Parlour Games is the gently-written story of a woman whose dedication to achieving what she wanted saw her either dance around or plough straight through any obstacle. The lilting language helped capture the era and Mary’s geographical and emotional travels were beautifully illustrated, enjoyable and compelling. I was thoroughly immersed in Mary’s story as she travelled through the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th. She created a path that promised either serious trouble or significant rewards and, as a result, accumulated successes, failures, joy and heartbreak. The story showed how a person with restricted options, resolutely against earning money from prostitution, pursued every one of her choices with great dedication. All the scenes were handled without sensationalism and I particularly liked that Mary did not go to great lengths to justify or apologise for her actions. In a world where men usually inherited money, land and businesses and were afforded an education, a woman's options were very different.So many books about women who do not toe society’s line, agonise in explaining some honourable, family-based, motive or a secret torment. This completely ignores the fact that women are not all driven by socially accepted values. Mary wanted a glittering life and she did all she could to get it given the social constraints of her time. I was impressed that Mary achieved so much and sincerely hope that most of the tales were from May Dugas actual life. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and was carried along with Mary/May's highs and lows from the comfort of 21st century Europe … and what a comfort that is! A great read. by Maryka Biaggio. Read by Leslie Carroll. 2013. May Dugas, 1887, 18 years old, tried to earn enough money to support her family. She ends up at the Bordello. Eventually, with her earnings, insinuates herself into Chicago's high society. She travels the world, ends up with the wrong men and is continuously tracked down by Reed Dougherty, a Pinkerton. He brands her the most dangerous woman in the world and the most ruthless seductress. Was she?
What do You think about Parlor Games (2013)?
A lot of flashing backwards and forwards throughout the story. The end was a little disappointing.
—Lynaitte
Good writing, good story line. Historical novel about Meg Dugan, 1917 swindler
—kyng
Enjoyed the present to the past story line.
—cammyb
