When I began reading this book, it appeared to be a five-star read. The book tells the story of Carita, a blind and destitute young woman, brought to a brothel owned by Mrs. Gulliver, by her sister, Bessie. It began as a touching story of Carita pulling herself out of her poverty, to make something of her life, even if it meant working as a prostitute.

However, about a third of the way in, the book really bogged down. The author took the story in a different direction. There is a double murder and a man on the run. Fortunately, about two-thirds in, the book picks up steam again and returns to Carita and her story.

I felt most of the important characters were well developed, but there were too many characters overall. The middle third of the book should have been trimmed to make it a tighter and better read overall. However, except for that middle third, the book reads quickly and is a good read.

The only other issue I had with the book is that the ending felt rushed. The final section read more like a news account, wrapping up the loose ends, and was not totally satisfying. There was one loose end, that being the future of Mike and Mrs. Gulliver that was not tied up.

Overall, the book, despite the above flaws, is still a good read and worthy of a four-star rating. It is worth your time to read it. ( )

A most unusual but equally really enjoyable read. The writing is fast and furious and it is impossible at times to put the book down :) Lila Gulliver is the Madam of a brothel on the tropical island of Verona. She is a bright business woman not only managing her staff but also looking after their welfare, and this in return creates a sense of loyalty. A young attractive lady impresses Lila, and even though Carita is blind she is employed, and very quickly proves her worth to the business. However life soon gets very complex when Carita falls in love with Ian Brohan son of judge Michael Brolan…….” a dashing, fine figure of a man, confident in the power of his physical presence”......
It would be wrong to believe that clients visiting Madam Gullivers are dictating, and demanding, being wealthy does not mean that they have a right to humiliate, use, and discard the young ladies on offer. What makes this such a brilliant book is the way the author shows the reader that in reality it is the women working for, and with, and including, Lila Gulliver who dictate the shape and direction of their lives….”Men are expected to succeed, women to fail. Every woman knows the deck is stacked. In practical terms this makes it more difficult for women to succeed, but it’s more damning for men to fail. Win or lose, defying expectations is heavy going”........
This is storytelling at its best, set in the early 1950’s it brings to life the sights and sounds of a tropical island. Lila Gulliver holds the reader in awe with her beauty, and smart business acumen looking after and guiding those girls who she feels have entrusted their lives to her. Highly recommended. ( )