A review by imyourmausoleum
The Last Madam: A Life in the New Orleans Underworld by Christine Wiltz

informative slow-paced

2.0

This book takes a deep dive into the secretive world of sex work in New Orleans during the 1920s and beyond. The Last Madam of New Orleans, Norma Badon, began her career in sex work as a "street walker" before opening up a "house of ill repute". Unsurprisingly, she did quite well for herself financially, as people will always pay for sex. She had many clients that included wealthy society members and politicians...also not a surprise. The book was a little boring in parts, but the accounts rendered by Norma about her activities and the research conducted by the author painted a really detailed picture of life in New Orleans during this time period. I can appreciate the historical value of the book.