Fiction dealing with amateur prostitute

[Grimalkin]

I am doing some work on the author Jean Rhys. I'd like to set it against other earlier 20th century novels dealing with the figure of the so called amateur prostitute/ women fallen on hard times. Has anyone come across such a text - novel/short story/autobiography? I can't think of any off hand.

[MsBadely]

Wilkie Collins' 'Magdalen' deals with a reformed prostitute. It's a little earlier than the period you're looking at but it gives a good insight to Victorian attitudes towards 'fallen women'.

[Tatty Rollox]

...... and here is a Victorian Fallen Woman .......

[Quizmonkey]

Isn't the term 'amateur prostitute' a contradiction in terms - assuming that 'amateur' means she doesn't get paid for it?!

[Lindy Lou]

There's a book called 'Three Professional Ladies' by G.F. Newman, It's set in the early '70s. Don't think it's still in print, but you'll probably find it on Amazon.

[traceyg]

Perhaps "20,000 Streets Under The Sky" - can't remember who it's by but it's a British male author and published in 1920s or 1930s.

[Grimalkin]

It is a contentious term quizmonkey, but seems to be the most effective way of describing a woman who accepts gifts/nights out/accommodation etc ie anything but cash from a man who expects sex in return. The agreement is often not explicitly stated.

Thanks for all your ideas - very helpful.