Reviews tagging 'Sexism'

Harlots, Whores & Hackabouts: A History of Sex for Sale by Kate Lister

4 reviews

jess_justmaybeperfect's review against another edition

challenging informative reflective sad fast-paced

4.0

A brief, but still detailed, history of sex work and sex workers through centuries and across the globe. 

I found it to be a thoughtful (and timely or perhaps evergreen) reflection on victimization, war, police, gender, misogyny, and self-determination. 

Lister’s focus on the lives and perspectives of the workers is a strong reminder of the power imbalance between historians and their subjects and reminder to listen to women and marginalized communities. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Homophobia, Misogyny, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual content, Slavery, Violence, and War

haleybre's review against another edition

informative medium-paced

5.0

---

Content Warnings

Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Trafficking, Colonisation, War, Classism, and Deportation

swedishfrisk's review against another edition

challenging hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

This book packs a lot of information into one book centering on the history of sex work in various parts of the world. 

I found this read very informative though I would have loved more space dedicated to the topic in the conclusion which ties in the recurring themes within the book to modern workers rights movements and battles for decriminalization. I think the book could have used a bit more time on this topic to wrap up all the ideas that were touched on but overall this is a great read. The most poignant line here being “It has taken thousands of years, but sex workers have finally managed to create space to speak for themselves” which highlights the importance of sex workers being the ones telling us what they need in terms of their rights as workers and individuals. 

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Hate crime, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Police brutality, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, and Classism

ashmash's review against another edition

dark hopeful informative reflective sad fast-paced

4.25

Wanted to read something different to my usual choices in literature. I was worried about reading a history book as I thought it would be quite dense, but Kate Lister wrote an enjoyable, informative book about a topic I wasn’t very familiar with. If you’re looking for an overview of the history of prostitution then this is a great choice.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Police brutality, and Sexual harassment

Moderate: Homophobia, Rape, Transphobia, Trafficking, and Murder