This is not a review.
This is to say that I have read the book, and:
I feel sorry for all the girls abused by the Epstein criminals.
Why is no one being prosecuted?
I’m disgusted to see names of those who she was trafficked to (Prince Andrew, Bill Richardson, a Prime Minister, 3 well known billionaires & on).
I support all the victims (can I sign something?)
My heart – broken.
When a father and uncle sexually abuse a girl as she grows up and mother turns a blind eye, she can think this is the way it is. So, when an abuser who offers better perks comes along – BONUS!
Remember not to lump all men into the lust disgust I feel.
Ghlisaine Maxwell (and all women like her) are a million stabs in the back with a rusty knife to sisterhood, traitors to womenkind, and an affront to all humanity.
“There is a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.” – Madeleine Albright
Epstein, Jean-Luc Brunel and Virgina – All suicides?
I’m suppressing “Likes”, because no one I know could “Like” this.
However, Virginia says in the book that she wants us to talk about it. Not talking about it just allows it to keep on happening. So, as she wanted, comments are open.
Congratulations to Julie K. Brown on her Pulitzer Prize Special Citation, for her ground breaking reporting, on this issue.
Graffiti Lux Art & More 
It seemed–briefly–that things might change and get better with the Me Too movement. I’m hoping for convictions with the “follow the money” trail. However they can be convicted is OK with me.
I agree!
“Follow the money” could work. After all, epstein was running the most expensive whorehouse in the world. “Follow the favours”, too. The favours led to money.
Of course, as epstein video recorded the sex acts, the money is blackmail as well. These recordings are spoken of in the book. Along with many, many names that have never been investigated, they currently reside with the FBI.
Yes, there are many names and many connections. I think drugs, maybe crypto, weapons, etc. And yes, blackmail and bribes.
Old, very old, old and covered in flies fish heads come to mind.
I see another person was shot at the gates to the White House tonight.
😔
The whole thing is incomprehensible!
Yes… sickening.
Caligula would be proud of the perps.
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Reading this book was hard but necessary. It should be required reading. I don’t understand why these people have not been prosecuted.
Hello Dawn,
I understand why you say that.
Yes, difficult to read, but I was so heartened by Virginia’s courage. It is not just a book about sexual degradation and cruelty, it is about reclaiming oneself and the pursuit of justice.
There are no prosecutions, yet, as we come to understand through Virginia’s experience, because some of the richest and most powerful men in the world were patrons at epstein’s high end bordello.
It seems the government’s of France and Britain are making some effort at investigating… although no charges are pending. In the USA, it appears nothing but extended cover up is at work.
Oh, dear! It is a sad story, a particularly sad one, though. Yet, as you know, such things done to women by men have a long history! Here, it’s about the rich, mighty men, though, in my observation, we can see it throughout history in every stratum of society. It is a sad, sad world!
My heart beats in sync with yours.
💔💞
Thank you, Aladin!
Yes… it is an old reality. And perhaps only in a few countries in this modern world are such things called out, with very little justice in the offing. Still, let us continue the good work, in this and other injustices.
1215 – The Magna Carta – began the “power to the people”, in a teeny spot on earth. 811 years later, we are still working on it. I figure we might as well continue.
Right now, in many countries, the people are saying -Release the files, and charge the guilty. Hopefully we won’t have to wait 811 more years.
xo❦🕊❦xo
Dear Resa, it’s truly heartbreaking that people often remain trapped in ignorance despite countless acts of freedom throughout history. Thank you for bringing up the history of Magna Carta, which could serve as a foundation for the legal systems of countries everywhere.
I hope that one day Justice prevails!
💖🥰🫶🙏
Agree about ignorance being a trap.
I wish more people loved history!
I share your hope, Aladin! xoxoxo
Amen, and thank you. xoxoxo
I hope that the perpetrators pay for their monstrous behaviour. At the moment it seems proceedings have stalled. Money must be doing a lot of rounds. But I truly hope that everyone pays for his deeds. Then again maybe I am just a dreamer when it comes to justice.
Yes, Michael, I believe money and power are the roadblocks to justice, in this and many matters.
You may be a dreamer, but like John Lennon says, “I’m not the only one”.
And dreams can come true. Like Virginia (and other victims) says, we need to keep talking about it, not give up and stay the course. Not everyone has signed a non-disclosure, and some are willing to break it.
This book is one heck of an eye opener about what the rich and powerful can get away with.
Let us hope we will see the day when such b$#@& get punished.
YES!!!!
The fact that everyone involved in committing, abetting, and covering up these egregious crimes have not arrested, tried, convicted, and sentenced to life in prison is a measure of just how misogynistic and corrupt the United States is. I’m ashamed to be a United States citizen.
Agree, Liz and thank you for commenting on this post.
I was a bit nervous about posting this, but after having read the book, it seemed like I would be turning my back on Virginia and all victims, not to.
Poetically, figuratively – I keep thinking of this:
“I read the news today, oh boy
Four thousand holes in Blackburn, Lancashire
And though the holes were rather small
They had to count them all
Now they know how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall” – Lennon/McCartney
You’re welcome, Resa. Yes, and now we know how many gallons of blue paint it takes to desecrate a national monument.
True… he is just like Caligula, building divinity monuments to himself.
And we know Caligula’s ultimate fate. May the orange abomination meet the same fate. SOON!
Yeah! I see someone tried again tonight, but was shot at the gates.
More’s the pity.
Sigh!
I’m wondering if an FBI or perp shot the innocent bystander?
Could be either of them.
This is a powerful presentation, Resa. I am beyond disgusted that most of the rich white men who sexually abused girls and very young women have escaped accountability and prison. This group includes Donald Trump, who I believe ordered the totally unnecessary attack on Iran partly to distract from his vile role in the Epstein scandal.
Thanks Dave!
I was torn about posting, but like I said to Liz, after having read the book, it seemed like I would be turning my back on Virginia and all victims, not to.
It seems to me more than just the Iran war is to obfuscate from the “epstein Files.” On deck… Cuba, whose people are now starving to death. That should work out better than Iran.
Caligula would be proud of trump, and approve of his divinity statue, arch, etc.
Yes, Resa, more lethal distractions to distract from the previous lethal distractions. 😦
UCH!!!
Liz is right. I see they are hoping to gt the vile Mountbatten Windsor on a misconduct in public office charge but it is very hard to get a charge like that to stick..
Ahh Mountbatten, a distinguished name from the folds of history, given to a pedophile? Busting the vile Andrew’s rank is not much of a punishment.
At this point I hope they get anyone on anything.
A sad post, but I read the book, and am doing what Virginia was hoping her memoir would do – keep the story alive so justice could happen. xxxx
Right now we are prosecuting a former FBI Director for fashioning the numbers 8647 in seashells on the beach- but refusing to even investigate pedophiles. The USA is broken.
Agree, Violet, thank you!
Vile travesties are unfolding before our open eyes. On top of what you mention here, now the 1.776 billion fund to strengthen a militia of traitors.
Will there ever be a straw to break the rat camel’s back?
I’m sorry for the abused women and children. It’s discouraging how corrupt our political systems have become.
Me too, Brad. The rampant corruption is discouraging.
This book was hard to read , but my broken heart was glued together by Virginia’s honesty and bravery.
A nice one me thinks ever so it is sad as the story shod be. Regards, TOF
Thank you for weighing in on this sad story, TOF!
I appreciate it.
This entire Epstein mess is a black blot on humanity and the lack of justice is shaming and frightening for all of us. I believe young boys were also abused so it’s not just about abuse of women 💔
Agree, and yes, it is not just the shame. It is frightening. “They”, with lack of justice, are saying it’s okay.
The young boys is another story… abused by priests, religious leaders, scout troop leaders, sports coaches and more. There are many cover-ups in this area, too.
I worked on a movie “Our Fathers”, that was a docudrama about the priest pedophilia in the Catholic Church. It was noticeable that the adult actors who played the grown up victims, seemed to suffer/take on the degradation.
Anyway, Virginia was honest and brave, imo, in writing this book. Her story goes beyond the victimization and into empowerment.
Thank you so much for your comment, Robbie!
💙❦🕊❦💙
My pleasure, Resa. Thank you for sharing your review of this book. The man who ran the compulsory camps at my son’s school was tried and jailed for pedophelia a few years ago after one of his victim committed suicide. Several boys came forward. I didn’t let either of my sons go on these camps as I didn’t like the set up. I remember having a difficult meeting with the deputy headmaster about it but I stuck to my guns. It turns out I was right. I don’t back down on my convictions. Thankfully I am a very strong character 🙏😊
Wow! How wonderful that you stuck to your guns, Robbie. You have keen instincts.
It’s mind boggling how many young boys have been sexually harmed by the very men they looked up to.
I’ve always thought you were a great mom, since I started following you.
💙🕊❦
Thank you, Resa. I trust my instincts when it comes to people and situations.
Right on!
👍🏻
Horrific, but you and she are correct that light has to be continually shone on the subject and people brought to justice. I would gently and carefully add that women who are of age and expect to get something in return for sexual favors, such as money, a job, etc., are not, in my opinion, victims or survivors as are those many others we so often hear about. The latter are the true victims and I ache for them.
Sigh…
So, from my little corner I shine a light.
I do want all victimizers/criminals to be brought to justice. So many in all areas get off scot free. Most priests have never paid for their sexual crimes. They just get shuffled to another diocese.
epstein ran a first class pedophile whore house, pressing underage girls into service for extremely rich and powerful men. The FBI sits on their names and on video evidence.
Virginia talks about how he taped sex acts w/o the knowledge of participants. She had seen tapes, and so have other of the girls.
What is the excuse that there are not even investigations going on?
There’s no excuse. The priest scandal is, to me, even worse because they are religious leaders.
Unbelievable!
Hiding pedophilia behind religion is beyond disgusting.
What a world!
Unfortunately nothing has really changed since the beginning of time. 😢
Yes, and the people know it. Yet, it continues. 🥀
I agree with Albright – too many women close their eyes to the suffering. Or worse, they profit in some way. In some cases, they really have no self-worth other than being associated with powerful men but that’s really no excuse.
I adore that quote of Albright’s.
Yes, ghlisaine maxwell profited handily off of epstein’s pedophile class A whorehouse.
You are 100% right Jan. There is no excuse.
Abuse of children is society’s secret shame. So many of us girls and boys had our childhoods darkened by family predators. Yes, the rich and powerful paid for access, but this lust is still?, epidemic. Were the predators also prey? God fearing, church going predators. What the heck?
What the heck?
Yes!
It’s, a secret shame that is harder and harder to hide due to social media/internet…in first world countries.
Hell only knows what is really going on 3rd world and emerging countries.
Lust.. one of the 7 deadly sins, plus greed are favourites of many perps.
I worked on a movie (costume designer), Our Fathers, about the pedophilia in the Catholic Church. Working on it caused me to have nightmares. Still, I felt this needed to be brought to light.
Now, I’m doing my little bit to help spread Virginia’s experience. I finished the book over a month ago, but needed to detox before talking about it.
Thank you for reading this post Cheyenne, and commenting!
It’s much appreciated.
I personally don’t think any of those suicides were suicides 🫤
I’m with you, Matt!
In her book, Virginia names many, but there are 3 powerful billionaires and a Prime Minister (what country?) that she did not name, other than to say – 3 powerful billionaires and a Prime Minister. However, she did name them to the FBI. They have the names.
She says that at the time of writing the book, she was still getting many threats on her life, her family’s and promises to ruin not just her life, but those in her family… in perpetuity. She wrote that they had the money and power to do that.
She does talk about having had broken her neck in a covid delirium, and being in a lot of pain, that she was handling. But never does she sound suicidal. She seemed more than anxious to pursue justice with her other victim sisters. And she talks about her love for her family and the joy they brought her.
Her death did not stop the posthumous release of this book.
That’s really sad. Yeah i saw interviews that she did.
I saw some of the interviews, too.
The book filled in so many spaces. She put everything out there, in the book and in the interviews.
I tossed and turned the night before this post was scheduled.
I don’t think you’re a target
Agree! xx
Epstein and his cohorts committed crimes against humanity that are being covered up by our government in an effort to protect the guilty that range from members of vast corporations and worldwide governments. Last week a member of the Republican Congress whose agenda was to expose the Epstein files lost reelection after vicious attacks by the president. This is a shameful black mark on ( yet another) our country. Will justice remain suppressed by the wealthy and powerful? It’s beginning to look that way.
Dearest Meece,
Yes, I heard about the Republican that “he” helped primary out of government. This is not the only reason folks are afraid of crossing him. His cult is a threat to all those who cross “him”.
Yes, the extremely rich and powerful are being protected. epstein ran nothing but a pedophile whorehouse, that no one who is proven to have visited, admits to knowing anything about.
In the book, Virginia describes his mansions – walls lined with explicit photos of underage girls in compromising poses. His pools always featured young, mostly naked girls around them.
She says anyone, man or woman, who visited his places could not escape knowing what was going on.
epstein also filmed the goings on. He had something on everyone.
So, yes, justice might remain suppressed, especially if we give up talking about it, and demanding justice.
This is why after reading Virginia’s book, I had to do this post. She called us all out!
xoxoxoxoxo
The things I’ve heard and read from members of our Congress that are not being bullied ( all on the left side of course) and have seen the files , chill me to the bone. I have more respect for the British government by far to have come forward with what they discovered and do something about it. Still following that but how despicable that the government here is hiding and distracting because they have so much to hide.
Agree!
France, UK, Poland, Norway, Latvia and Lithuania are all conducting investigations now. Australia is conducting an investigation into that Virginia’s death was a murder.
There must be many at the top trying to protect their asses, not just from the wrath of the chief pedo, but from their culpability.
Andrew, busted down to a plain Mountbatten (doesn’t deserve that dignified name either) still protests innocence. Funny how many men went to the island and other mansions, yet no one saw or did anything.
Watched Chinatown with N after dinner tonight. Although a completely different story, ultimately the rich powerful guy gets away with pedophilia and murder.
Irony. I woukd like to see Massie come forward with what he knows , he has lost his place in Congress but not for 7 more months. Mountbatten will be lucky if this is all the repercussion he faces. I truly think there are some people in very high places here who were at the island other than the obvious.
According to Virginia, you are right, many more.
The FBI have many names they have been given by the victims that have come forward.
This is one of the survivors big frustrations. They have been giving testimonies and names for 2 decades, with no investigations following.
Girls waited months, years to here back from the FBI – CRICKETS!
To make matters more abominable, we actually released the names of some of the victims While redacting the names of the perpetrators. It’s the very worst thing I can recall and it will be buried because I think that half our Congress and government and CEO’s and powerful people around the world would be among the redacted names.
I saw that. I was horrified, too.
“They” will do anything to get the survivors to back off, and leave the perps to go free.
Justice seems to be for the rich.
The poor and women… not.
It’s very disturbing. Finding that this happened unbeknownst to us is shocking. Like discovering that this deep state every the MAGA nuts talks about is actually this.
“No one wants to ever believe that there are victims, until they become one.” Humanity is hanging on by a thread, and I fear that a swift and hard wind will tear it.
Hello trE,
That is a acute observation. I have to wonder what goes on in the hearts and minds of men (& some women) as they commit sexual acts that they know are criminal.
Considering that in this particular case, those involved in the commission of the crimes are among the richest and most influential world government and business leaders, yes, humanity is barely hanging on.
Thank you for your time reading this article, and for your astute comment!
You’re most welcome! Thank you for this post!
I’ve not read the book, Resa, but I think that you and she are right to speak up xx
Thank you, Jo!
It’s what she wanted and all victims need. xx
You have given me the nudge to read this. I had been hesitant. And good on you for putting this out there and opening up the discussion. It’s not enough, but it’s in the right direction.
I don’t think anyone in the States has the balls to do what needs to be done.
I understand the hesitancy. However, you are Thunder, and you can handle it.
The thing is that after all the degradation her life was, and it began with her father in her childhood, she rose up and reclaimed her life. Her escape from epstein and maxwell’s clutches was brilliant.
That she was able to do that makes her heroic.
The insight gained from the read is really valuable.
xoxoxoxo
Yes, you know I can, Sorceress.
I am so happy for her to have come out on the other side.
Yes, very heroic.
I am going to get it.
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Yayayay! I borrowed a copy from the library.
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Our library is sad… But hey, I might take a look-see anyway!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Lol… a sad library… that is sad.
xoxoxoxoxo
Between small print, large print, special editions which can only be read in library, audio books and ebooks, the TPL has 100’s of copies. On top of it all I was open to large or small print and still had to wait 3 months.
I tried to renew it, but could not due to the volumes of holds.
Many are reading this book. I’m glad about that, any way.
Sad in the selection of English books is minuscule. xoxoxoxoxo
Wow, that is crazy. I guess I’ll be looking into the Kindle version – usually a tad cheaper.
That is a very good thing.
A Kindle sounds good. One doesn’t need to own this book to set on a bookshelf. Once read, it will remain dustless, on a shelf in your mind’s heart.
xxoxoxoxoxo
Honestly, I am no longer trying to increase the size of my library. I am, actually, in the process of donating each book as I read them!
xoxoxoxoxoxo
I have been donating, too!
It’s wild how much “stuff” I have cleared out of my life.
Unfortunately, the universe saw what I’ve been up to and has seen fit to refill the space with gifts of old fabrics and sundries for my Art Gowns.
yay – lol
xoxoxoxoxo
It’s the best thing. Pass it on. I have so much crap to go through – still!
And hahaha! That Universe is so sneaky!
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Why did I think all of that stuff was so important?
Geez… I found leather mold (which I did not even know was a thing) on a leather jacket I’d stored for 20+ years. And I’m a vegetarian. Okay it was a Hendrix copy from Woodstock. I should have just sold it back then.
LEATHER MOLD? Thank you Universe for that lovely surprise!
xoxoxoxoxo
I hear ya. And YOU? With LEATHER? Of course I am teasing but shit… Leather mold? Who knew?
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
It is so gross…sticky and eats holes in leather.
xoxoxoxoxoxo
*Shudder!
and I forgot
xoxoxoxoxo 🪄🧚🏼♀️ xoxoxoxo
A very sad situation, Resa. Your post is the right thing to do. Keep the spotlight on the injustice.
Thank you dear John!
After reading the book, I felt I needed to help. This is about what I can do, so I’m doing it. OX
Good for you. 😊X
OX
Every distraction postpones the truth and the justice.
Yes!
Those culpable permeate our governments and corporations, which is why justice denied is hanging like sodden laundry in the rain. Like, there’s tapes. epstein made sure those who patronized his high end pedophile whore house would stay loyal, and quiet.
It’s disgusting and unforgivable that nobody else, regardless of party affiliation, in America has been charged. This is about doing the right thing and bringing some sense of justice for the victims.
I agree Pete. I believe that goes to show how deep the sewer runs.
Thank you for reading this, and leaving a comment! It is what Virginia wanted, according to her words in her book.
How awful . . . I agree, women who don’t help other women seem inexplicably cruel to me and lacking empathy in the extreme. Such a sad situation. I thought the Me Too movement was supposed to have made things better, but disappointed to see that this isn’t always the case.
#Me Too was a good movement, but it seems that uniting behind something doesn’t change reality.
It appears to me that women’s rights (& voting rights) have actually moved backwards in the USA.
More women and minorities need to hold office at every level of government, then change will happen. It’s hard to make that happen when the rich and powerful maintain control.
Thank you for reading and commenting, Ada! 💙🕊❦💙
To those who have been assaulted COME FORWARD immediately! To those which there are many who falsely accuse men and or woman of touching them or worse there is a hell that will live within them.
I say to all face your accusers head on or live with guilt for the rest of your life. I was raped and am dying to see him in person 🙂 I am not that young girl anymore he will wish he had been a decent young man.
Look what happened to Bill Clinton NOTHING while Monica was ridiculed and shamed. She flattered him when it was Hillary he had to go home to. He was also with Epstein as was Hillary and Donald Trump was not. All the Democrats know it or would have used it at all cost but that is what will take them down in the end their arrogance towards the president who in fact a funny man who really wants a better world for all people. He has so much dirt on many of these who hold office no wonder they keep trying to kill him.
If readers of your blog have been assaulted, raped or simply threatened you get stronger by speaking out!
My mom told me abuse comes first by those you love and trust I often wondered if she had been harmed when she was young ❤
Yes, I agree Eunice, anyone who has been sexually abused should come forward.
Fear and shame rule over this action, unfortunately. It’s a sad reality, since forever, as far as I have discerned.
You are not that young girl anymore, neither am I. What would I do now?
Thank you for reading this, and leaving your passionate comment! xo
What a horrific crime perpetrated on so many innocents.
Yes.
I can hardly wait for justice to be served. Still, holding my breath is not a good idea.
Resa, this is such a courageous and heartfelt post. I think many of us feel heartbreak for the victims and deep anger that so much suffering could go on for so long. I find myself in agreement with the sentiment that women should stand beside and protect other women, not turn away from their suffering.
I have the book as well, but I have delayed reading it because I know it will be a very difficult one. And perhaps what makes it even harder is that these questions and consequences continue to unfold before our eyes, which keeps the pain very much in the present. Thank you for writing this with such honesty and courage. It cannot have been an easy post to share and I commend you for speaking so passionately on behalf of those who suffered.
Thank you so much, Rebecca!
Madeleine Albright’s quote has been a fave of mine for many years.
Also a fave is Hillary’s, “If there is one message that echoes forth from this conference, let it be that human rights are women’s rights and women’s rights are human rights, once and for all.”
I understand your reticence, but let me say it is a wonderful feeling when Virginia frees herself, and gets moved to take justice.
The other takeaway is an understanding of how and why it is so easy for young women to get roped in. Some want to blame the girls, like they could have just left.. they didn’t have to go along… their choice.
These are all callous comments from an uninformed mind.
I did lose sleep the night before this posted. But then I kept thinking…”Then why did I read it?” Am I just a voyeur? Do I just want to know that these girls suffered, but leave it at that? Why did Virginia write this?
I hope you do read it, Rebecca. I know you ca handle it, and you will be all the wiser.
HUGS!
Thank you Resa for the encouragement!! The questions you asked yourself are the very questions that came to me. I am so glad that you wrote about this because it is a narrative that shows resilience. And it also records our journey as a society.
Yes, you are right.. as a society.
We are lucky to have a largely considerate, compassionate one in Canada.
I agree wholeheartedly! Well said!!!
nice one; follow back and lets grow together!
Book Buddies🙌 It’s hard not to vilify all men after hearing reading this…. As you know I’m devoting the remainder of my life to montaging the movie, Sucker Punch which is about human trafficking, through a PG-13 perspective… The opening scene of SPAΩ Episode III (forthcoming November 5, 2026) is full on-the-nose about Virginia and the consequences allowing this behavior to govern our society. Things will never be okay until heads roll in The United States. From this.
Yay!
❦🕊❦
Interesting choice for a life project, EF.
I commend you.
I look forward to Nov. 5, and will put the link in one of my posts.
Thank you for taking the time to check out this post.
It’s not my usual, but after having read the book …
“A crowd of people turned away
But I just had to look
Having read the book” – Lennon/McCartney
🕊 Wow That’ll motivate me!🤩 This Ep has supersonic potential, but a hot mess at the moment. November 5th it should be there.
“I’d love to TuRrNn… YoUuU… oNnN”⏰🪮💂♂️
Yeah!!! ❦🌹❦
I’m so glad you’re targetting young teens because they are the ones who will have to change society from within.
YES!
I too feel terribly sorry for all the girls abused by the Epstein criminals, and everyone who enabled him to do such horrendous things must be brought to justice!! I agree not to vilify all men and lump them into the same bucket; but this whole thing should anger both women AND men. Even as someone who hasn’t been victimized in this way, I feel empathy for the women, as we don’t know what situations they were in that got them roped into this. Many were too young and perhaps too naive, and the perpetrators took advantage of vulnerable women. So sad and heartbreaking; I sure hope and pray that justice will be served in this life or the next!
Thank you for reading and your sympathetic comment, Ruth!
Yes, you say “as we don’t know what situations they were in that got them roped into this”….
That is so true. In her book Virginia speaks of her journey into that dark world, how she got there.
It was not her choice or fault.
The good part is that she found a way to escape her prison and found strength and a voice.
I hope all involved are tried and punished, but I’m not holding my breath. The men are beyond rich & powerful.
Maybe the next president’s DOJ will let the truth reveal itself.
Over 3000 names on that Epstein list, and lots of trump’s name, redacted a billion times. The biggest coverup in political history! No words. But EXACTLY my sentiments!!!! Sad face for this. Hugs for you 💜💚🧡❌⭕
Yes, sad face.
Thanks Debby, I need the hugs!
This was actually a hard post to do, but why did I read the book?
Virginia expressed her wish and need that the conversation not die out.
So, I just had to at least let everyone know I read it, and not be afraid to talk about it.
XOXOXOXO
You did the right thing! xoxoxo
❦🌹❦💙
A must read Resa, thank you so much for sharing. It’s a powerful way to support victims. And crazy to see how the world is dealing with the horrors made to them – power and money have their own dark sides and it looks like influent men can buy all they want, even silence.
I agree about supporting victims.
Money buys almost everything, that’s for sure.
What’s that old saying?
“Money can’t buy love, but it can buy a hell of a good substitute.”
Thank you for your visit and comment, Marie! This is one of those special posts, for me. ❦
I’ve just finished re-reading Noble House by James Clavell. The story is set in 1960’s Hong Kong, and one smallish detail that really shocked me was that brothels were run [but now owned] by ‘Mama-sans’ who were invariably ex-pleasure girls themselves. If you grew too old to work but were smart enough to manage, hey presto, instant career path.
The reason I mention Clavell’s novel is that women like Maxwell are not new. We may wonder how on earth they can live with themselves, but exploiting other women, especially in the sex trade, is nothing new. What is new is that women are no longer accepting it as ‘the way of the world’.
We’re still a very long way from true equality, but at least now we don’t excuse the abusers. Maybe one day, women like Maxwell will no longer believe that pandering to men is an acceptable career ‘choice’.
Typo sorry: not owned, not ‘now owned’.
👍
Clavell is a terrific writer, although I have not read “Noble House”.
YES, women exploiting women is age old.
Meeka, this is a lucid and meaningful comment. I thank you!
I know many have not been able to comment on this post, and that is okay. It is a difficult topic.
It is here to support women, by exposing what Virginia wrote about.
Pandering to men…women are worth so much more.
I’m so thankful that I’m living in an age where women have the ability to choose /not/ to accept the status quo established by men. I cannot imagine why a woman like Maxwell would choose to support such a truly awful man. 😦
Maxwell is a sicko.
I read she came from wealth, but it was gone when her father died. epstein offered her the lifestyle she wanted.
Sick indeed. I just can’t fathom that mindset. Not one little bit. 😦
I’m with you!
That is so true (about not talking about it), Resa. In my experience, people (particularly other women) act like they’ve been soiled somehow just by hearing about abuse. Even today victims are still blamed for their abuse at least in the comments and unspoken reactions of “Why didn’t you just leave?” (How many of them would be able to “just leave” their situation even though it was a good one? And worse, “What did you do to make them do that?” I get too upset to make a reasonable comment, but “a special place in hell” is right. Hugs to you for shining light on this book and its subject.
Teagan,
Thank you so much for this comment!
This book was disturbing, but I was heartened by Virginia’s ultimate bravery and fortitude in escaping her prison (of a sort I have never known) and exposing this.
Over the years I have come to understand a deeper meaning to Madeleine Albright’s comment.
Women bear the blame for much sexual injustice.
I’m glad I had the fortitude to read the book, and opportunity to post about it.
HUGS!
I haven’t read this yet, but I think about Virginia a lot. How are there so many pedophiles and rapists in the world? How are so many of them rich and powerful (weren’t we all warned about skeezy guys in vans? No one mentioned world leaders). And how are so many people okay with excusing it? This world is gross and disturbing, and I have no idea what to do about it.
Stay strong, and support our sisters!
Thank you–that’s the way to go.
Shame has died a while back. Killed by lust and Greed…
And that’s where we are now…
Thank you Resa.
Yes, we are here, now!
Take care , Brian. Happier posts are coming, but I read the book and had to say/do something. Seemed wrong to ignore what I read.
The good news is that I was all moody after doing this post, went for a walk and found some very cool art! xx
You did well on all counts. A walk and art cures almost anything… Happy weekend.