Slammerkin in Q & A with Emma Donoghue

Jun 10, 2011 Diane rated it liked it · review of another edition

Must start out by saying this is the second book I've read by Emma Donoghue, and I think she is a brilliant writer.

Slammerkin was one of the darkest and saddest books I have read. The book covers 3 years in the life of Mary Saunders, and takes place in the mid 1700's in London and, primarily, Monmouth. It should also be noted that according the author's note, it is based on a real person.

Mary's home in London is one of poverty; when she finds herself pregnant and disowned by her mother and ste ...more

8 likes · Like · see review

Oct 12, 2010 Judy rated it really liked it

Shelves: 21st-century-fiction

A slammerkin can mean either a loose dress or a loose woman. Emma Donoghue is a fine writer whose most recent novel, Room, was short listed for the Booker Prize of 2010. Recently I reviewed Room for BookBrowse and since I had never read anything by Donoghue, much less heard of her, I did a little homework.

This novel is historical fiction in the sub genre of prostitute tales, of which I have read my share. Memoirs of a Geisha, The Crimson Petal and the White, Forever Amber, come to mind. I am su
A slammerkin can mean either a loose dress or a loose woman. Emma Donoghue is a fine writer whose most recent novel, Room, was short listed for the Booker Prize of 2010. Recently I reviewed Room for BookBrowse and since I had never read anything by Donoghue, much less heard of her, I did a little homework.

This novel is historical fiction in the sub genre of prostitute tales, of which I have read my share. Memoirs of a Geisha, The Crimson Petal and the White, Forever Amber, come to mind. I am sure there are more. Donoghue adds her own twist.

Mary Saunders turned 14 in the slums of London, 1760. Her father was dead, her stepfather was not happy about having to feed her, her mother was a piecework seamstress whose eyes were going. Like many impoverished children, Mary had an eye for color, for glitter and shine. And though her father's wish that she be educated had been carried out at great hardship by Mary's mother, the young girl knew that her future was bleak.

Within months of that 14th birthday, Mary ran away and soon slipped into prostitution as a means to stay alive. Despite the disgusting aspects of her life style, for the first time she was having fun, wearing colorful and glittering gowns, having a best friend. Two years later Mary died by hanging, convicted of theft.

Slammerkin is a great read, due to fine historical details, atmosphere, characters and storytelling. Never dull, never overbearing in the details, yet always realistic, the novel captivated me. The twist is this: Mary had a loving mother, education, moral training and intelligence, but even with all that, she could not rise out of poverty, servitude or oppression. This novel makes you think about why that is and how it could possibly ever change for men or women.

Doll, a seasoned London prostitute only four years older than Mary, who met with a gruesome end, taught her friend three rules: Never give up your liberty. Clothes make the woman. Clothes are the greatest lie ever told. All true; still not enough. ...more

5 likes · Like · see review

Mar 21, 2011 Heather rated it liked it

Shelves: adult

This was a fairly good read. It was NOTHING like Room, in either plot or writing style, although it was still written well. The primary difference for me, besides everything about the story itself (this book takes place in 1700s England), was the pace. I tore through Room in about 1-2 days. This book was much denser and a slower read. It was more character-driven than plot-driven. I did enjoy it though, and it had interesting themes (well done, but not overly obnoxious or school-like) about powe ...more

Like · see review

Sep 25, 2011 Ruthie rated it liked it

Similar to The Dress Lodger and The Crimson The Petal and The White, based on scant historical facts. Avery unlikable heroine. The lack of facts would have allowed the author to create a more sympathetic main character, or at least one with understandable motives....

Like · see review

Jun 22, 2007 Robin rated it liked it

This book was probably better than 3 stars, it was just so darn stressful to read that I left feeling completely done with it. Having more distance from it might incite a more favorable opinion.

Like · see review

Mar 31, 2011 Pat Esposito rated it liked it

Powerful and disturbing account of a young girl's struggles. I remained hopeful for her/but knew from the prologue that the outcome was not a good one for her. Very Sad. ...more

Like · see review