Carlotta : I'm Not That Kind of Girl.

by Carlotta, Prue MacSween

Published to coincide with her 60th birthday, this is an exciting new book about the life of Carlotta, the Balmain-born boy who had Australia's first sex-change operation and became the legend of the all-male review Les Girls. She is the self-styled "Queen of the Cross".

Written by PR suprema and fellow 'Beauty And The Beast' personality Prue MacSween, Carlotta's trademark warmth, humour and honesty shine through in her story: the unsettled childhood, her transition to drag queen and the sex-change operation, her relationships with fellow artists and lovers, and her 12-year marriage.

This is also the story of Les Girls, the world-famous drag queen cabaret based in Kings Cross. The book relives the glamour of the old Cross - the most interesting people lived and partied there, and the best place to be seen or get smashed was undoubtedly Les Girls! However, there were sinister elements too, with Carlotta recalling ugly stories of Mafia types getting rough with the drag queens.

'I'm Not That Kind Of Girl' is a fascinating, hilarious and sometimes moving journey through Carlotta's extraordinary life.

Genres: Transgender

256 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Carmel Audsley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of a boy called Richard, who became an entertainer known as Carlotta, and lived a happy life as a woman named Carol. This very personal memoir details the joys and struggles of one of Australia' most-loved television personalities. Carlotta, aka Carol, worked in Sydney's King Cross and was one of the famous Les Girls troupe. She had full reassignment surgery at a a time when it was a relatively unknown procedure. Carol is warm and witty, and unafraid to tell her story, warts and all. After an unhappy childhood, when Richard was abandoned by his birth mother, a stellar career and a 12-year marriage to a man, Carol is now a single woman in her early seventies. Strip away the glitz and glamour of her career, and you find a forthright and attractive human being. Thanks for a great read.

[Kiah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just a suggestion Balmain born girl born in a boys body- comes across as transphobic said the other way.not not

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keeping it real. The story of Carlotta's life was very interesting especially to someone who can remember some of those clubs at the Cross and had heard some of the stories.

Gave me a new appreciation for what Carlotta went thru with her sex change, her heady club days and years of travelling. A great autobiography written as only Carlotta could. 4 stars

[Melody Burge · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book, I could not put it down, there were parts that made me sad and parts that made me laugh. She is some lady that's for sure.
You go girl!!!