The Madam
The Madam by Julianna Baggott, published by Washington Square Press on August 24, 2004, is a reprint edition comprising 320 pages. Set in West Virginia in 1924, the narrative follows Alma, who works in a hosiery mill and faces the challenges of leaving her children and ailing mother behind when her husband seeks fortune in Florida. Abandoned at a Miami dock, Alma must navigate a new life, ultimately choosing to run a house of prostitution as a means of survival.
Readers will find a story that explores themes of resilience and family dynamics against a backdrop of societal challenges. Alma’s journey is shaped by her relationships with a gentle giantess and an opium-addicted prostitute, as she reclaims her children from an orphanage and builds a new family. The Madam delves into the complexities of love, loss, and betrayal, offering a vivid portrayal of a woman’s struggle in a harsh world. This literary work reflects feminist themes and provides insight into the lives of women during this tumultuous period.
Official synopsis Publisher
West Virginia, 1924: Alma works in a hosiery mill where the percussive roar of machinery has far too long muffled the engine that is her heart. When Alma’s husband decides that they should set out to find their fortune in Florida, Alma has little choice but to leave her three children and ailing mother behind. But when Alma is then abandoned at a Miami dock, she is suddenly forced to make her own way in the world. With the help of a gentle giantess and an opium-addicted prostitute, Alma reclaims her children from the orphanage and forges ahead with an altogether new sort of family. As an act of survival, she chooses to run a house of prostitution, a harvest that relies on lust and weakness in men, of which “the world has a generous, unending supply.”
The Madam is the story of a house of sin. It is here where Alma’s children will learn everything there is to know about “love and loss, sex and betrayal.” Based on the real life of the author’s grandmother, The Madam is a tale of epic proportions, one that will haunt readers long after its stunning conclusion.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “The Madam” about?
Who is the author of “The Madam”?
When was “The Madam” published?
What is the ISBN for “The Madam”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
