What do you think?
Rate this book
The Currency of Love
“This page-turning memoir of decadence and faith will resonate with seekers everywhere." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
In this courageous and inspiring memoir about personal freedom and spiritual empowerment, Jill Dodd “writes earnestly and refreshingly about learning many of life’s more difficult lessons the hard way” (Kirkus Reviews) through her journey from Paris model to Saudi billionaire’s harem wife to multi-million dollar business entrepreneur.
In the 1980s, Jill Dodd determined that her ticket out of an abusive home was to make it as a top model in Paris. Armed with only her desire for freedom and independence, she embarks on an epic journey that takes her to uncharted territory—the Parisian fashion industry with all its beautiful glamour and its ugly underbelly of sex, drugs, and excess. From there, Jill begins an eye-opening adventure that includes trips to Monte Carlo, sexual exploitation, and falling in love with one of the richest men in the world, agreeing to become one of his wives—until she finds the courage to walk away from it all and rebuild her dreams.
The Currency of Love is a raw, honest, and inspiring portrait of a young woman’s struggles and triumphs from fashion model to Saudi billionaire’s pleasure wife to founder and creator of global fashion line, ROXY. This modern memoir with a feminist fairy tale twist reveals how one woman chose to live her life without forfeiting her independence, ambition, creative expression, and free spirit, all while learning one invaluable lesson: nothing is worth the sacrifice of her integrity, inner peace, and spirit.
In this courageous and inspiring memoir about personal freedom and spiritual empowerment, Jill Dodd “writes earnestly and refreshingly about learning many of life’s more difficult lessons the hard way” (Kirkus Reviews) through her journey from Paris model to Saudi billionaire’s harem wife to multi-million dollar business entrepreneur.
In the 1980s, Jill Dodd determined that her ticket out of an abusive home was to make it as a top model in Paris. Armed with only her desire for freedom and independence, she embarks on an epic journey that takes her to uncharted territory—the Parisian fashion industry with all its beautiful glamour and its ugly underbelly of sex, drugs, and excess. From there, Jill begins an eye-opening adventure that includes trips to Monte Carlo, sexual exploitation, and falling in love with one of the richest men in the world, agreeing to become one of his wives—until she finds the courage to walk away from it all and rebuild her dreams.
The Currency of Love is a raw, honest, and inspiring portrait of a young woman’s struggles and triumphs from fashion model to Saudi billionaire’s pleasure wife to founder and creator of global fashion line, ROXY. This modern memoir with a feminist fairy tale twist reveals how one woman chose to live her life without forfeiting her independence, ambition, creative expression, and free spirit, all while learning one invaluable lesson: nothing is worth the sacrifice of her integrity, inner peace, and spirit.
320 pages, Paperback
Published June 19, 2018
41 people are currently reading
792 people want to read
About the author
Jill Dodd
8 books23 followersBorn and raised in Los Angeles, Jill Dodd is a writer and artist. She bridged the worlds of men's and women's surfing as the founder and designer of ROXY. After graduating from FIDM, she spent seventeen years as an American swimwear and sportswear designer. Prior to design, Jill was with Wilhelmina Models and appeared in Paris Vogue, Marie Claire, Glamour, Bazaar, Mademoiselle, Teen, French Cosmopolitan, among others. As a skilled painter, she joined the artist community in Laguna Canyon and now practices ceramics. She has spent the past seven years working on her memoir while raising her three children with her husband Jeff, in Northern California.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 8, 2017
via my blog https://bookstalkerblog.wordpress.com/
“I was a wide-eyed girl, excited to grow up and be independent. I didn’t have a clue that my natural instincts and protective inner voice had been destroyed. I didn’t know how to stand up for myself and say no- especially to someone in authority.”
Jill Dodd used modeling to escape her abusive past, little did she know she would end up as a Paris model and in love with a Saudi billionaire, becoming a part of his harem. Jill was innocent and wide-eyed in her youth, and this memoir reads in the voice of a young woman. As I read, it reminded me of just how vulnerable young women are, more so in a modeling career. There are stories about sexual encounters that became sexual assault, and that Jill didn’t know how to stand up for herself makes it that much harder to read. Dodd dips her toe into her childhood, the past a sort of shadow that reveals a form of sexual abuse that went on in her home. With a father that exposed his daughters to pornographic images, both parents expressing their sexuality inappropriately in front of their girls, it isn’t any wonder why Dodd didn’t know how to recognize abuse, or dangerous men. But I wondered why there wasn’t more writing about her childhood, it was more ‘touching on it’ rather than really exploring deeper into her early years. It was heartbreaking, thinking about the conflicting love she had for her father. During her time in Paris, the modeling dream is more of a nightmare. Later, sent to locations that are seedy, with no one looking out for her safety- this is an exposure of the dangerous side of modeling. Somehow, Jill Dodd learned to navigate this adult world on her own.
Enter the billionaire, it seemed like a Hollywood movie. There was a lot of love and jealousy, and assurances in the memoir that it wasn’t about money but how can it not be? It’s much easier to be romanced and seduced by the wealth, the very worldliness of such a man. As a woman of 41, I kept thinking ‘Adnan is a father figure’ she just doesn’t know it. It is hard not to see it as something seedy, an abuse of her youth and beauty, because while he was always open about what he wanted, expected from her, there is a huge difference between their ages, and class. How could Jill, in her vibrant youth, really understand what she is getting into? There is a naivete that is malleable in the young and as much as his money did for her, and it was a lot, there is still exploitation happening, no matter how pretty the package. Interesting that she still wanted to work, to be more than a kept pleasure wife. The heart of her soul was hungry to be able to stand on her own, even if that meant moving on. This man wasn’t the fairy-tale and he introduced her to things better left unexplored. Lavished with gifts, but at what cost? Can a woman really be loved, be free when she is one of many, kept for a man’s needs, at his convenience?
She decides to walk away from her lavish life with Adnan and go to fashion school with his financial support, in fact Jill Dodd went on to become the founder and creator of the ROXY fashion line. Here is where I wanted more about the transition and the success of her fashion line. I was surprised she didn’t write about it. I felt for a book about a young woman who finds herself, models, travels all over the world, shucks the fantasy life for a career there wasn’t enough about that side of her life. I felt she was guarded about her childhood, at turns revealing and then at other times as a reader I wondered…. and then what happened? This is an honest memoir about the rise of her modeling career, and she certainly doesn’t romanticize it from the frozen streets of Paris and the groping, lecherous behavior of men. The chapters are short and the timeline moves quickly. I wonder if there will be another memoir about her later years. I’d be interested in reading about her career as founder of ROXY and motherhood.
Publication Date: June 6, 2017
Atria Books
“I was a wide-eyed girl, excited to grow up and be independent. I didn’t have a clue that my natural instincts and protective inner voice had been destroyed. I didn’t know how to stand up for myself and say no- especially to someone in authority.”
Jill Dodd used modeling to escape her abusive past, little did she know she would end up as a Paris model and in love with a Saudi billionaire, becoming a part of his harem. Jill was innocent and wide-eyed in her youth, and this memoir reads in the voice of a young woman. As I read, it reminded me of just how vulnerable young women are, more so in a modeling career. There are stories about sexual encounters that became sexual assault, and that Jill didn’t know how to stand up for herself makes it that much harder to read. Dodd dips her toe into her childhood, the past a sort of shadow that reveals a form of sexual abuse that went on in her home. With a father that exposed his daughters to pornographic images, both parents expressing their sexuality inappropriately in front of their girls, it isn’t any wonder why Dodd didn’t know how to recognize abuse, or dangerous men. But I wondered why there wasn’t more writing about her childhood, it was more ‘touching on it’ rather than really exploring deeper into her early years. It was heartbreaking, thinking about the conflicting love she had for her father. During her time in Paris, the modeling dream is more of a nightmare. Later, sent to locations that are seedy, with no one looking out for her safety- this is an exposure of the dangerous side of modeling. Somehow, Jill Dodd learned to navigate this adult world on her own.
Enter the billionaire, it seemed like a Hollywood movie. There was a lot of love and jealousy, and assurances in the memoir that it wasn’t about money but how can it not be? It’s much easier to be romanced and seduced by the wealth, the very worldliness of such a man. As a woman of 41, I kept thinking ‘Adnan is a father figure’ she just doesn’t know it. It is hard not to see it as something seedy, an abuse of her youth and beauty, because while he was always open about what he wanted, expected from her, there is a huge difference between their ages, and class. How could Jill, in her vibrant youth, really understand what she is getting into? There is a naivete that is malleable in the young and as much as his money did for her, and it was a lot, there is still exploitation happening, no matter how pretty the package. Interesting that she still wanted to work, to be more than a kept pleasure wife. The heart of her soul was hungry to be able to stand on her own, even if that meant moving on. This man wasn’t the fairy-tale and he introduced her to things better left unexplored. Lavished with gifts, but at what cost? Can a woman really be loved, be free when she is one of many, kept for a man’s needs, at his convenience?
She decides to walk away from her lavish life with Adnan and go to fashion school with his financial support, in fact Jill Dodd went on to become the founder and creator of the ROXY fashion line. Here is where I wanted more about the transition and the success of her fashion line. I was surprised she didn’t write about it. I felt for a book about a young woman who finds herself, models, travels all over the world, shucks the fantasy life for a career there wasn’t enough about that side of her life. I felt she was guarded about her childhood, at turns revealing and then at other times as a reader I wondered…. and then what happened? This is an honest memoir about the rise of her modeling career, and she certainly doesn’t romanticize it from the frozen streets of Paris and the groping, lecherous behavior of men. The chapters are short and the timeline moves quickly. I wonder if there will be another memoir about her later years. I’d be interested in reading about her career as founder of ROXY and motherhood.
Publication Date: June 6, 2017
Atria Books
May 24, 2017
Once I got into this book about Jill Dodd's early days on her career path, I got so involved I didn't want to stop for sleep. But I forced myself when I couldn't hold my eyes open any longer. I just enjoyed her retelling of the crazy things that kept happening in Paris, and how it eventually grew on her so much that it felt like home. I love the determination and inspiration of her story and feel it's one that many of today's young women could benefit from reading. I believe that many people given the same choices would have taken (what appeared to be) the easy way and chosen the rich man and his money. I think she left plenty to tell for another book yet too and would enjoy hearing more from her. My thanks to NetGalley, Atria/Enliven Books and the author for providing an ARC in return for an honest review.
May 3, 2017
I know this sounds cliche, but I really couldn't put it down! Started reading late one night and stayed up into the morning just so I could finish the Currency of Love. Not only was I inspired by Dodd's passion and drive for her career, but also by her refreshingly honest account. As a woman working in the fashion industry, I applaud her for always staying true to herself, and for writing a book that touches on the tenacity required to truly choose your own path.
May 3, 2017
This story is real, it feels real, it is delivered from a friend to a friend. It's from the heart. And what a story - fantastic, larger-than-life, completely out of my realm, yet so much like my life in so many ways. Gotta read it.
May 6, 2017
The Currency of Love is a page-turning tale of female empowerment. With the current state of the world, the messages in this inspiring memoir are exactly what women need right now.—Christine Bronstein, Nothing But The Truth Publishing
May 3, 2017
Wow, an incredible story, brimming with adventure, boldness, flair, and heart. Highly recommended to readers of all literary propensities. Dodd's tightly crafted, epic narrative cannot be missed!
October 1, 2017
As I grew up in the same era as the author, I could relate completely to the cultural practices of the time that meant women weren't educated in the ways of the world, were generally thought of as clueless, and as a result perceived as sex objects unworthy of education. Worthwhile reading especially if you are a young woman with the idea that what's worthwhile in life is how you look and who you're seen with. Also worthwhile reading if you have a little more ambition for your life beyond how you look and who you're seen with!!
March 27, 2018
Pleasant surprise! Insightful
I was pleasantly surprised by this book! Well written, it's a coming of age book describing a soul's journey from the fake temptations of life, to a deeper, richer life. Perhaps experience is the only teacher to convey true wisdom, but everything has a price. And Jill paid the price.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book! Well written, it's a coming of age book describing a soul's journey from the fake temptations of life, to a deeper, richer life. Perhaps experience is the only teacher to convey true wisdom, but everything has a price. And Jill paid the price.
August 3, 2017
A very interesting read, but I was hoping that there would be more about how she founded Roxy and the path after her time in the harem.
December 23, 2017
Very thought provoking...love comes in many forms, although some cost you way more.
October 31, 2023
Loved it! I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book. But it’s a true story so I thought I would give it a try. It was inspirational. At first I was like, “oh girl, no!” But as I kept reading I realized how she was a young woman with insecurities like we all have at her age, but she was also determined and strong willed. I don’t want to give spoilers. All I can say is if you are hesitant to read it, don’t be, just buy it. You will like it. Especially if you are a woman.
January 7, 2018
Let me begin by disclosing that I know very little about modeling, fashion or Paris, yet still found this book to be very captivating and finished it in three sittings. Ms. Dodd’s story telling is like a virtual reality experience which puts you there alongside her both externally and with her internal struggles. The 1st half of the book speaks to how her childhood left scars on her young adulthood in the fashion modeling industry in Europe. The 2nd half of the book dives into her relationship with Mr. Adnan Khashoggi.
The 1st half of the book really opens up that in the late 70s and early 80s, there was so much of a sense of an entitlement within the fashion industry with the overload of male designers and photographers. 30 years later and the last few months have shown us with the #MeToo movement that unfortunately not much has changed with that male misogyny dynamic. Ms. Dodd has common themes of always sticking up for herself to the point where it cost her standing and opportunity in the industry. She speaks to her sense of determination and continuing to earn her stripes and grind it out.
The 2nd half of the book really makes you ask yourself “What would I do?” as her dealings with Mr. Khashoggi were really a once in a lifetime opportunity. You find yourself putting yourself in her shoes as well as his as she tastefully and maturely takes you down the journey of their relationship. If ‘the world’ was being offered to you, would you take it? Ms. Dodd’s focus on her own successes and a commitment to academia leaves you inspired with a real sense of admiration for her. The Pleasure Wife / Harem journey she takes you on really forces an examination of what love is really, and what a relationship truly is.
A great book of perseverance, love, and the definition of wealth that leaves you wanting more in terms of the 2nd half of her life journey. Hopefully we will see that shared in the coming years.
The 1st half of the book really opens up that in the late 70s and early 80s, there was so much of a sense of an entitlement within the fashion industry with the overload of male designers and photographers. 30 years later and the last few months have shown us with the #MeToo movement that unfortunately not much has changed with that male misogyny dynamic. Ms. Dodd has common themes of always sticking up for herself to the point where it cost her standing and opportunity in the industry. She speaks to her sense of determination and continuing to earn her stripes and grind it out.
The 2nd half of the book really makes you ask yourself “What would I do?” as her dealings with Mr. Khashoggi were really a once in a lifetime opportunity. You find yourself putting yourself in her shoes as well as his as she tastefully and maturely takes you down the journey of their relationship. If ‘the world’ was being offered to you, would you take it? Ms. Dodd’s focus on her own successes and a commitment to academia leaves you inspired with a real sense of admiration for her. The Pleasure Wife / Harem journey she takes you on really forces an examination of what love is really, and what a relationship truly is.
A great book of perseverance, love, and the definition of wealth that leaves you wanting more in terms of the 2nd half of her life journey. Hopefully we will see that shared in the coming years.
June 24, 2019
This story is both glamorous and relatable. Like many other readers, I would have liked to have seen it continue on into the early days of Roxy, but it's still quite gripping as it is.
As always, I have arranged my takeaway thoughts into a haiku"
"Nothing's more painful
Than learning how cheaply bought
You let yourself be."
As always, I have arranged my takeaway thoughts into a haiku"
"Nothing's more painful
Than learning how cheaply bought
You let yourself be."
December 17, 2017
A fascinating and beautiful memoir. Highly recommend.
February 27, 2018
I couldn’t put this book down. It was fascinating.
March 12, 2018
I couldn’t put the book down! First book I read in years and was instantly intrigued! Finished in 3 days whilst on a cruise!
December 6, 2024
Engaging Memoir with Abrupt Ending
I found this book grabbed me (in part bc the author and I overlapped in Paris, so I recognize the city at that time) and I eagerly anticipated getting more of the story.
We definitely see the growth and strength Dodd experiences, although she gives us a mostly surface level glimpse. And then, all of a sudden, not THAT far ahead, we're at the epilogue some 30 years later. What?
Yes, it sounds extreme to say one was in a harem, but the author gives us nothing of how she left that behind and her path after. Just, yup, I have kids and I've been married 3 times, it's great.
Would have liked to experience more of the journey and growth. But I did enjoy the book.
I found this book grabbed me (in part bc the author and I overlapped in Paris, so I recognize the city at that time) and I eagerly anticipated getting more of the story.
We definitely see the growth and strength Dodd experiences, although she gives us a mostly surface level glimpse. And then, all of a sudden, not THAT far ahead, we're at the epilogue some 30 years later. What?
Yes, it sounds extreme to say one was in a harem, but the author gives us nothing of how she left that behind and her path after. Just, yup, I have kids and I've been married 3 times, it's great.
Would have liked to experience more of the journey and growth. But I did enjoy the book.
September 3, 2021
I read /the Currency of Love/, by Jill Dodd:
https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-...
Jill Dodd met Adnan Khashoggi at Le Pirate in the South of France, and became one of his pleasure wives.
In Saudi Arabia, you can have 3 legal wives and 11 pleasure wives.
I wonder what the legal wives are for?
Further, if you have the money, as Khashoggi does, why stop at 11?
Does each one also play a position on your football (soccer) team?
They should set it up like baseball rosters, where you can rotate them in and out, 25 at a time.
But I digress.
This book provided fascinating insights in to the life of Adnan Khashoggi.
https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-...
Jill Dodd met Adnan Khashoggi at Le Pirate in the South of France, and became one of his pleasure wives.
In Saudi Arabia, you can have 3 legal wives and 11 pleasure wives.
I wonder what the legal wives are for?
Further, if you have the money, as Khashoggi does, why stop at 11?
Does each one also play a position on your football (soccer) team?
They should set it up like baseball rosters, where you can rotate them in and out, 25 at a time.
But I digress.
This book provided fascinating insights in to the life of Adnan Khashoggi.
February 24, 2023
I loved this story of strength and growth. What an amazing woman and what an interesting life.
“The greatest gift that Adnan ever gave me was the understanding that wealth will never make me happier or more peaceful then I am without it. Beyond solving the problems of food, shelter, and healthcare, it doesn’t change the way I feel inside. It doesn’t automatically solve my problems or bring me inner peace, love, or joy. It only gives me short spurts of physical satisfaction that leave me hungry for more and make me obsess over filling the ever widening gap in my heart. It makes me even more aware that something is missing.”
“The greatest gift that Adnan ever gave me was the understanding that wealth will never make me happier or more peaceful then I am without it. Beyond solving the problems of food, shelter, and healthcare, it doesn’t change the way I feel inside. It doesn’t automatically solve my problems or bring me inner peace, love, or joy. It only gives me short spurts of physical satisfaction that leave me hungry for more and make me obsess over filling the ever widening gap in my heart. It makes me even more aware that something is missing.”
November 29, 2020
I loved this book for many reasons, it's easy to read, rather unbelievable, and finally, a walk down memory lane! I have a lot in common with Jill as I, too, was a fashion model with Paris Planning in the early '80s. Some of the experiences Jill had, I had too, although I never was a pleasure wife in a harem.....fortunately!
September 21, 2025
The things that Jill had to do to escape her past and other life situations and make it in this world is fascinating. The subcultures that exist in certain jobs and /or circles is shocking. I found Jill so brave and I loved hearing how she found her voice more and more. I’d love to read the second half of this story someday.
December 24, 2019
Absolutely loved this book, couldn’t put it down. Her life is insanely unique and interesting.
August 21, 2021
I expected more
November 23, 2021
I applaud Jill for writing this, but can't believe someone would be so open about being so ignorant about literally everything.
April 14, 2017
I feel like I missed a chunk - I wanted more of the entrepreneurship but it was otherwise decent.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews