What an intriguing piece of work!  Jo Manning takes readers into the life of Grace Dalrymple Elliott, a noted courtesan in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s.  Not knowing what to expect, I sat down expecting a slow-paced historical book, but I quickly became fascinated with the illustrations, photographs, sketches, and information packed inside this grand book.

In case you are unfamiliar with courtesans, they were women paid to maintain sexual relations with men, but not just any men—the rich, famous and/or royal.  Grace married at a relatively young age by today’s standards, however her marriage wasn’t meant to be.  Her husband eventually filed for divorce—that aspect of the novel alone was enough to satisfy me.  I found the information about divorce in that era to be amazing.  First, I didn’t know divorces were granted in that era, and they were just as messy, if not messier, back then!  After Grace divorced, she turned her life into an amazing journey that included many men and many adventures—good and bad.

The book continues through Grace’s many lovers, condoms of the time, her time spent in prison, and more.  The brilliant blend of biographical information and even autobiographical inserts makes for absorbing reading.  MY LADY SCANDALOUS is a must read for anyone with interest in history or the life of a courtesan.