I really enjoyed this book. I found it very interesting to read about the history of sex work in an Australian setting. The blurb on the back of the book states that ‘the scarlet mile is a compelling and fascinating social history of prostitution in Kalgoorlie where local brothels and the police station have shared the same street for more than a century.

The book starts by talking about sex work in the gold fields, and the community attitudes back then. It has newspaper articles and talks to long time residents. It has interviews with women that worked 50 years ago right up to the workers and madams there only last year. If you have never worked in Kalgoorlie it gives a great insight into the totally different culture of brothels and sex work, to anywhere else in Australia. If you have worked there I imagine this book is a must read.

The Author is respectful and objective the whole way through the book. An easy to read book, with facts, photos, interviews and humour. I really enjoyed it.

Link to Amazon Books to buy a copy

Link to API Review of the book

review by A.R. South Australia