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White Trash: My Year As A High-Class Call Girl
Raised during the Rhodesian bush war in the 1970s and then immigrating to South Africa at the age of 11, Terry is shaped by a white culture that is racist, unstable, privileged and deeply divided. Her childhood appears idyllic but it is tragically bizarre as the adults around her insist on living their version of normality while the world falls apart.
The first time Terry Angelos has sex with a black man, she's paid £300, working as a 19 year-old call girl in London. Back home it's 1989 and South Africa is being torn apart by political unrest. It's a year before Nelson Mandela is released and 5 years before the country's first democratic election.
White Trash is a remarkable memoir told in vivid detail, laced with dark humour and savage honesty as the narrator unravels what it means to be a white African and what draws her into the brutal world of teenage sex work. But ultimately it's a story about finding a shard of light in the darkness, in a heroic quest to reinvent the self.
The first time Terry Angelos has sex with a black man, she's paid £300, working as a 19 year-old call girl in London. Back home it's 1989 and South Africa is being torn apart by political unrest. It's a year before Nelson Mandela is released and 5 years before the country's first democratic election.
White Trash is a remarkable memoir told in vivid detail, laced with dark humour and savage honesty as the narrator unravels what it means to be a white African and what draws her into the brutal world of teenage sex work. But ultimately it's a story about finding a shard of light in the darkness, in a heroic quest to reinvent the self.
220 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2021
27 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 12, 2021
A Brave Memoir
A brilliantly written memoir. If only every human could face their demons from the past as openly and honestly as this. Beautifully written. Could not put this book down loved it.
A brilliantly written memoir. If only every human could face their demons from the past as openly and honestly as this. Beautifully written. Could not put this book down loved it.
December 10, 2021
So I was loving the book. Relating to the story, and then the author found god. I just feel there should have been a bigger warning somewhere that would happen. I read and re read the back cover, and I guess it does speak of redemption, and maybe I should have taken note of that.
Up until Angelos found god, I was enjoying the book. Just not what I was expecting
Up until Angelos found god, I was enjoying the book. Just not what I was expecting
March 4, 2024
Exciting, true story about the insecurities of youth, which spans tangents to growing up white in apartheid South Africa and Zimbabwe. Not everyone will love the ending with an unexpected twist, but I would still recommend the book because firstly, you can't make up an ending for a true story and secondly, the story doesn't go on for long after the twist.
Also, I really enjoyed the author’s writing style, which enables the reader to emphasise with the protagonist.
Also, I really enjoyed the author’s writing style, which enables the reader to emphasise with the protagonist.
March 23, 2022
I really enjoyed the book. I appreciated all the feels the author had and she did a lovely job of putting her story into written words.
From her wild child days in Rhodesia to her high class hooker life, I was captured by the story. She continuously showed her vulnerability through the book and that was refreshing. She made lots of mistakes but she admitted to them. I especially loved some of the scenarios she portrayed stating how her and her friend that they were beautiful and glamorous and looking back she realized that they just look trashy. Haven’t we all been in circumstances like that throughout our youth?
I really appreciated her recap of her life in Rhodesia. The difference between the whites and the blacks was an interesting read. And she doesn’t go into the “woke”culture but simply explains this is how she was raised and does not apologize for it. We are products of our surroundings and she does a great job portraying life in the Rhodesian Bush Wars.
I was happy she tied up the book by getting to know God. Again refreshing to see her vulnerability and change to follow Jesus. I Hope to hear more from her in the future. She could write three more books: About her upbringing; More on her high class call girl life, And her transformation to Christianity and family life.
From her wild child days in Rhodesia to her high class hooker life, I was captured by the story. She continuously showed her vulnerability through the book and that was refreshing. She made lots of mistakes but she admitted to them. I especially loved some of the scenarios she portrayed stating how her and her friend that they were beautiful and glamorous and looking back she realized that they just look trashy. Haven’t we all been in circumstances like that throughout our youth?
I really appreciated her recap of her life in Rhodesia. The difference between the whites and the blacks was an interesting read. And she doesn’t go into the “woke”culture but simply explains this is how she was raised and does not apologize for it. We are products of our surroundings and she does a great job portraying life in the Rhodesian Bush Wars.
I was happy she tied up the book by getting to know God. Again refreshing to see her vulnerability and change to follow Jesus. I Hope to hear more from her in the future. She could write three more books: About her upbringing; More on her high class call girl life, And her transformation to Christianity and family life.
May 11, 2023
An incredibly immersive, quick-moving read tracing the author’s past from Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) to her reckless year as a call-girl in London in the late eighties. She doesn’t avoid difficult topics but also doesn’t indulge in lurid details. Her path is drawn with awareness and subtlety, full of figurative language. I read it in four days, but it could easily have been two. I was on the edge of my seat.
The author also comes to terms with her inbred racism in parallel to her dissolute reckless year. A rare honest account.
Spoiler alert: there’s an unexpected happy ending.
The author also comes to terms with her inbred racism in parallel to her dissolute reckless year. A rare honest account.
Spoiler alert: there’s an unexpected happy ending.
July 7, 2022
Loved this book! I couldn’t put it down. Had to finish it …
June 27, 2022
What an amazing story. I found some of the darker parts of her story hard to read, but that was her reality, and shying away from it as a reader doesn’t make it any less real for her in those moments.
I did not see the turn in her life coming, but I did appreciate it and enjoy it nonetheless. Beautiful ending, and if you read this book, take the time to read the acknowledgments too 🌻
I did not see the turn in her life coming, but I did appreciate it and enjoy it nonetheless. Beautiful ending, and if you read this book, take the time to read the acknowledgments too 🌻
July 25, 2022
Enjoyed aspects of this book - the honesty and ownership of her experience. But it is really a struggle memoir written by a spoiled opportunist whose irresponsible choices threaten to ruin her before she is miraculously saved by religion. The story is a bit like the main character - superficial and lazy.
June 16, 2024
My own book but saw the same copy that another bookclub friend had added into the book club previously.
Couldn’t put it down. Finished it in 2,5 days. It gripped me within the first chapter. It literally catches you by the throat. The way it is written is so incredibly true. Terry Angelos has a very witty and blunt sarcasm and sense of humour, especially when describing her childhood & the racism that she was raised in without degrading the issue or the description. I related because my parents came from Rhodesia. I grew up in Pietermaritzburg & then Botswana. I know about Cordwalles school etc. It is a testament or example of how we are determined to set ourselves apart from everyone else. We don’t want to be mundane or just fit in but I’m so doing we cause harm to ourselves & put ourselves in dangerous situations. We think we have total & complete control of ourselves and actually so often the vulnerable people don’t. I am amazed that the author got out when she did. And it seemed pretty quickly too. But I cannot begin to imagine how much worse it could still have been. I was apprehensive that it was going to be extremely gory with sexual details but it really wasn’t. I wasn’t angry with the author like I thought I would be. I found internally I was rooting for her. It’s a thrilling read. Easy to read & follow & I recommend this book. It’s like a very dark, scary & a redeeming Cinderella story.
Couldn’t put it down. Finished it in 2,5 days. It gripped me within the first chapter. It literally catches you by the throat. The way it is written is so incredibly true. Terry Angelos has a very witty and blunt sarcasm and sense of humour, especially when describing her childhood & the racism that she was raised in without degrading the issue or the description. I related because my parents came from Rhodesia. I grew up in Pietermaritzburg & then Botswana. I know about Cordwalles school etc. It is a testament or example of how we are determined to set ourselves apart from everyone else. We don’t want to be mundane or just fit in but I’m so doing we cause harm to ourselves & put ourselves in dangerous situations. We think we have total & complete control of ourselves and actually so often the vulnerable people don’t. I am amazed that the author got out when she did. And it seemed pretty quickly too. But I cannot begin to imagine how much worse it could still have been. I was apprehensive that it was going to be extremely gory with sexual details but it really wasn’t. I wasn’t angry with the author like I thought I would be. I found internally I was rooting for her. It’s a thrilling read. Easy to read & follow & I recommend this book. It’s like a very dark, scary & a redeeming Cinderella story.
February 16, 2024
Listen, it's a lot and then it's not. I was huffing, puffing and rolling my eyes for most of this book. I asked myself, out loud, "what the heck am I even reading?" and "is she even serious?" too many times to remember.
Don't even get me started on her constant reminder of her racism or racist ideology (which in her defense, was clear indoctrination), to her constant reminder of her privilege and the whole "woe is me" syndrome, that usually accompanies privilege. It took a lot for me to power through this book. I had to constantly remind myself that this is a memoir, it's HER story.
Once I painstakingly climbed that hill (which I refuse to die on), I am ashamed to say that I enjoyed it. Perhaps I was pleased to be finishing it , or perhaps I was pleased that my eyes were rolling less, or perhaps Ms Angelos won me over at the very same time she won her battle with Satan and found God. I kid you not! This book ended up being a lengthy testimony folks give at a lengthy Sunday Service, and the entire congregation is wide mouthed at the power of a repentant soul.
I am not sure what was most shocking? The quick turn of events (vis-a-vis the imminent trajectory her life was taking) or that she stayed celibate for five years after going at multiple men, every week, for more than eight months straight.
In the words of an old Black Baptist Mama; "Won't He Do It"
Don't even get me started on her constant reminder of her racism or racist ideology (which in her defense, was clear indoctrination), to her constant reminder of her privilege and the whole "woe is me" syndrome, that usually accompanies privilege. It took a lot for me to power through this book. I had to constantly remind myself that this is a memoir, it's HER story.
Once I painstakingly climbed that hill (which I refuse to die on), I am ashamed to say that I enjoyed it. Perhaps I was pleased to be finishing it , or perhaps I was pleased that my eyes were rolling less, or perhaps Ms Angelos won me over at the very same time she won her battle with Satan and found God. I kid you not! This book ended up being a lengthy testimony folks give at a lengthy Sunday Service, and the entire congregation is wide mouthed at the power of a repentant soul.
I am not sure what was most shocking? The quick turn of events (vis-a-vis the imminent trajectory her life was taking) or that she stayed celibate for five years after going at multiple men, every week, for more than eight months straight.
In the words of an old Black Baptist Mama; "Won't He Do It"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2023
Terry grew up in Rhodesia and then moved to South Africa. Even growing up with all the privileges of a white person in the 70’s, she still had something rebellious inside of her that wanted to challenge or shock the people around her. By acting out, Terry gets all the attention she craves. Finally finishing school (with a lot of drama and scandal to boot), Terry decides to take a gap year in London to get away.
The plan was to work at a pub, make some extra money and see a new country. It all started to change when she started to work as a hostess for a club. She knew the club was a bit sleazy, but the money was good. Slowly but surely, she got sucked into the seedy world of London, every time thinking, “oh, it’s not so bad” until almost nothing is off limits.
Before a year was out, Terry was a prostitute with regular clients, a drug user and a very broken and lost 19-year-old. She knows she needs to get out and needs the help and courage to do it. This is Terry’s story.
My thoughts: What an honest, raw memoir of a piece of Terry’s life. It’s very honest without being explicit – not a lot can do that. I couldn’t put it down.
The plan was to work at a pub, make some extra money and see a new country. It all started to change when she started to work as a hostess for a club. She knew the club was a bit sleazy, but the money was good. Slowly but surely, she got sucked into the seedy world of London, every time thinking, “oh, it’s not so bad” until almost nothing is off limits.
Before a year was out, Terry was a prostitute with regular clients, a drug user and a very broken and lost 19-year-old. She knows she needs to get out and needs the help and courage to do it. This is Terry’s story.
My thoughts: What an honest, raw memoir of a piece of Terry’s life. It’s very honest without being explicit – not a lot can do that. I couldn’t put it down.
December 18, 2022
What I'm reading: White Trash by Terry Angelos
You know that delicious sensation of picking up a book, being drawn in from page 1, and having the stars align that there is time to devour the whole thing in a day or two?
This happened with White Trash by local author, Terry Angelos.
Her story alone is compelling: priveleged rebel goes off the rails in London before finding redemption and salvation.
But Oh my goodness. The writing.
The way she shares her tale is unflinching, along the way painting a word picture of early childhood in Zimbabwe at the height of the Rhodesian war, moving to South Africa at the height of apartheid, coming of age while moving schools and finding her own (fractured) identity.
Her year in London breaks and makes her. I won't spoil how she forges her path back home.
The material is sensitive but so is her writing about it. I absolutely loved reading this book. Highly recommended.
I picked up my copy from our book club collection. - Taralyn Mclean, 2022 #books
You know that delicious sensation of picking up a book, being drawn in from page 1, and having the stars align that there is time to devour the whole thing in a day or two?
This happened with White Trash by local author, Terry Angelos.
Her story alone is compelling: priveleged rebel goes off the rails in London before finding redemption and salvation.
But Oh my goodness. The writing.
The way she shares her tale is unflinching, along the way painting a word picture of early childhood in Zimbabwe at the height of the Rhodesian war, moving to South Africa at the height of apartheid, coming of age while moving schools and finding her own (fractured) identity.
Her year in London breaks and makes her. I won't spoil how she forges her path back home.
The material is sensitive but so is her writing about it. I absolutely loved reading this book. Highly recommended.
I picked up my copy from our book club collection. - Taralyn Mclean, 2022 #books
September 23, 2024
This took a turn I wasn't expecting at the end...
It's a memoir. There's a lot about the impact of growing up in then-Rhodesia and South Africa in the 70s and 80s. This is a personal story. The writing isn't bad so it wasn't a struggle to read. I think she glossed over the worst of it (understandably). In some ways it takes a brave soul to expose so much of what others would deem dirty laundry in a public forum, but by the author's own admission, a part of her is always looking to be different; to shock.
I'd put it in the beach holiday read pile - if you have some history or connection with South Africa or Zimbabwe.
It's a memoir. There's a lot about the impact of growing up in then-Rhodesia and South Africa in the 70s and 80s. This is a personal story. The writing isn't bad so it wasn't a struggle to read. I think she glossed over the worst of it (understandably). In some ways it takes a brave soul to expose so much of what others would deem dirty laundry in a public forum, but by the author's own admission, a part of her is always looking to be different; to shock.
I'd put it in the beach holiday read pile - if you have some history or connection with South Africa or Zimbabwe.
January 10, 2024
An honest and interesting book. Whilst it feels ghost-written at times, this doesn't detract from the narrative. The author lived through the Rhodesian war and I can't help feeling this influenced her (by her own admission) poor decision-making and lack of risk aversion. Despite this, its easy to see how a young woman can end up where she did and, thankfully, it wasn't the end of the story. Those of us who travelled as young people and experienced the freedoms of this will find this author's story resonates.
March 4, 2024
Pithy, honest and compelling
The author drags us without fear into her rocky and precarious journey to an early adult life that many of us will not understand nor comprehend but cannot fail to be both fascinated and appalled. Terry bares her innermost emotions, thoughts and unapologetically takes us through her darkest experiences. Her journey into light from darkness is equally compelling and uplifting as her dark past which was seemingly inescapable and destructive is intersected by a moment that shouts “….but God!”. An altogether gripping and powerful read.
The author drags us without fear into her rocky and precarious journey to an early adult life that many of us will not understand nor comprehend but cannot fail to be both fascinated and appalled. Terry bares her innermost emotions, thoughts and unapologetically takes us through her darkest experiences. Her journey into light from darkness is equally compelling and uplifting as her dark past which was seemingly inescapable and destructive is intersected by a moment that shouts “….but God!”. An altogether gripping and powerful read.
August 13, 2022
Telling your story is always challenging. Telling it when you aren't exactly proud of history is more so. Terry tells her story frankly, emotionally and with imagination and intelligence. Youth treats us all differently. Most rebel then recover much like Terry.
Not everyone gets their happily ever after.
Her story, thankfully, follows this predictable arc.
Reminds me that we often have no idea of someone else's trauma and past. Treat everyone kindly and with compassion, always.
Not everyone gets their happily ever after.
Her story, thankfully, follows this predictable arc.
Reminds me that we often have no idea of someone else's trauma and past. Treat everyone kindly and with compassion, always.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2023
I greatly admire Terry Angelos for her courage in unashamedly telling her story. I can only imagine how painful it must have been at times, delving into the past and looking her younger, broken self in the eye. Yet how emancipating, too. We serve an awesome, faithful God who has forgiven and restored Terry and given her a new life. There is HOPE to be found within the pages of this story. Hope to cling to, even in the most trying of circumstances. There is redemption and acceptance, too. And a call to 'never give up.' I strongly encourage you to read this book.
February 23, 2023
I was transfixed at the honesty of the writer although it was not my normal read the sample intrigued me so I bought and read
Simple honest style but very interesting
I was not surprised to see that the publisher was Melinda Ferguson who’s book smacked had the same effect on me
Brutally honest
Simple honest style but very interesting
I was not surprised to see that the publisher was Melinda Ferguson who’s book smacked had the same effect on me
Brutally honest
March 19, 2023
Well written, captivating, and raw. I couldn't put it down. I could feel her pain, her disappointment, and at times self-loathing. She's blessed, not many stories like this end in a way hers ended. I just randomly picked it up... enjoyed it with tears and a box of tissues.
March 2, 2025
An inspiring memoir by Terry Angelos. Her story of how she grew up in Rhodesia, moved to apartheid South Africa and ended up by becoming a prostitute in London. How she got “saved” is a true miracle. Well written and an easy read.
October 12, 2025
This book touched my soul, what a beautiful story and testament to God and his power to heal and forgive. Our sermon this morning in church was all about Rahab - what a coincidence as I was reading this! I’m a proud of you Terry and thank you for sharing your raw yet beautiful testimony!
January 19, 2022
I can imagine how personally challenging it must have been to share this story, but the writing is just not my vibe.
November 5, 2022
Easy to read and captivating. Personally enjoyed her rendition of a childhood in Zimbabwe. The honesty and respect for those around her can be felt in the way the author has told her story.
September 18, 2023
Very raw story telling. The end was a bit sudden but guess there was no other good way to end it! Good in her for surviving!
February 1, 2024
It was good until it got all Jesus-y
August 8, 2022
I enjoyed this story and Terry's journey from the underbelly of London society to a thriving, artistic, and altruistic individual. This story felt very close to home and I enjoyed her descriptions as well as how she described the turbulent times of Southern Africa's history. She did so while staying very mindful of her white middle-class perspective and what influenced her at the time. Ultimately, it is a refreshing and transformative story!
March 20, 2022
I really enjoyed this year long memoir of a girl in transition. From her wild childhood in Rhodesia to London as a high class call girl and then her return to Africa to find Jesus to help make her whole again. It’s is wonderfully written and has the nostalgia of a trip back to her 20s (1989) but also focuses on her upbringing of fearing “the black man”. It was refreshing that she did not try to cover her story with “wokeness” but of truly showing how she was reared as a child.
I could relate to her and her thinking she’s “all that and a bag of chips”. I had the same mentality growing up in the 80s and 90s and feeling invincible. Some of her comments were spot on about how she felt at the time but also reflecting now at the age of 50 of delusional thoughts she really had of herself. Don’t we all cringe at some things we have done in our youth?
It was fresh, funny, quirky, traumatizing and true all at once. Each country could be its own story and I hope Mrs. Angelos may consider each country’s tale as future separate books as they could stand on their own. Job well done!
I could relate to her and her thinking she’s “all that and a bag of chips”. I had the same mentality growing up in the 80s and 90s and feeling invincible. Some of her comments were spot on about how she felt at the time but also reflecting now at the age of 50 of delusional thoughts she really had of herself. Don’t we all cringe at some things we have done in our youth?
It was fresh, funny, quirky, traumatizing and true all at once. Each country could be its own story and I hope Mrs. Angelos may consider each country’s tale as future separate books as they could stand on their own. Job well done!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews