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Confessions of a Courtesan
Scandalous but True! From the harsh streets of 18th century London, Lizzie Cane rose to become the most successful and sought-after courtesan in England! Mistress of earls, dukes and even the young Prince of Wales, she lived an exciting luxurious life that was not without its perils. A single misstep could spell disaster! Then, at the height of her career, she risked everything she had struggled to gain by breaking the courtesan's cardinal rule...Never fall in love!
302 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
July 10, 2018
Loved the beginning of the book. Hale writes a credible account of Georgian England, the plight of an unprotected girl that ends up with a predictable outcome. When I picked up the book, I had no idea I was reading an account of an actual historical figure. Life in the high priced brothel was both interesting and brutal, but the book lost steam when Elizabeth Armistead has her Eliza Doolittle moment. It became repetitive and I skimmed more than read the second half. Still, you can't deny the subject is fascinating and as it is based on truth, an interesting read.
March 29, 2014
This little gem was a complete surprise to me. Having never heard of the author (of course she was writing under a pseudonym) and having obtained the book as a free kindle book, I had very low expectations. In fact, I believed it would probably be yet another "50 Shades" copycat, just set in a different time. Since it seemed to have good reviews, though, I gave it a try.
Although I started reading this one because I was looking to waste some time, the book caught my interest from the start, with a straightforward writing style and characters and settings that were colorful and interesting. It also piqued my interest that the characters were based on real people. I had never heard of any of the "famous" people in the story, however, I learned a great deal and at the end of the book, was left with a desire to learn more.
Yes, there was sex, but not nearly as much as in the average romance novel these days....and it was woven into the rest of the story very skillfully. I had expected that the sex would be a great majority of the book, just based on the title/subject matter, but I found that the personalities and relationships were fascinating and the sex was just a part of the whole story.
Throughout the book, as Elizabeth maintained her friendships with "the guys", I wondered if she would end up with one of them. I was sad that she had true love for such a short time, so glad her life ended as it did and felt bereft when the book ended.
I wish I could have met them all.
Although I started reading this one because I was looking to waste some time, the book caught my interest from the start, with a straightforward writing style and characters and settings that were colorful and interesting. It also piqued my interest that the characters were based on real people. I had never heard of any of the "famous" people in the story, however, I learned a great deal and at the end of the book, was left with a desire to learn more.
Yes, there was sex, but not nearly as much as in the average romance novel these days....and it was woven into the rest of the story very skillfully. I had expected that the sex would be a great majority of the book, just based on the title/subject matter, but I found that the personalities and relationships were fascinating and the sex was just a part of the whole story.
Throughout the book, as Elizabeth maintained her friendships with "the guys", I wondered if she would end up with one of them. I was sad that she had true love for such a short time, so glad her life ended as it did and felt bereft when the book ended.
I wish I could have met them all.
February 2, 2014
An unusual mix of historical fiction in a Courtesan story semi - based on real historical figures, is my understanding. I enjoyed the book very much for a change from my usual true crime genre, following the fortunes of a woman who takes her future in hand by becoming a courtesan, and does quite well at it for some time. But of course there are the invariable plot twists!
August 31, 2023
Author AKA Deborah Hale. Historical fiction/romance set in late 18th century England. Rated writing 3 stars although would rate the audio narration by Gabrielle Baker 4 stars.
February 25, 2014
This book has lots and lots of sex, but it's no romance novel.
Elizabeth Armistead was one the most famed "fallen women" of the Georgian era. This novel based on the life of Armistead is, at first, fascinating but quickly devolves for me into a distasteful but well told examination of the many conquests of a prostitute/nymphomaniac.
Whore. Armistead, in this imagining of her life, confronts the reality of just what she is during her first job, which also is the first time she has sex. Confronted it, she did, and she found herself OK with her choice. That's an 18-year-old for you. They are so certain.
I enjoyed the many details of how a brothel was run in the 18th century. Selling a girl's virginity many times over required the use of a concoction that was "always brewing in the kitchen." It allegedly tightened a woman's passage, giving the impression of virginity. A drop of blood on the sheets was easy enough to procure.
Armistead makes great friends, all playboys who grew up with a silver spoon and have all the "fashionable" connections. They launch her career as the most sought-after prostitute of her time, and reinforced the central idea of the book: It is friendship, not romantic love, which is the ultimate human interaction. Love, Armistead preferred to be measured in costly presents and bank notes.
It's well written, just not my taste. I found it hard to reach the end. I kept thinking, well, at least she's a nymphomaniac; that's got to make being a hooker a hell of a lot easier, appropriate even.
I give it 2 1/4 stars, rounding down.
Elizabeth Armistead was one the most famed "fallen women" of the Georgian era. This novel based on the life of Armistead is, at first, fascinating but quickly devolves for me into a distasteful but well told examination of the many conquests of a prostitute/nymphomaniac.
Whore. Armistead, in this imagining of her life, confronts the reality of just what she is during her first job, which also is the first time she has sex. Confronted it, she did, and she found herself OK with her choice. That's an 18-year-old for you. They are so certain.
I enjoyed the many details of how a brothel was run in the 18th century. Selling a girl's virginity many times over required the use of a concoction that was "always brewing in the kitchen." It allegedly tightened a woman's passage, giving the impression of virginity. A drop of blood on the sheets was easy enough to procure.
Armistead makes great friends, all playboys who grew up with a silver spoon and have all the "fashionable" connections. They launch her career as the most sought-after prostitute of her time, and reinforced the central idea of the book: It is friendship, not romantic love, which is the ultimate human interaction. Love, Armistead preferred to be measured in costly presents and bank notes.
It's well written, just not my taste. I found it hard to reach the end. I kept thinking, well, at least she's a nymphomaniac; that's got to make being a hooker a hell of a lot easier, appropriate even.
I give it 2 1/4 stars, rounding down.
January 28, 2012
It was a fun read about a girl who due to a great deal of hard luck and a little bit of hidden luck turns a very bad situation into a fabulous opportunity. The story could be slow at times. Many will be disappointed since it is not very often tawdry, but that doesn't interest me. In my case, I tolerated the tawdriness and I was happy there wasn't more.
I don't read romance or chick lit often. However, I enjoy one every now and then for something light between the heavier things I usually read. This fit that bill just fine. It added a bit of history in using a real character and many real happenings.
I don't read romance or chick lit often. However, I enjoy one every now and then for something light between the heavier things I usually read. This fit that bill just fine. It added a bit of history in using a real character and many real happenings.
March 10, 2017
This was an incredibly fun book based on the life of a infamous courtesan in England. It was fascinating to read of her life, how she overcame great odds to bring herself to a position of power, and of the English perspective of the American Revolution. I had a very hard time putting my kindle down, it is most definitely a 'button presser' !
May 9, 2014
Confessions of a Courtesan
Confessions of a Courtesan
Very well written with realistic dialogue. Surprisingly not really heavy into sex. Historically correct. Held my interest until the end.
Confessions of a Courtesan
Very well written with realistic dialogue. Surprisingly not really heavy into sex. Historically correct. Held my interest until the end.
July 15, 2017
I found it fairly boring. It didn't hold my interest and was glad when it was over.
January 24, 2021
I am sorry to say how sad and silly this book is. I don't quite understand how an otherwise impressive and rather scandalous lifestyle tale can be rendered more petty and boring than the author has managed to make it. It seems by toying with a true story of what should have been an interesting and certainly somewhat entertaining biographical record, that is the best way to muck up the reality and impose on it a repressive and depressing recounting is by trying to make it more like porn-light rather than the story of not just one but many different people who had to live and manage to survive and flourish within a repressive and male-dictated society.
Partly the story of life as a woman unprepared to earn a respectable living by education or social connection and certainly not by wealth or birthright, the prose lacks authenticity and movement. Details are flat and boring. There should be some sort of flow between the author and the subject, but it felt more like a tiny peek at something naughty as opposed to telling the reality of a woman having to carve out her very existence by p!aying a dangerous and possibly fatal position in a society that did not want her.
Elizabeth Brand was actually a well dressed whore. That is the sad but true bottom line. But it seemed that the author couldn't bring herself to state as much and so all the actions were described in shallow terms and white washed dressing up, as though the entire picture was nothing more exciting or dangerous than a picnic lunch.
These were real people who had to live in an exhaustingly rigid and straight laced time. Flaunting convention could have cost them their lives at any time or for any whom of a enemy or rival. The most that seemed to happen in this sleepy, boring and frivolous version was someone's having their temper upset and "fleeing to the continent", loosely understood to be Europe or the developed countries outside of (then) Great Britain. In history and in biographies of the time we know that was often true but in this telling that was always the only consequence and a!ways the best example of what privilege and snobbery provide.
I did not want to finish this book but I kept thinking it would improve and eventually bring some satisfaction. But from the first chapter to the final page it's one huge disappointment. I'm sorry I paid for it.
I'd give this a hard pass.
we
Partly the story of life as a woman unprepared to earn a respectable living by education or social connection and certainly not by wealth or birthright, the prose lacks authenticity and movement. Details are flat and boring. There should be some sort of flow between the author and the subject, but it felt more like a tiny peek at something naughty as opposed to telling the reality of a woman having to carve out her very existence by p!aying a dangerous and possibly fatal position in a society that did not want her.
Elizabeth Brand was actually a well dressed whore. That is the sad but true bottom line. But it seemed that the author couldn't bring herself to state as much and so all the actions were described in shallow terms and white washed dressing up, as though the entire picture was nothing more exciting or dangerous than a picnic lunch.
These were real people who had to live in an exhaustingly rigid and straight laced time. Flaunting convention could have cost them their lives at any time or for any whom of a enemy or rival. The most that seemed to happen in this sleepy, boring and frivolous version was someone's having their temper upset and "fleeing to the continent", loosely understood to be Europe or the developed countries outside of (then) Great Britain. In history and in biographies of the time we know that was often true but in this telling that was always the only consequence and a!ways the best example of what privilege and snobbery provide.
I did not want to finish this book but I kept thinking it would improve and eventually bring some satisfaction. But from the first chapter to the final page it's one huge disappointment. I'm sorry I paid for it.
I'd give this a hard pass.
we
March 24, 2022
Lizzy Cane had it all, she had finally achieved what she sought out for all those years ago. She had become Mrs. Armistead, the most successful courtesan in all of England and yet, she still felt empty. She had two homes, friends in high places, a string of men just waiting at the door but the one thing she yearned for and never had, was love. Of course it was her fault, as she had denied herself the pleasure of it, time and time again. Nevertheless she would discover that a friend whom had been there since the beginning, would be the one man worth breaking all the rules.
Set in the 18th century, I appreciated the political intrigue that played throughout the story and the research that the author undertook, but it wasn’t a favorite. I knew going into it that the story would definitely be a romance novel though for some reason I didn’t imagine this much “romance”. I admit the love story was interesting, the book was well written and the rags to riches tale, how Lizzy pulled herself from poverty was impressive. Though all I truly have to say is readers who enjoy the steamy side of romance will appreciate this read, but if your looking for more the historical aspect, than look elsewhere.
Set in the 18th century, I appreciated the political intrigue that played throughout the story and the research that the author undertook, but it wasn’t a favorite. I knew going into it that the story would definitely be a romance novel though for some reason I didn’t imagine this much “romance”. I admit the love story was interesting, the book was well written and the rags to riches tale, how Lizzy pulled herself from poverty was impressive. Though all I truly have to say is readers who enjoy the steamy side of romance will appreciate this read, but if your looking for more the historical aspect, than look elsewhere.
July 2, 2017
Middle of the road
I'm a bit torn in summing up my opinion of this book about the infamous/famous Mrs. Armistead. I had a time getting through the first half as it read more like a titillating description of a young woman much like Fanny Hill, and I found that part boring. The book became much more interesting as the politics of the latter 1700's unfolds and I would have liked to know more about the dinners held at the lady's home by so many important politicians of the times. Her interactions with a core group of supporters that actually launched her career was very interesting, especially as this group of men became her lifelong friends. The fact that she ends up with the most unlikely of her original supporters is pretty astounding. So the second half of the book caught my undivided attention. I would recommend to readers of historical fiction with the caveat that the first half is necessary, though not very well written, and the second ha!f is very good.
I'm a bit torn in summing up my opinion of this book about the infamous/famous Mrs. Armistead. I had a time getting through the first half as it read more like a titillating description of a young woman much like Fanny Hill, and I found that part boring. The book became much more interesting as the politics of the latter 1700's unfolds and I would have liked to know more about the dinners held at the lady's home by so many important politicians of the times. Her interactions with a core group of supporters that actually launched her career was very interesting, especially as this group of men became her lifelong friends. The fact that she ends up with the most unlikely of her original supporters is pretty astounding. So the second half of the book caught my undivided attention. I would recommend to readers of historical fiction with the caveat that the first half is necessary, though not very well written, and the second ha!f is very good.
May 17, 2020
Interesting and engaging, despite the political machinations of Elizabeth's various lovers dampening down the details of her life a little in the second part of the book. Her courtesan activities (for want of a better phrase) are not gratuitous and, it's interesting to note that, in a more contemporary period of history, this would simply be a woman having monogamous affairs with men to financially survive, before finding love, which is what many still do. Reflections upon the morality of everyone cheating on everyone else is dealt with as a matter of routine, and, to some extent, the character is dealt with very kindly by the author. Once she escapes the more unpalatable side of society, for example, the author does not return to this and other unpleasant reflections of the time. Jaunty story-telling, however, kept me reading until the end and it was interesting to find out what happened to some of the real-life characters at the end of the book.
January 4, 2019
Loved the history and my heart want out to the main subject because nobody wants to lose their entire family. But the resilience and heart that she follows to get herself ahead in life is not a path that anyone would want to follow but her heart is in the right place. Doing what you have to in life in order to succeed is path that anyone can relate to buy some choose a path that others would cringe at. But given the era, the lifestyles of the day, the trauma, the way of life, you cannot fault her for her choices. I know I don't. Thankfully her life became the one she truly wanted and happily ever after does come true. A heartfelt book that makes a person think about the life they have it had just due to the choices they make and the life they are handed. Great book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2017
Let me first say that yes, this book has sex in it; after all it is the retelling of one of the most famous courtesans. While some scenes are graphic I found that the encounters that were described were turning points in her life and not overly done. Having said that, I found this book to be so interesting. A unique look into the life of Elizabeth Armistead and the close political ties in 18th century England. Thru her dealings with many titled men she was privy to much of the happenings in Parlaiment during the time of the Revolutionary War. After doing a bit of research the author kept close to the historical record; which I always appreciate in historical fiction.
August 13, 2018
This actually read more like fiction than history; it was that fun. She included a good bit of sex (she is a courtesan), a good bit of birth control of the time (let me just say...eww, and we are very lucky), and a good bit of female rivalry (it is a business after all). I mean, who knew? England was not the stodgy, puritanical, clipped little country I’ve always been taught about. No wonder Queen Victoria stomped her foot and changed things after this reign of King George. Yes, the same king that, ahem, lost the colonies.
So, you might have hated history in school, but I bet you will like this bit of historical fiction about courtesans! I highly recommend.
So, you might have hated history in school, but I bet you will like this bit of historical fiction about courtesans! I highly recommend.
March 12, 2019
A wonderful insight into this beautiful woman’s life
With the care and research Deborah Hale put into this book she takes you on a journey through this beautiful soul Elizabeth Cane’s life and you feel as if you are sitting with Liz as she tells you of her story. It is a very well flowing story and keeps you entertained on many levels sometimes moving so fast you have to catch your breath. It is the kind of book I wish could never end. Thank you Deborah Hale for all your research and for your talent to take us on this journey.
With the care and research Deborah Hale put into this book she takes you on a journey through this beautiful soul Elizabeth Cane’s life and you feel as if you are sitting with Liz as she tells you of her story. It is a very well flowing story and keeps you entertained on many levels sometimes moving so fast you have to catch your breath. It is the kind of book I wish could never end. Thank you Deborah Hale for all your research and for your talent to take us on this journey.
July 10, 2019
As of late, I’ve just been rating books without writing a review but this book had to be reviewed. It’s a wonderful factionalized account of the life of the real courtesan Elizabeth Armistead who rose from poverty to be the most famous courtesan of the 1700’s. So beautiful and vivacious that she wound up marrying a statesman. I loved the way Elizabeth Charles wove the story to be so intriguing that, as I was reading, I Googled the names of the characters and found that, indeed, they had existed and the book was true to their lives. I loved it!
February 7, 2020
Elizabeth met quite a bit of tragedy in her life- from her parents dying to being almost tricked into the life, a girl of passion. She decides to take that life and make the most of it. What follows is a tale of her lovers, her desire to be able to care for herself, and her live story. Because courtesans deserve love, too.
I ‘m not usually big on what I call “period” reads- reading stories of this time period. I enjoyed this one, though. It was interesting to read about a woman I had never heard of. I liked this one!
I ‘m not usually big on what I call “period” reads- reading stories of this time period. I enjoyed this one, though. It was interesting to read about a woman I had never heard of. I liked this one!
May 8, 2017
If you read one book this year read this one!!
I don't know when I've enjoyed a book this much! I don't usually read books in this genre, but this one was simply delightful. Along with the bawdy sex, it included politics of the time. I'm not a student of the 1700-1800s, but if the book was researched as the author claims, I learned a lot too. I definitely recommend this book. 😇😇😇
I don't know when I've enjoyed a book this much! I don't usually read books in this genre, but this one was simply delightful. Along with the bawdy sex, it included politics of the time. I'm not a student of the 1700-1800s, but if the book was researched as the author claims, I learned a lot too. I definitely recommend this book. 😇😇😇
December 24, 2017
Cross between canny hill and Cinderella!
Love the wild roller coaster ride of this book! This young girl makes the best of a bad situation plus" relies on the kindness of strangers". Her life
does have a happily ever after despite the dreadful start after her dear father dies. I learned a lot of very exciting real history about the last part of the 18th century in London. It's a sexy book,though ,so if that offends you, it's not for you.
Love the wild roller coaster ride of this book! This young girl makes the best of a bad situation plus" relies on the kindness of strangers". Her life
does have a happily ever after despite the dreadful start after her dear father dies. I learned a lot of very exciting real history about the last part of the 18th century in London. It's a sexy book,though ,so if that offends you, it's not for you.
September 23, 2018
Don't use spellcheck to edit your books
I can only give this one 3 stars. The writing didn't draw me in; rather, it left me cold. I felt that distance throughout the entire book. It wasn't due to the stilted language. I had expected that. The tone was mechanical, and gaps in time felt as if they were chosen for convenience.
Finally, there were numerous editing errors that made it clear that a final, careful read-through was never done. Spellcheck should never be used as the final edit.
I can only give this one 3 stars. The writing didn't draw me in; rather, it left me cold. I felt that distance throughout the entire book. It wasn't due to the stilted language. I had expected that. The tone was mechanical, and gaps in time felt as if they were chosen for convenience.
Finally, there were numerous editing errors that made it clear that a final, careful read-through was never done. Spellcheck should never be used as the final edit.
October 2, 2018
This was basically a historical romance about an eighteenth-century courtesan who ultimately married a major political figure. It focuses on her years being kept by numerous wealthy and titled men. The details are accurate and it’s fun to read. The sex schemes are more romanticized than racy and it’s hard to believe she really got excited about the men who supported her. That’s a part of the genre, though, so you expect it even if it’s unconvincing.
June 25, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Plot kept moving and it reminded me of Forever Amber. Does not come close to Forever Amber as far as the prose but has enough historical information in it to call it historical fiction. It is a story of a woman having to live by her wits to survive by using her looks, body and brains as a courtesan. This woman actually existed so I think that’s what makes it 4 stars.
January 5, 2020
Interesting. but a dry read, nothing exciting happened really that made you feel like you were there seeing it happen. Not enough historical facts. Disappointed that the clothes weren't in more detail. You can't "see" the clothes unless they discribe the material,trimmings, people were wearing. Just to say Lady So in So was wearing a lovely blue velvet gown with matching shoes to the opera.isn't enough.
July 13, 2017
Wonderfully written
Despite bring historical fiction, this novel does justice to not only the time period in which it is set, but to the characters (both real and fictitious) as well. The author has certainly researched every crevice of Georgian history to paint the vivid images of 1700's England.
Despite bring historical fiction, this novel does justice to not only the time period in which it is set, but to the characters (both real and fictitious) as well. The author has certainly researched every crevice of Georgian history to paint the vivid images of 1700's England.
March 16, 2018
4.5 Stars. This was a fascinating look into the Georgian Era Courtesan lifestyle. Mrs. Armestaid definitely lived an interesting life. I can't pretend to know what it must have been like to have to make choices like that in order to survive, let alone live comfortably. Yet she was one of the most celebrated women of her time.
May 19, 2018
Good Vacation Read
This is a book of historical fiction. Though it reads like a romance novel, the author's research and source notations are brilliant. If the novel had less sex and more history, I would have given it a higher rating. For those interested in the History of Georgian England, there are some wonderful books listed in the bibliography!
This is a book of historical fiction. Though it reads like a romance novel, the author's research and source notations are brilliant. If the novel had less sex and more history, I would have given it a higher rating. For those interested in the History of Georgian England, there are some wonderful books listed in the bibliography!
July 20, 2017
Fun fiction with some historical basis.
Reading with a book group , more races fun then history. Should appeal easily to many who want a quick read. Left me wanting to study the time period a bit more.
Reading with a book group , more races fun then history. Should appeal easily to many who want a quick read. Left me wanting to study the time period a bit more.
October 9, 2017
Beautifully written and well-researched historical woman's fiction novel taking place in the Georgian era. I loved how a "fallen woman" could rise above the label of being ruined and live an independent life of her choosing. In-depth, well-rounded characterizations. Brava!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews