Leigh Hopkinson (Hachette Australia) 2016, 312pp, RRP $29.99
The first book from stripper-turned-author Hopkinson is a most readable account of one woman’s experience in the ‘table dancing’/‘lingerie dancing’/whatever industries in New Zealand, London and Australia, and she’s certainly unashamed of her years spent getting it off. And really why shouldn’t she be?
As a 19 year old in Christchurch back in 1993, Leigh leapt at the chance to become a stripper for easy money (more than she was earning at KFC), and this led to slightly more than 20 years in the profession as it frequently took over her life beyond the clubs. Names are changed but the facts aren’t, as she met some amazing people (customers, superiors, fellow strippers), and was around to witness some major changes in the business, especially as potential guys who’d once have had to haul themselves out to experience a sexual kick could now stay at home for the safety of the internet.
Witty and with some striking turns of phrase, Hopkinson’s writing will nevertheless surely be read by some simply for its raunch factor, and yes, it is pretty revealing. And why shouldn’t she write about her body with such welcome abandon? After all, you’ve got one too.
Dave Bradley
This title is available through the Hachette website. Click HERE to purchase your copy.
