Across the literary pages: Grey and dirty

Belle de Jour has returned for another series. Well, that’s not wholly true. Dr Brooke Magnati, the forensic scientist who worked as a high-class tart during her PhD course, has written a book called The Sex Myth. It blends science and statistical analysis with her intimate knowledge of prostitution to challenge received wisdom about the sex industry.

Female reviewers (they have all been female so far by my reckoning) have described the book as ‘important’. (The Times (£) and the Telegraph both carry detailed and favourable reviews.) Magnati’s thesis is that perceptions about commercial sex are being manipulated by ‘agenda setters’ — social conservatives, feminist groups, charities etc, who have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo. Magnati believes that the only way to may working girls safe is to legalise their profession — no victim benefits from being outside the law.