Mary Saunders has always longed for luxury. Born to working-class parents, she lives with her mother, step-father, and baby half-brother in a basement in lower-class eighteenth century England. Though she is somewhat educated, she really has only two options in life; sewing, like her mother, or service. Mary rebels and loses her virginity, health, and respectability for a single red ribbon, falling into a life of prostitution and alcoholism. Based on the story of a maid who killed her mistress for a beautiful dress, Mary’s story is heartbreaking but surprisingly compelling and evocative of her time.

I will admit that I struggled with this book in the beginning. Mary was extremely difficult to care about. She is so frivolous that she covets the lifestyle of a prostitute just so she can have pretty clothes. Her sojourn in a rehabilitation facility and later time with the Jones family both open her eyes a little to the respectability of honest work, but her craving for luxury undoes her good intentions every time. It is something that is a little mystifying, especially given when she sees how the Joneses have worked up the career ladder to a life which she craves.

On the other hand, however, she is a very well-rounded character. Frustrating as she is, it’s easy to see how her childhood, friendships, and longings translate into the way she lives her life. Surprisingly we can see how prostitution does suit her, creepy as that feels. She seems to enjoy her power over men while reveling in the fact that she can buy beautiful clothes and spend most of her time laughing and drinking with her prostitute friends. It’s only when she gets seriously ill that she has to pursue ways of healing and thinks about where she has gone wrong.

This is, unfortunately, an unrelentingly negative book. We learn that Mary is in prison in the first few pages and then are sent back to figure out how she got there. Even when happier things happen in her life, the reader is always aware that they aren’t going to last. I had a span of about 10 pages where I loved the book; I thought Mary’s life was going to take a turn for the better. I had been struggling with the book and then I fell in love. I fell out of love about as quickly and finished it more because I had to than because I wanted to. It was just so depressing and Mary’s obsession with money, escape, and luxury became all-consuming even though she was perhaps the happiest she’d ever been in her life.

This is a story about a girl who makes very poor choices, all of which catch up to her in the end. Knowing that from the beginning makes this a challenge, but it is still an excellent book for its portrayal of eighteenth century London, the countryside, and the insights into Mary’s mind. In startling contrast to most historical fiction which focuses on the wealthy and privileged, I do think this book is worth reading. ( )

This is another gripping read from Donoghue, author of The Sealed Letter. Mary Saunders, the daughter of a struggling London seamstress, is disowned after selling herself for a ribbon. She becomes a street prostitute in London and escapes to Monmouth, near Wales, when a notorious pimp comes after her. She is sheltered by her estranged mother's friend, telling her that her "dying" mother's last wish was that her friend look after her girl. She becomes a skilled seamstress, but despite being safe and well-treated she still longs for independence and glamour, and returns to whoring to make money for a return to London.

Donoghue did a great job creating likable but flawed female characters in The Sealed Letter. Mary Saunders, too, is a complex character - you have to admire her smarts and her spirit, but you want to shake her as she throws away a chance at security and love for the sake of beautiful clothes. I like the fact that the book is true to its historical setting, but not ponderously written. And while the story is harrowing and ultimately unhappy, Donoghue doesn't pile on the misery in a way that depresses. ( )

Solid story through the entire novel, the ending is not what I expected however, appropriate.
The language is graphic, but I think that's one of the reasons why I enjoyed it so much. Take a chance and slip back into 1760 England. ( )

Emma Donoghue does a very, very good job of presenting this sad case history. It portrays the inhumanity men show to those less able or unable to protect and provide for themselves.

I wonder at the uses to which Ms. Donoghue puts her considerable powers. There are those who would say, "What would be a better use?" and I cannot answer them. I do honor this author's skill; the story beat me down. ( )

Mary Saunders loves fine things and colour in her world. When she sees a girl wearing a red ribbon, she craves it. And so starts her downfall. Her actions lead to prostitution and eventually gaol.

I really enjoyed this historical novel, based in the 18th century. The use of colour and smells, descriptions of London low life and the feelings of Mary are well written. At every stage of her journey, her actions whilst sometimes not what the reader might have done, are logical and make sense. Never does she do something that is not fitting with the character portrayed.

Not only do her actions make sense but her relationships with others and her feelings also have reality to them.

The only thing I didn't like about this book was the prologue, in which we see where Mary has ended up. The rest of the story tells us how she came to that place. I was wishing throughout that Donoghue was going to throw a twist in the works as you end up so wanting Mary to have a good ending. By telling us previously, it spoilt my anticipation somewhat.

However, it was a very enjoyable and quick read.

In one line: A captivating story dealing with prostitution, desperation and a desire for more in 18th century London. ( )