This story is relentless, unapologetic, vulgar, and — at the surface — shameless. There are no pulled punches in Girlvert, and I'm glad for it. It wasn't an easy read in terms of content (if you are queasy about, well... anything at all, this is really not the book for you) but it was an undeniably fascinating and terrifying peek behind the scenes of the world of porn and an in-depth look at the human(and blatantly inhumane) side of it all. I admire the boldness of Small for just *saying* everything she does, and I enjoy the way she worked the overall tone of the book. I willingly admit that this memoir made me think more than I expected it to. Fascinating book.I've always been very liberal regarding porn, and people who want to work in the sex industry. Everybody has the right to choose what to do with their bodies.But the interesting thing here is throughout the authors recounting of her experiences in porno, she very much expresses that she was in charge, the power lay with her, she made all of the decisions. And yet as you read it, you realise how much this young woman has been raped and abused and forced into things.But because she 'loved' the abusers forcing her to do things, it was 'okay', it seemed like it was 'her choice', and she was therefore fine with it.I mean the catalogue of abuse when she's first getting into porn, being egged on by her abusive controlling boyfriend (who she loved and would do anything for, including essentilaly being raped) is really hard to read. And it raised the question, is it still rape if she gets a handful of money thrown down next to her afterwards? To which, yes. Of course.But is it rape if the victim doesn't call it rape?And it really left me questioning the nature of free will in all of this. The author clearly thought she had free will and was acting under own agency (and not that of her abusive boyfriends, the abusive system, the copious drugs and drink) but do I think she had free will? I don't think I do.So whose world view wins out here? Was it abuse? Wasn't it abuse? I just don't know.
What do You think about Girlvert: A Porno Memoir (2011)?
Felt honest. Hard to read about someone caring about themselves so little. Also: so much cocaine.
—Tontron
Not for everyone but a very talented honest writer. I wish everyone could be this honest.
—fcarothers
A very interesting look at someones career in porn, with nothing held back
—kezzy
