions (almost contrary to what was then later stated in the book) and no one can help about being human.
So, one star less for slagging off the strong and resourceful mother.
October 25, 2012
This is a tremendous story of triumph. I think that the people who are saying ‘the mother was resourceful’ should be ashamed of themselves; the mother was physically and emotionally abusive. This child was sexually abused because of her mother; there is no excuse for that! A child should never be left alone with a man who is a pedophile and a man who is paying to be left alone with that child! If the mother was in need of money why not prostitute herself rather than her child…the emotional dumping and pain she shows at the end of the book that’s core is her mother, is warranted. Because you cannot have a childhood like this and not feel the effects in adult hood.
The mother was a sadist with a narcissistic personality her whole relationship with her daughter was only to control her. I study Social science and criminology at uni and found this to be a really good read in terms of my studies.
The mother was a sadist with a narcissistic personality her whole relationship with her daughter was only to control her. I study Social science and criminology at uni and found this to be a really good read in terms of my studies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2012
I agree with one of the reviews.. I thought that at the end, the authoress shouldn't blame everything on her mother. She did show her love, like when she went after the man John after she realised that he abused her daughter. I hope she reads this. Anyway, I was appalled at the violence. I can't imagine that there is such violence between couples.
March 8, 2010
Brainwashed her own daughter and pimping her to sick men. I actually have no idea what is going on in the mother's mind.
June 28, 2025
Book Review: Sold by Tess Stevens
This book gripped me from the very first page and refused to let go. Sold by Tess Stevens is a raw, unsettling account of a life shaped by betrayal of the worst kind—a mother selling her own child to the sex industry.
Tess’s story is as horrifying as it is fascinating, pulling back the curtain on a hidden world I never knew existed, shockingly set in the very city where I grew up. It's disturbing to think that such cruelty and darkness could exist so close, completely unseen.
As a young, vulnerable girl desperate for her mother’s love, Tess was thrown into an unimaginable nightmare—a life surrounded by dangerous men, crime, and exploitation. What’s truly remarkable, though, is not only the insight this book gives into that grim underworld but also Tess’s extraordinary strength. Despite her brutal start in life, she managed to break free and build something entirely different for herself.
Through her eyes, we meet infamous names and notorious figures—faces from the headlines woven into the fabric of this hidden society—and see a side of London few will ever know.
It’s a tough, often disturbing read, but one I couldn’t put down. Fascinating in its revelations and deeply unsettling in its truth, Sold is a powerful reminder of what goes on behind closed doors and the incredible resilience of the human spirit.
This book gripped me from the very first page and refused to let go. Sold by Tess Stevens is a raw, unsettling account of a life shaped by betrayal of the worst kind—a mother selling her own child to the sex industry.
Tess’s story is as horrifying as it is fascinating, pulling back the curtain on a hidden world I never knew existed, shockingly set in the very city where I grew up. It's disturbing to think that such cruelty and darkness could exist so close, completely unseen.
As a young, vulnerable girl desperate for her mother’s love, Tess was thrown into an unimaginable nightmare—a life surrounded by dangerous men, crime, and exploitation. What’s truly remarkable, though, is not only the insight this book gives into that grim underworld but also Tess’s extraordinary strength. Despite her brutal start in life, she managed to break free and build something entirely different for herself.
Through her eyes, we meet infamous names and notorious figures—faces from the headlines woven into the fabric of this hidden society—and see a side of London few will ever know.
It’s a tough, often disturbing read, but one I couldn’t put down. Fascinating in its revelations and deeply unsettling in its truth, Sold is a powerful reminder of what goes on behind closed doors and the incredible resilience of the human spirit.
October 2, 2024
A mother, who run a brothel at Croydon, South London took the eldest of her 5 children and plunged into the world of depravity and sex. Most of them were criminals, and Tess was exposed to things that no little girl should see. Tess who longed to be loved grew up in an unimaginable horror environment whereby there's no one to turn to.
Tess longing of love is described as:
" It's like dying of thirst in the desert. You think your time is up, then someone dribbles water into your mouth. You revive, take heart and are thankful to your rescuer. Then you go to take another drink, but they keep back the water. The water you need, to live. You're desperate, and then they relent and give you another dribble, and you're so grateful."
2 less starts rating because the descriptions of the story at the back part was too fast paced. Tess had dumped all the troubles that she experienced into her mother's fault and yet at last she still followed along her mother's footstep in operating a brothel too.
Tess longing of love is described as:
" It's like dying of thirst in the desert. You think your time is up, then someone dribbles water into your mouth. You revive, take heart and are thankful to your rescuer. Then you go to take another drink, but they keep back the water. The water you need, to live. You're desperate, and then they relent and give you another dribble, and you're so grateful."
2 less starts rating because the descriptions of the story at the back part was too fast paced. Tess had dumped all the troubles that she experienced into her mother's fault and yet at last she still followed along her mother's footstep in operating a brothel too.
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July 22, 2024It feels so wrong to rate this book by stars due to how horrible the story of Tess's life was...
The execution of the story is good but a lot of times i really don't know what to feel abt the characters.
I empathize so much with Tess but at the same time I could not relate to alot of things as of why she didn't try to break the chain when she wasn't living with her mum already. But one not in the shoes wouldn't know so... :/
I wish upon no one to live this life the way Tess did.
The execution of the story is good but a lot of times i really don't know what to feel abt the characters.
I empathize so much with Tess but at the same time I could not relate to alot of things as of why she didn't try to break the chain when she wasn't living with her mum already. But one not in the shoes wouldn't know so... :/
I wish upon no one to live this life the way Tess did.
January 24, 2018
This was very disturbing for me; I stopped reading halfway.
However, it was very, very well-written to the point where I felt extremely disturbed by the images and emotions, I couldn't take it.
However, it was very, very well-written to the point where I felt extremely disturbed by the images and emotions, I couldn't take it.
January 26, 2024
Absolutely heartbreaking.
February 12, 2024
Fantastic story of a brave strong woman
May 30, 2025
A harrowing read. Feels rushed at the end.
June 7, 2025
What can I say about this very disturbing book? 1: how to destroy a girl's life in 4-5 easy ways......2: some women should just never have children.....3: how can they do it??????
March 19, 2009
I'm not sure how to go about reviewing this book. It's not a story, it's real life. It's terrible what happened to Tess when she was younger. Her mother was... there isn't a word strong enough that isn't bad language. Detail is giving all the way through the book, even during the dreadful events of her life, but she doesn't go into too much detail. One can almost turn the page and try hard not to think about it, like Tess does herself, but it's so disturbing.
The emotion in this book is so strong, you can feel Tess' fear, her worry, her sadness. You can understand how she wants her mother to love her, but despair at what she puts herself hrough to try and gain it. The brainwash her mother puts her through, you just want to slap her.
An example; Grace covers her leg in lipstick, and wraps bandages round it, and tells Tess that God is punishing her for being a bad mother - because she must be if her daughter doesn't love her enough that she keeps visiting the lady upstairs and loves her instead. Her leg will bleed and bleed until she dies, unless Tess promises not to visit the lady upstairs anymore, and to love her mother. When she does, a miracle takes place, and God turns the injury into lipstick. It's disgusting.
Tess has had such an awful life, and reading all the things she had to go through made me so emotional. It's an eye opener for people to realise how normal - not lucky - we are who live good lives and have loving families.
The emotion in this book is so strong, you can feel Tess' fear, her worry, her sadness. You can understand how she wants her mother to love her, but despair at what she puts herself hrough to try and gain it. The brainwash her mother puts her through, you just want to slap her.
An example; Grace covers her leg in lipstick, and wraps bandages round it, and tells Tess that God is punishing her for being a bad mother - because she must be if her daughter doesn't love her enough that she keeps visiting the lady upstairs and loves her instead. Her leg will bleed and bleed until she dies, unless Tess promises not to visit the lady upstairs anymore, and to love her mother. When she does, a miracle takes place, and God turns the injury into lipstick. It's disgusting.
Tess has had such an awful life, and reading all the things she had to go through made me so emotional. It's an eye opener for people to realise how normal - not lucky - we are who live good lives and have loving families.
June 1, 2010
DO NOT READ THIS UNLESS YOU HAVE READ THE BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
While I really liked hearing about the authors childhood it seems her adult life could have made just as much if not more of a fascinating read. This was not the misery story I was expecting, although yes she had some bad things happen to her and her mother was mentally abusive, the story was pretty interesting. I mean it's not everday you find a memoir of growing up in a brothel!
While I really liked hearing about the authors childhood it seems her adult life could have made just as much if not more of a fascinating read. This was not the misery story I was expecting, although yes she had some bad things happen to her and her mother was mentally abusive, the story was pretty interesting. I mean it's not everday you find a memoir of growing up in a brothel!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2011
Despite the terrible life this poor child had it is a relatively easy read, sounds odd I know but it is written in quite a matter of fact way. I have to say I thought it would be quite a horrific read, but it was not as bad as I expected. It is a good demonstration of emotional abuse at it's worst and you just can't imagine being treated like that by the person who is supposed to love you the most.
December 21, 2012
A heart breaking true story about a girl whose life was manipulated by her strong-willed, and perverse, mother. Tesses mother used her house as a place for hookers to meet with punters, a place to sell stolen goods and use her daughters feelings and desperation to guilt her into a life of crime and selling herself.
Tess managed to carve a life of happiness and stability for herself in the end with the love an support of her beloved partner.
Tess managed to carve a life of happiness and stability for herself in the end with the love an support of her beloved partner.
May 25, 2012
Tragic story of a young girls involvement in her mothers dark world of prostitution. I wasn't completely drawn in and found it hard to have an emotional involvement with the book due to the writing style I think. Still, an interesting read with the detail of her experience that kept me interested to the end.
July 25, 2014
Didn't really like the book but it's crazy how her life was like! Makes me really appreciate how much protection my mother has given me since I was a kid. I, too, don't understand why would Mother do such things to Tess despite showing love and care at some point in time. I truly hope Carol will be nice to Tess till the very end.
May 5, 2014
This book was a completely new experience for me. How easy it was to be sold. How absolutely disgusting and terrifying is was. I found it unexpected and well-made, the narrative was more to a " story" feeling rather than a documentary feeling. I absolutely recommend to people who are not easily disgusted, and to those that wants to go beyond the borders of normal, and enter a parallel universe.
January 27, 2014
The only reason I am giving this 3 stars is because it is real life. No heroes or princesses or evil witches (so to speak). Miss Stevens is able to relive all her memories in a delicate way, all the reader has to remember is that times were of course different to this day & age. I would shake her hand & congratulate on the fact she always held her head high.
July 24, 2015
I was drawn to this book due to it being non fiction, and as I love to hear about people that turn their lives around and overcome bad situations that they end up in. This was another emotional read. These brave people deserve their story to be read. Inspiring.
November 22, 2010
5* good read
May 18, 2011
Didn't really like this book. Thought the author was insane to go through all she went through with her mother, just to get her mother's love.
September 8, 2011
terrible story - well writted so easy to read- lost me in last part of the book as could no longer empathise with author. Not for everyone
December 29, 2013
Not an easy read, especially at Christmas time :-( Very honestly written though and a happier ending at least.
August 29, 2013
Just finished reading this book, at first it took awhile to get into it but it soon became a book I cudnt put down!!
October 26, 2015
The book is very exciting. I recommend you the book.
June 8, 2014
Completely love this book !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews