Anton Holden

This is a disturbing book. Guess I have been sheltered. Couldn't put it down. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because some of the descriptions were "over the top". This is not for the faint of heart, yet you will be mesmerized.

I have no doubt all this happened to Dolly and her family. She did anything she needed to do to survive. She was resourceful and it's no telling what she would have become if she had been born in a more privledged life.

I challenge you to NOT come away with the thoughts that Men Are Sick. Women were just objects to so many back in those days. I am sure there were some good ones but you won't find them between the covers of this book.

I don't have much time to read but I finished this in 3 days. Be prepared if you pick it up to read, you won't be able to put it down.… (meer)

In this biographical account,author Anton Holden takes us through the amazing life of his grandmother, Dolly Vardon. From birth to death, Dolly's life is quite extraordinary. She was abandoned shortly after birth to a London 'Baby Farm' in 1886 where she is put to work on the streets as soon is she is old enough so she can earn whatever money she can in whatever way she can.

While on the streets, Dolly's tiny feet catch the eye of Harry Sidney Nichols, a rich bookseller. Harry employs Dolly and uses her for his sexual fetish. These sections are written very straightforward and graphically, directly from stories passed down from Dolly. At times these sections were hard to read; however, it is definitely a story that needs to be told.

The author allows us to read about his grandmother's entire life giving us a wonderful look into a rare life of an inspiring and strong woman.

This book was received from the author in a Goodreads First-Reads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.… (meer)