What do you think?
Rate this book
The Petticoat Parade: Madam Monnier and the Roe Street Brothels
Josie de Bray was a brothel madam who owned most of Roe Street, Perth from WWI up to the 1940s. This immensely readable social history uses the life of Josie de Bray as conduit into the lives of her friends and competitors – the many women who paraded in their petticoats on the verandas of Roe Street, and who were kept from the public view and were secret keepers themselves in the seamier side of town.
- GenresNonfictionHistory
192 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2021
4 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 2, 2022
A bit repetitive but an interesting part of WAs history
March 28, 2024
"The Petticoat Parade, Madam Monnier and the Roe Street Brothels" by Leigh Straw delves into a fascinating slice of Australian history, focusing on the life and experiences of Madam Monnier and the brothels of Roe Street in 1920s Perth, Western Australia.
Leigh Straw's meticulous research and engaging narrative style bring to life the colourful characters and turbulent times of this era. The book provides a detailed exploration of the social, cultural, and economic factors that shaped the brothel industry in Perth during the early 20th century, offering insights into the lives of the women who worked in these establishments and the challenges they faced.
One of the book's strengths lies in its nuanced portrayal of Madam Monnier and her role in the Roe Street brothels. Through Straw's storytelling, readers gain a deeper understanding of Monnier's resilience, entrepreneurship, and the complex dynamics of power and agency within the sex industry of that time.
Moreover, "The Petticoat Parade" sheds light on broader historical themes, including gender, sexuality, and urban development, while also challenging conventional narratives about women's roles and experiences in early 20th-century Australia.
The book is a compelling and insightful read that offers a fresh perspective on a lesser-known aspect of Australian history. With its blend of historical detail, vivid storytelling, and thought-provoking analysis, this book will appeal to anyone interested in the social and cultural history of Australia, as well as those interested in women's history and the history of sexuality.
Leigh Straw's meticulous research and engaging narrative style bring to life the colourful characters and turbulent times of this era. The book provides a detailed exploration of the social, cultural, and economic factors that shaped the brothel industry in Perth during the early 20th century, offering insights into the lives of the women who worked in these establishments and the challenges they faced.
One of the book's strengths lies in its nuanced portrayal of Madam Monnier and her role in the Roe Street brothels. Through Straw's storytelling, readers gain a deeper understanding of Monnier's resilience, entrepreneurship, and the complex dynamics of power and agency within the sex industry of that time.
Moreover, "The Petticoat Parade" sheds light on broader historical themes, including gender, sexuality, and urban development, while also challenging conventional narratives about women's roles and experiences in early 20th-century Australia.
The book is a compelling and insightful read that offers a fresh perspective on a lesser-known aspect of Australian history. With its blend of historical detail, vivid storytelling, and thought-provoking analysis, this book will appeal to anyone interested in the social and cultural history of Australia, as well as those interested in women's history and the history of sexuality.
March 1, 2022
Totally fascinating read about the women brothel keepers on Roe Street, Northbridge, Western Australia.
Much of Straw’s book focuses on the brothel owners as business women. During the late 1800’s there weren’t many jobs for women where they could make a good living. Several Madams are covered but the main focus is on Madam Marie Monnier (aka Josie de Bray).
Great research with notes, a long bibliography and an interesting Author’s Notes and Acknowledgements. If you live in Western Australia, you need to read this. A great piece of history, from not all that long ago.
Much of Straw’s book focuses on the brothel owners as business women. During the late 1800’s there weren’t many jobs for women where they could make a good living. Several Madams are covered but the main focus is on Madam Marie Monnier (aka Josie de Bray).
Great research with notes, a long bibliography and an interesting Author’s Notes and Acknowledgements. If you live in Western Australia, you need to read this. A great piece of history, from not all that long ago.
September 4, 2022
Sorry, I didn't quite finish this one, very dry historical text.
January 15, 2023
Meticulously researched but, oh, if only it had a better editor.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews