Somebody's Daughter: Inside the Halifax-Toronto Pimping Ring

by Phonse Jessome

First released in 1996, Somebody’s Daughter takes us inside the lives of real players in Canada’s prostitution game. This book is about what we don’t know about prostitution and perhaps what we don’t want to know; what goes on inside that violent underworld know as The Game, and who the girls in the tight skirts really are. Author and reporter Phonse Jessome traces the short careers of several young girls actively recruited by pimps and describes the anti-pimping efforts of law enforcers who work to get teenage girls out the The Games and off the streets.

Genres: Nonfiction

215 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Denise MacDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very eye opening book regarding the rise of prostitution, especially juvenile prostitution, in Eastern Canada and in some states. The story follows the lives of several women who entered the sex trade as young as 11 years old and the men, the pimps, who 'owned' them. It is a real, honest, raw look at what all those involved in the sex trade go through.
It was published in 1996, so in reality, it is a bit outdated compared to today's prostitution and trafficking rings in the same areas. However, the same 'gang' is still involved in the recruiting of children as well as trafficking them through out North America. I bough this book because I wanted to learn more about human trafficking in Nova Scotia, as I am seeing more and more of it being mentioned in the news and with the at risk youth in the area. It was very helpful and provided an excellent background regarding the rise of pimping and the human trafficking ring in Nova Scotia. It would be great to have a follow up book based on today's stats along with a follow up of community intervention to help end the explotation of these children, women and men.

[Breanne Harty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is unlike anything I have read before. A really hard topic with some graphic details that could easily make a person feel uncomfortable. It just made me want to learn more about the realities of prostitution and pimping in Canada. “While the game has its own energy it cannot play itself. The game needs somebody’s daughter and somebody’s son to stoke its cash starved furnace. Understanding its rules may help you keep your children from becoming its pawns”. “To a pimp a juvenile prostitute is profitable object and nothing more; she is certainly not somebody’s daughter”. Powerful, heart wrenching, eye-opening. A must read for anyone wanting to learn.

[Brooke Hooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing itself was not incredible and could have been more in depth. HOWEVER. I am still a huge fan, I recommend this book to everyone. It gives a true insight into an issue that is overlooked. I praise that this book did not demonize prostitution and instead put issue on the system and the "pimps" although the stories throughout this book can be horrific I loved this book. Sex trafficking and the "ring" issue in halifax and East coast Canada is not talked about enough. The depth in which it discusses the WHY in how women can get mixed into this was eye opening. Loved it.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book and it was both engrossing and terrifying. What those young girls, now women (those who survived) went through at the hands of their abusers is tragic. Such an eye-opening account of people's experiences in my hometown.

[Andrew John · Rating 5 out of 5]

an unflinching look at the history of the juvenile prostitution trade in Eastern Canada. Not necessarily an easy read, but an important one for anyone who works with young women at risk of being caught up in Prostitution or something like it.