Banking on Burlesque

by Victoria Sadler

“An explosive new book which lifts the lid on what really takes place on the trading floors of the City’s biggest banks.” The Mail on Sunday

Banking on Burlesque is the incredible true story of one woman's double life as a banker by day, burlesque showgirl by night.

"You see, the problem was that in a few years of life in banking, I was beginning to understand the difference between existing and living."

Victoria works on the trading floors in one of the biggest investment banks in the world. But, disillusioned with the stresses and strains of work in an aggressively male-dominated environment, she looks for an outlet. Intrigued, she enrols for evening classes in burlesque - the art of the showgirl.

Quite unexpectedly, Victoria shows a remarkable talent for this feminine and creative art form. Under the wing of her eccentric but brilliant burlesque tutor, Victoria starts to perform on London's cabaret circuit. At first it's a struggle for this tomboy, more used to fighting with traders than bonding with women. But after a few difficult shows, Victoria begins to find her feet and her inner showgirl is released.

Back in The City, Victoria's career goes from strength to strength. But, as the credit crunch looms, her success makes her some dangerous enemies and she soon finds her secret hobby as a showgirl becoming the biggest threat to the delicate balance in her life.

As well as being a shocking and fascinating read, the book also looks at key issues such as corporate responsibility, the challenges women still face in the workplace, as well as the thorny issue of whether society will ever accept a smart woman being a sensual one too.

Genres: Nonfiction

300 pages, Paperback

First published July 14, 2013

About the author

Victoria is an arts and culture writer based in London.

Twitter: @victoriajsadler
YouTube: www.youtube.com/victoriasbookreviews
TinyLetter: www.tinyletter.com/victoriasbookreviews

Reviews

[Miriam Smith (A Mother’s Musings)]

Won in the Goodreads Giveaways

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t normally like autobiographical books but this book peaked my interest. I loved it!

Victoria Sadler worked as an internal auditor in banks in the City leading up to and just at the start of the financial crisis in 2008. But the work is so pressured and so stultifying for the human soul that she ends up breaking out and taking up a hobby that is the polar opposite of her work – burlesque.

I really felt that I was living Victoria’s life with her. Even though some other novels are written in the first person I’m not always able to connect with the main character. That isn’t true with this novel at all.

The office politics and behaviour of banking staff rings so true along with all the vaulting ambition and back stabbing.

I was amazed at Victoria’s ability to “smell a rat” and identify dodgy banking practices almost intuitively but at the same time be naïve and lack an understanding of people. Although the author doesn’t shy away from mentioning her virtues as well as her faults.

Ultimately I feel that it was the character’s naivety re people that opened the door to the clash between her hobby and her job. However if that hadn’t happened, she wouldn’t be where she is now – a much happier person!

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
It took a while to get into the story as the banking side was described in a lot of detail (was so tempted to skim these bits but worried if I missed something important). Got a lot more interesting in the last third of the book. Gave an honest insight into burlesque (both good and bad).

[susan murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Won from goodreads
Wow fab read I felt with you as reading through the book of so many double standards. You should be proud you have come far amd become a better person and the people who mattered were there for you .
Excellent read I recommend

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

i won this on the goodreads giveaway. very fascinating read

[Pat Cavill · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and enlightening book if a little repetitive at times. Definitely worth a read.
A good insight to the world of banking.

[Thea Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Banking On Burlesque was another of my forays into reading outside of my comfort genres and again doing this is proving that it does pay to read outside of your norms as you can find gems of books that you wouldn't normally read.

Banking On Burlesque is a genuinely fascinating read and I'm so glad I found it. Such an interesting topic and a true story to boot!

Basically what we have here is the story of how a disenchanted Victoria decides to do something very different in her spare time and that was to learn the art of the burlesque, something so very different to her very serious day job as an investment banker and something that would have a huge impact on both her professional life and her personal one. If you read this story in the paper you wouldn't have believed it happened in this day and age and it's still hard to grasp how Victoria's fun-filled hobby would impact her day job like it does, I won't spoil it or you. It really is an inspirational story and what happens is truly amazing, you really wouldn't believe that things like that still happen to people..... amazing and also a little worrying!

As someone who has always been a little intrigued by burlesque performers it really does give you the most amazing insight into the profession in the UK. You'd expect glitz and glamour but it never starts off that way, as Victoria finds through her journey to become a burlesque performer (the fabulous Victoria L'Etoile) in her spare time, you see her taking the first slightly embarrassing lessons through the first tentative steps into performing as an artiste in her own right, gaining confidence and a sense of femininity along the way only to have it all pulled out from under her again. It also gives further insights into the testosterone fuelled world of investment banking and how a woman fits into it. I had no idea that banking was such a tough workplace for women even today and found it pretty staggering what a seemingly sexist and slightly immoral workplace it is although I think my views on banking and traders has been influenced by the fact that I very recently watched The Wolf Of Wall Street at the cinema, different time and different place I know but still.....

The story is a story of how people react to circumstances beyond their control, and how following your dreams can have some slightly unexpected results but basically it is the story of a woman who knows shows a great deal of courage in the face of the absurd, who shows that you can be a highly intelligent woman and be a feminine one at the same time, despite what others may think. It also tests the belief that many people who don't really know what burlesque is have, that burlesque is something dirty, smutty even, and the performers are basically strippers when the truth is that it's a very beautiful art form.

The tale is told in the first person by the person who really experienced it and she has done a wonderful job. It's very easy to read and is totally enjoyable, you feel Victoria's thrills and spills and you find by the end of the book that you really have a sense of who Victoria REALLY is, and you so wish you could just give the girl that biggest cuddle in the world and say "I'm sooooooo sorry that you had to go through that, totally unbelievable that that has happened to you and totally wrong in every sense of the word!" Victoria is an amazing girl and she gets to meet some truly inspirational people including the phenomenal Jo King, from whom Victoria learns how to be the burlesque performer she becomes.

I so want to tell you about the huge thing that happens in this book but I really do not want to spoil it for anyone who wants to read it and you SHOULD read it to, it's truly gob-smacking and like I said it's also a tad worrying too!

[Naomi Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was generally enjoyable, with a very interesting overarching theme and authentic in its story. I appreciated hearing a story of the city that had an interesting twist and from what I know of the city it’s pretty accurate. At the same time, it is very clear this wasn’t by a seasoned author- often narratives were dropped or not fully explored, and sometimes there were tail ends of individuals mentioned and not developed which made the story hard to follow. It was also a touch longer than it needed to be with often a lot of padding. However, it was an intriguing story with some clear messages coming through, and was a fairly easy read.

[Topcat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book - from the opening sentence right through to the last one. It is very well written and you feel you are there with the writer every minute of the way eg - when she's working long hours in the bank and also on the stage while she's delivering her performances.

I don't want to write any spoilers but I can tell you what I perceive to be the underlying themes. Beyond the confidence in one's body and a way to creatively express yourself via burlesque, to me it spoke of someone beginning to feel that their "chosen" career path wasn't for them - something was missing and yet how could it be because banking was seen as a highly desirable profession? However the book begins with one of Victoria's first performances. This is conveyed so well I could really feel everything she went through.

Personally I enjoyed the insight into the world of banking and the book needs that in order to balance it with the contrast of burlesque and the impact of what results at the end. For any of us who have had the good fortune of a "chat" with HR then you will know where I'm coming from. Talk about timing as well - Victoria is on hand when it all goes tits up in the crash. You can't help thinking that if she was running the joint (and others of the same ilk) then we wouldn't be in such a mess now!

I stumbled across the book because of a new interest in burlesque - mostly the personal development/creative/confidence building side of the art. This book has it in spades. Little did I know I'd be getting not only that but a great, intelligent read as well. It made me want to rush out, buy a bag of sequins, construct an outfit and routine and go for it. But most of all this book gives you the courage to consider making changes in your life and to think - what if?

[Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive a signed copy of this book from the author via Goodreads.

Banking on Burlesque is Victoria's account of her life working at a bank when the recession hit and how her hobby of burlesque ended up threatening that life. I warmed to Victoria more and more with each chapter and felt exhilarated, angry and upset along with her at various points in the story.

The only criticisms I have of the book are small; I would have liked to have known a little more about what the author has done in the time since 2009 (when the book finishes), I found a couple of the dance scenes at the start of the book a little cringey to read and I was concerned that I would not warm to Victoria - luckily I was wrong!

I really enjoyed this book - much more than I expected to! The book itself is lovely; the cover imaginative and the size is perfect for a handbag! Victoria's writing style is very readable - I especially liked that her intelligence really shone throughout and will hopefully go a long way to changing show girl stereotypes.

I would recommend this book to any fans of Imogen edward's jones (author of the Babylon series) and anyone who loves a good workplace expose!

[Louise White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a free copy of this book through the first reads giveaway.

This book has been on my tbr list for a while, I also do burlesque as a hobby and so the story had some personal I interest to me.

I know it sounds strange but the book itself has a lovely feel to it, it's small book that fits well in your hands and the pages are tactile, with a smooth finish.

Any way onto the book, Victoria tells her story by merging what happens in the world of banking and then discusses her preparations and performances for her other life. The banking side of things was mentioned in detail and even though I'm not interested in banking I still enjoyed reading about it, it gave me an insight into the difficulties and stress of the job. I loved reading about her burlesque experiences and she does take the glamour away when mentioning about the dressing rooms. I think how the bank treated her is appalling, and am glad that she was brave enough to share her story.

This was an enjoyable story and one that I will definitely be recommending to my burly friends.

[Lace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victoria Sadler is one interesting woman! Especially because this novel portrays two completely different sides of her, one artistic and sensual, and the other very businesslike. This book is an incredibly fast read. The author is talented and very descriptive. I could easily visualize her work place, and her dancing (although I wish there'd been pictures of her awesome costumes!). I feel like the reader is treated to intimate knowledge of both the banking and burlesque world. The book is very fun, mostly because Victoria is such a likeable, fierce woman but shares with readers her tender moments. Honestly, this is a great novel to take with you anywhere and read on the fly. It's easy to get wrapped up in. And who doesn't love the glitz and glamour of burlesque?! *I received a free copy from an giveaway on goodreads.

[Aleesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book free from Goodreads First reads.

I loved Victoria's story of her double life of banker during the day and doing burlesque at night. It is really nice to see how Victoria's creativity builds and to see how confident she is with her body even though it isn't perfect. A lot of women lack confidence in their own bodies, as portrayed by Nadya and Monica. They are skinner than Victoria, but Victoria owns her body and knows how to use it. She is proud of her body the way it is. I was also glad to see that her family and friends were supportive of her.
The writing on the pages is a little small to read, but I had difficulty putting the book down. It was an easy read and Victoria kept your attention the whole time. Great book!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this book from Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
Not my usual type of book to read but it turned out a lot better than I was expecting. It was a interesting point of view from a women that works in banking taking an interest in burlesque dancing as a hobby.
The story started out a little slow and the banking world was in great detail that it felt a little over my head at times. As the story went on into the world of dancing and entertainment it got more interesting and the plot started to thicken.
I would recommend this book to people that are into reading non-fiction and like a little sparkle in their ordinary life.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

I initially was interested in the book because of the burlesque aspect but as I read there was so much more that I enjoyed. I loved that Victoria was so confident with her body during her performances but didn't really focus on that in her daily life. The 300 pages read very quickly with very little duplication in the dialog. Overall, a very good read and I would definitely recommend the book.

[Zane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quite successful melding of two completely different worlds by a very courageous individual. A most interesting read, indeed. In compliance with FTC guidelines, I am disclosing that I received this book free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading my goodread win of Banking on Burlesque,a story of the merging of two entirely different careers and the struggles of each

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book I highly reccomend this to any one who dares to dream

[Illinichele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what I was getting when I received this in a giveaway but I absolutely loved reading Victoria's transformation from City girl to showgirl!

[Ntamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The contrast between ruthless banking and the sensual world of burlesque was fantastic, both equally heart racing! For an author's first novel, I really liked Sadler's writing style too. Will definitely be checking out some of the London cabaret bars too (if they still exist!)

[Daniel Smith]

Won in Goodreads Giveaways, not read.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book via Giveaways. I'm not sure quite what I made of it. The disclaimer at the beginning - that is a true story but written as fiction - was somewhat confusing and I found the resulting tale difficult to read as I was not sure what genre I was in.

The tale ticks lightly along, mixing banking with burlesque as the title suggests, giving a vaguely unsettling picture of the banking world whist painting an equally vaguely unsettling picture of behind the scenes at cabaret clubs.

I was also irritated by the shiny paper (trying to avoid glare was difficult!) and the poor understanding of the proper way to use the verb, 'to sit'.

The book reveals the massive steps still needed to make the work place unbiased (whether that be along gender, race, culture or orientation lines) as well as the huge shift that is needed in society to allow each person to express themselves as they see fit, where such expression does no damage to others.