Between the Sheets

by Scarlett O'Kelly

What do you do when you become a statistic - jobless, hopeless and mired in debt? Well, one Irish woman answered that question by becoming an escort. And in doing so, she discovered a side of Ireland - and a side of herself - she could never have imagined. 'I am an ordinary mum getting on with life. I'm someone who you would comfortably chat to at the school gates - perhaps you have - or in the doctor's surgery or while queuing at the post office. I am basically anyone who looks like an attractive, educated woman hitting forty. How I pay my mortgage, fund the children's hobbies and put food on the table may make me unusual, but I hope it doesn't change who I am'. "Between the Sheets" is an explicit account of a year spent working in a field that is unimaginable to the average woman, and it is a gripping description of the high price of living a double life. However, it is also an insightful view of the sexual lives of Irish couples. In getting to know her clients' deepest fears and desires, the author saw a side of men she never expected to, a side she believes remains hidden from most women. And, much to her surprise, she came to the conclusion that by letting go of their hang-ups and embracing their sexuality, ordinary women just like her could increase their confidence and build stronger relationships. Not only is "Between the Sheets" a startling and challenging read, it is also an intriguing portrait of Irish life at its most intimate.

Paperback

First published February 1, 2012

Reviews

[حمده الشامسية · Rating 1 out of 5]

I felt that this novel is a guide for women on how to become escorts but nothing more. With details I felt readers didn’t need to hear to make the story interesting. Not worth reading.

[Alice Chau-Ginguene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reasonably good and easy read. I am trying very hard to be not judgmental about the author's decision to be an escort. In fact, I am for legalised prostitute. But the author came across as someone who has an unrealistic point of view towards financial management, and to be honest, a bit whiny. There are lots of people who are in much worse financial situation in the country at the moment and they changed their lifestyle to fit into their budget. I find it a bit difficult to emphasize with someone wanting to stay in the similar lifestyle during the bloom years. I respect her courage to write such a book, but find it difficult to relate.

[Annemariemcbrearty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't like this at all. Nothing about it was appealing to me. She was telling her story and at the same time she wanted to interject a bit of fifty shades of Gray into it and failed miserably. We really didn't need to hear so much detail to make the story interesting.