What do you think?
Rate this book
Fishnet
A “thoughtful, bruising, poignant, and poetic” (Ian Rankin) debut in which a woman’s search for her missing sister leads her into the world of contemporary sex work.
Rona Leonard was only twenty-years-old when she walked out of her sister Fiona’s flat and disappeared.
Six years later—worn down by a tedious job, childcare, and an aching absence in her life—Fiona’s mundane existence is blown apart by the revelation that Rona had been working as a prostitute before she vanished. Driven to discover the truth, Fiona embarks on an obsessive quest to investigate the sex industry that claimed her sister. However, as she is drawn into this complex world, Fiona finds herself seduced by the power it offers women in a society determined to see them only as victims.
In bold, unflinching prose, Fishnet offers a clear-eyed look at the lives of sex workers, questioning our perception of contemporary femininity and challenging assumptions about power, vulnerability, and choice.
Rona Leonard was only twenty-years-old when she walked out of her sister Fiona’s flat and disappeared.
Six years later—worn down by a tedious job, childcare, and an aching absence in her life—Fiona’s mundane existence is blown apart by the revelation that Rona had been working as a prostitute before she vanished. Driven to discover the truth, Fiona embarks on an obsessive quest to investigate the sex industry that claimed her sister. However, as she is drawn into this complex world, Fiona finds herself seduced by the power it offers women in a society determined to see them only as victims.
In bold, unflinching prose, Fishnet offers a clear-eyed look at the lives of sex workers, questioning our perception of contemporary femininity and challenging assumptions about power, vulnerability, and choice.
337 pages, Hardcover
First published April 6, 2015
About the author
Kirstin Innes
12 books151 followersKirstin Innes is an award-winning journalist and arts worker who lives in the west of Scotland. Fishnet, her debut novel, was published in April 2015 by Freight, and won The Guardian Not The Booker Prize. Her short stories have been published in a number of anthologies and recorded for BBC Radio 4, and she's had short plays performed at Tron Theatre and The Arches in Glasgow. Her journalism has been published in The Independent, The Scotsman, Scotland on Sunday and The Herald, and she was assistant editor of The List magazine between 2006-2010. Kirstin won the Allen Wright Award for Excellence in Arts Journalism in 2007 and 2011.
She's currently working on her second novel, Scabby Queen, and her first full-length play, Take Your Partners.
She's currently working on her second novel, Scabby Queen, and her first full-length play, Take Your Partners.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
August 29, 2018
Book Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
It’s been six years since Fiona Leonard’s younger sister Rona arrived at her flat with her new baby daughter and then left leaving her child behind. No-one has seen or heard from her since and Fiona has been left bringing up her niece on her own as if she is her own child.
When the company she works for is involved in the demolition of an area of Edinburgh where prostitutes work from they start to kick up a fuss and protest outside her work. Having just discovered that her sister was working as a prostitute before she went missing, Fiona sets out on a course to befriend the girls and hopefully locate her sister.
Fishnet is an eye-opening book set in the world of prostitution surrounded by a story of love and devotion of one woman’s determination to find her little sister. The book is split into six sections as well as the opening and ending chapters labelled ‘Past’ and ‘Future’. The main section is called ‘Present’.
It took some getting used to at first the way the book was written, especially seen as the opening scene was written in the second person, a style of writing I will admit I really don’t like and I wasn’t sure what I was going to make of the book. However, the rest of the book (barring the last chapter) was written in the third person. Each section is also made up of alternating chapters, so section one alternates between ‘Village’ and ‘City’, section two ‘Back’ and ‘Forth’ and so on. It’s not a style I’ve come across before, but it really works to bring you in closer to the storyline, backstory and the characters.
As well as the chapters there are also blog posts from a sex-worker and messages from punters too. As I have said the book is eye-opening and not for the easily offended of those that don’t want to read about what the women in the book are paid to do as there are a few graphic scenes, but all in keeping with plot and I feel that they are needed to make the book feel authentic.
Fiona is a woman that comes across very mixed up. Her sister disappears without a trace, she has to bring up her niece and play mummy, which she is doing alone. Her parents don’t want to talk about their missing daughter, so she has no-one to turn to. She hates her job, her friends don’t understand her and being around the sex workers is showing her how strong and tough these women can be and she starts to look up to them and sees them as her ‘friends’, people she can turn to.
I am astounded at how easy to read it really was and how much I found myself engrossed within the pages. You can really tell how much passion and also research went into writing this book, it is exceptionally well-written. This is a rich and sensuous story that needed to be told and I’m so fortunate that I got the chance to review it.
It’s been six years since Fiona Leonard’s younger sister Rona arrived at her flat with her new baby daughter and then left leaving her child behind. No-one has seen or heard from her since and Fiona has been left bringing up her niece on her own as if she is her own child.
When the company she works for is involved in the demolition of an area of Edinburgh where prostitutes work from they start to kick up a fuss and protest outside her work. Having just discovered that her sister was working as a prostitute before she went missing, Fiona sets out on a course to befriend the girls and hopefully locate her sister.
Fishnet is an eye-opening book set in the world of prostitution surrounded by a story of love and devotion of one woman’s determination to find her little sister. The book is split into six sections as well as the opening and ending chapters labelled ‘Past’ and ‘Future’. The main section is called ‘Present’.
It took some getting used to at first the way the book was written, especially seen as the opening scene was written in the second person, a style of writing I will admit I really don’t like and I wasn’t sure what I was going to make of the book. However, the rest of the book (barring the last chapter) was written in the third person. Each section is also made up of alternating chapters, so section one alternates between ‘Village’ and ‘City’, section two ‘Back’ and ‘Forth’ and so on. It’s not a style I’ve come across before, but it really works to bring you in closer to the storyline, backstory and the characters.
As well as the chapters there are also blog posts from a sex-worker and messages from punters too. As I have said the book is eye-opening and not for the easily offended of those that don’t want to read about what the women in the book are paid to do as there are a few graphic scenes, but all in keeping with plot and I feel that they are needed to make the book feel authentic.
Fiona is a woman that comes across very mixed up. Her sister disappears without a trace, she has to bring up her niece and play mummy, which she is doing alone. Her parents don’t want to talk about their missing daughter, so she has no-one to turn to. She hates her job, her friends don’t understand her and being around the sex workers is showing her how strong and tough these women can be and she starts to look up to them and sees them as her ‘friends’, people she can turn to.
I am astounded at how easy to read it really was and how much I found myself engrossed within the pages. You can really tell how much passion and also research went into writing this book, it is exceptionally well-written. This is a rich and sensuous story that needed to be told and I’m so fortunate that I got the chance to review it.
November 6, 2019
From the synopsis, I thought this book sounded really interesting, but I was disappointed. It was not the mystery I was expecting. The chapters jumped back and forth on different timelines with no indication of what time in Fiona's life they were actually talking about... you just had to figure it out, which took away from the story. It was unnecessarily confusing. That coupled with the dialogue that tried to mirror the person's pronunciation instead of the actual correct spelling of the word, and the overuse of "eh" and "wee" equaled me not enjoying this book.
July 25, 2019
This is a difficult novel to read for two reasons: The subject matter and the way the story is told. I’ve read a couple other books about the sex industry over the years, and those were hard to read, too, even if I do wish that, like apparently is the case in Scotland, it was decriminalized in the United States. I’d like it if sex workers could see cops as their allies and not their enemies, but that’s not how we deal with nonviolent criminals in the U.S.
As to my second point, I’m used to reading books that jump around between present and past and different points of view, but this bounces around without giving me clear guidance as to where I am, and thus I found it frustrating and confusing. The author has a clear agenda of making sex work seem more complicated than most of us usually see it. Even those with empathy suppose it’s usually a matter of emerging from a childhood of being sexually abused. Even if it is mostly about money, wouldn’t it be nice if other forms of work paid a livable salary, especially for single moms?
The premise of the novel is good: Fiona’s sister Rona has been gone for six years, and when Fiona learns that her sister made her living in sex work, she renews her pursuit to discover what happened to her sister by reading blogs of sex workers and befriending a few of them in real life.
I didn’t find the ending entirely satisfying.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel.
As to my second point, I’m used to reading books that jump around between present and past and different points of view, but this bounces around without giving me clear guidance as to where I am, and thus I found it frustrating and confusing. The author has a clear agenda of making sex work seem more complicated than most of us usually see it. Even those with empathy suppose it’s usually a matter of emerging from a childhood of being sexually abused. Even if it is mostly about money, wouldn’t it be nice if other forms of work paid a livable salary, especially for single moms?
The premise of the novel is good: Fiona’s sister Rona has been gone for six years, and when Fiona learns that her sister made her living in sex work, she renews her pursuit to discover what happened to her sister by reading blogs of sex workers and befriending a few of them in real life.
I didn’t find the ending entirely satisfying.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel.
August 2, 2019
I wanted to hold off on reading Kirstin Innes' novel,
Fishnet
, for as long as possible because it isn't released in the United States until October 15, but this cover really kept staring at me and I caved. I have to give kudos to the designer for the cover design because it's honestly one of the best covers that I've seen this year. Sexy, confident, and dark—
Fishnet
's cover immediately attracted me to know more about this story. Within the pages of this story is a well-rounded, honest depiction of a world many of us would consider taboo.
Fishnet
showcases the understanding of how sex workers are portrayed in society and we get a deep dive into their day-to-day realities.
The main protagonist, Fiona Leonard, is an administrative assistant at a contracting firm. Her tedious and lack of inspiring job has put her at a standstill. Six years ago, her sister Rona, disappeared without a trace, leaving her daughter and life behind. Fiona, now mother to her sister's daughter Bethan; is juggling motherhood, career, and the search to find her sister. Her parents are tired of searching, but Fiona is not going to give up. For years, Fiona has come up empty in her search for Rona, until she stumbles across some information leading to her sister's personal life. Fiona finds out that Rona was (or is?) a sex worker. Curious to know more about this industry and driven to find her sister, Fiona dives into this taboo industry to investigate. At first very hesitant, she can't help but feel enamored by the industry—confidence, feminism, comradery, and well of course, sex. Fiona dives into this world she knew nothing about, but will it help her find her sister?
For those who are curious, Fishnet provides a voyeuristic view of the world of contemporary sex work. I found it extremely compelling and thought-provoking, and I also felt that it educated me in a way to the misconceptions people have about this industry. The prose in Fishnet is atmospheric and honest, and really delivers an eye-opening experience. I highly recommend to anyone looking for a beautifully told fiction novel that can stand on its own two feet.
The writing style in Fishnet is very interesting, to say the least. It'll definitely take you some getting used to as the point-of-views jump from second person to third person. The chapters also jump between a variety of timelines—not necessarily before and after, although that does indeed happen (Present v. Past), but also between timelines within the storyline being presented. You'll understand what I mean when you get to it. It took me until I was 25% to interpret this format faster. It's really my only heads up (and the fact that the book has a Scottish dialect- not a critique, just a statement).
Kirstin Innes, I really want to learn more about your journalism background. Fishnet is one of the more original, no holds barred novels that I've ever read. I appreciated the candor between Fiona and the sex workers she met along her journey. This book's journey is surely going to captivate readers, not just me.
The main protagonist, Fiona Leonard, is an administrative assistant at a contracting firm. Her tedious and lack of inspiring job has put her at a standstill. Six years ago, her sister Rona, disappeared without a trace, leaving her daughter and life behind. Fiona, now mother to her sister's daughter Bethan; is juggling motherhood, career, and the search to find her sister. Her parents are tired of searching, but Fiona is not going to give up. For years, Fiona has come up empty in her search for Rona, until she stumbles across some information leading to her sister's personal life. Fiona finds out that Rona was (or is?) a sex worker. Curious to know more about this industry and driven to find her sister, Fiona dives into this taboo industry to investigate. At first very hesitant, she can't help but feel enamored by the industry—confidence, feminism, comradery, and well of course, sex. Fiona dives into this world she knew nothing about, but will it help her find her sister?
For those who are curious, Fishnet provides a voyeuristic view of the world of contemporary sex work. I found it extremely compelling and thought-provoking, and I also felt that it educated me in a way to the misconceptions people have about this industry. The prose in Fishnet is atmospheric and honest, and really delivers an eye-opening experience. I highly recommend to anyone looking for a beautifully told fiction novel that can stand on its own two feet.
The writing style in Fishnet is very interesting, to say the least. It'll definitely take you some getting used to as the point-of-views jump from second person to third person. The chapters also jump between a variety of timelines—not necessarily before and after, although that does indeed happen (Present v. Past), but also between timelines within the storyline being presented. You'll understand what I mean when you get to it. It took me until I was 25% to interpret this format faster. It's really my only heads up (and the fact that the book has a Scottish dialect- not a critique, just a statement).
Kirstin Innes, I really want to learn more about your journalism background. Fishnet is one of the more original, no holds barred novels that I've ever read. I appreciated the candor between Fiona and the sex workers she met along her journey. This book's journey is surely going to captivate readers, not just me.
December 25, 2019
I was really really excited for this book and really really wanted to enjoy it, but the writing was thoroughly confusing, moving from first to third person tense every few chapters, as well as back and forth from present to past (I think anyway?). I found myself completely lost on who was who, and what was going on throughout, unfortunately. I appreciate an original prose and style of writing, but this just flat-out had me scratching my head at times! At the heart of this novel, there is a mystery about a missing girl that is somewhat resolved at the end, but kind of left in the open as well. Our protagonist was all over the place as well. I felt like maybe she had severe mental problems, and thought for some time we were dealing with an unreliable narrator situation. All in all, just a little bit disappointed things weren't as straightforward and fleshed out with the end, I wanted more answers and definite resolution and didn't really feel like I got that. I did not ever feel like I was going to dnf this, and was thoroughly intrigued throughout, so that's definitely a positive for me to take away from this, especially for an end-of-the-year read. Even though I was a little disappointed with this overall, I do think it gave an accurate depiction of the lifestyle of prostitutes, escorts, and anyone else involved in the sex trade, and could definitely sense the author did extensive research, as she explained in the afterword (which was kind of sad!).
I would cautiously recommend this to anyone looking for a different type of mystery / suspense read. Despite having just an okay experience with this one, I will definitely check out this author's forthcoming work. Very interested to see what other friends with similar taste think about this one!
I would cautiously recommend this to anyone looking for a different type of mystery / suspense read. Despite having just an okay experience with this one, I will definitely check out this author's forthcoming work. Very interested to see what other friends with similar taste think about this one!
December 6, 2019
Fiona’s sister has vanished. She begins her journey to find her. Yet this isn’t solely about finding her sister. As one might expect it is also about finding herself. She chooses a direction based on previously gained information and an understanding of what she will encounter. Fiona, from my reading, hopes for an individual resurgence accompanied by a resurrection of her sister, as she steps unto a new path. Kirstin Innes leads the reader in shaking off stereotypes about sex workers in a similar manner that Fiona shakes off the chrysalis she previously inhabited. Although her metamorphosis seems complete for this phase of her life, I was left believing there would be others in her future, just as there were in her past. An interesting view of how we transform and transfix on new horizons. She rejects the role where she once lay down as a victim of painful changes, to stand on her own two beloved feet. Although this could easily have strayed into high drama or simply good entertainment the restraint and realism in Innes’ writing avoids cheap thrills. Within these pages, I consistently perceived the message that life is not our enemy but our teacher. It is all about walking toward your future with a sure step and steady gaze. Once we recognise ourselves in the mirror that self knowing becomes our bedrock, giving us unshakable faith, even when meeting strange new circumstances. Even in the dead of night, on a lonely shore, buffeted by the winds of fate our faith in ourselves can hold. A story, for me, that was all about learning to flow rather than becoming swamped with the tides of life.
August 9, 2019
Fishnet by Kristen Innes is unlike any book I’ve read before. Delving into the lives of sex workers from a woman, Fiona, investigating the disappearance of her sister, Rona, a sex worker in Scotland learns a great deal about sex work in the process. Fiona befriends many of these women who teach her about sex work as a career rather than a means of survival, which blows Fiona’s mind!
Fishnet is told in alternating perspectives as well as timelines which does make it hard to follow at times and definitely requires the reader to pay close attention. The mystery here is interesting but it really comes secondary to the lives of these women.
I’m definitely eager to see what Innes writes next!
Thank you to Gallery Books for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Fishnet is told in alternating perspectives as well as timelines which does make it hard to follow at times and definitely requires the reader to pay close attention. The mystery here is interesting but it really comes secondary to the lives of these women.
I’m definitely eager to see what Innes writes next!
Thank you to Gallery Books for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
September 25, 2015
4.5 stars.
This book was sent to me for review by the publisher Freight Books, and I am very thankful for this!
Fishnet is the debut novel of Scottish writer Kirstin Innes, and I for one was thoroughly impressed by it. I first heard about the book on the Bookish Blether podcast (which you should all check out because it is fantastic listening), and as I have been lacking in the Scottish contemporary fiction department, I was pleasantly surprised to have Freight Books offer to send me a copy for review.
The novel follows Fiona Leonard, a woman in her late-20s who works a depressing office job for a construction company (or something in that area), has a young primary-school age daughter Bethan to look after solo, and who is still troubled by the disappearance of her sister Rona 6 years before. When she finds out that before her disappearance, Rona was working as a prostitute, Fiona's life is turned upside down. As she delves into the world of the sex industry in an attempt to try and find Rona, her beliefs and moral values are shaken to the core.
I for one didn't know much about the sex industry, other than the fact that it existed, which was why this book was such a fascinating and eye-opening read. Not only does Innes go into the details of how sex workers conduct their business in a variety of ways, it also goes into the legal challenges, the support networks, and the motivations of those involved. The book was incredibly well-researched, and as soon as I finished it my head was still full of all the information I had taken in (albeit in a fictionalised format), and I am incredibly tempted to go and research more about the sex industry myself.
The story is told primarily from Fiona's point of view, but the story jumps around in time a fair bit, which at times made me feel (as a reader) quite overwhelmed. It was like I was in the thick of it with her. The addition of blog posts from various women in 'the business' was brilliant - it showed how they advertised themselves, the rules and regulations they placed on their business transactions with the 'punters', and how they challenged the conventional ideas of prostitutes and sex work in general. What I also loved was the fact that the book didn't just primarily focus on women in the sex industry, but also briefly touched on men's roles as sex workers. I almost wish there was more of this in a way.
I liked Fiona as a narrator - she wasn't perfect, and her thoughts were bared to the reader in a way that let you really connect with her, through the good and the bad. She came across as judgemental, but understandingly so, and I loved watching her thought processes and belief system evolve as she researched more and more, and came into contact with people in a variety of positions (no pun intended) within the business. I'd like to think I was always quite open to the sex industry as a whole, and I have never really been against it for the most part. However, even I found my thoughts surprisingly (and sadly) turning the way of Fiona's initial thoughts, and I felt that my beliefs and thoughts evolved along with hers (although mine were never as black and white as hers in the beginning).
The book was well-written and put its message across wonderfully. At times I was a little confused by the jumps in time, because I wondered at times whether or not I was still listening to Fiona's voice, or if I had disappeared back to Rona (as she opens and ends the book), but for the most part I was completely enthralled by the story. I read this in two sittings, on two long train journeys, and I was surprised to find out how sucked into this book I was. Usually I find myself easily distracted when surrounded by other people, noise, announcements etc. - but not with this one. I was lost in the world, where the setting was so familiar but the inner workings were not.
I would recommend this to anyone honestly. If you are interested in the subject, it is incredibly eye-opening, and if you're just interested in reading some new Scottish writing then you should definitely make it a priority to get your hands on this. Excellent stuff and I can't wait to see what's next from Kirstin Innes.
This book was sent to me for review by the publisher Freight Books, and I am very thankful for this!
Fishnet is the debut novel of Scottish writer Kirstin Innes, and I for one was thoroughly impressed by it. I first heard about the book on the Bookish Blether podcast (which you should all check out because it is fantastic listening), and as I have been lacking in the Scottish contemporary fiction department, I was pleasantly surprised to have Freight Books offer to send me a copy for review.
The novel follows Fiona Leonard, a woman in her late-20s who works a depressing office job for a construction company (or something in that area), has a young primary-school age daughter Bethan to look after solo, and who is still troubled by the disappearance of her sister Rona 6 years before. When she finds out that before her disappearance, Rona was working as a prostitute, Fiona's life is turned upside down. As she delves into the world of the sex industry in an attempt to try and find Rona, her beliefs and moral values are shaken to the core.
I for one didn't know much about the sex industry, other than the fact that it existed, which was why this book was such a fascinating and eye-opening read. Not only does Innes go into the details of how sex workers conduct their business in a variety of ways, it also goes into the legal challenges, the support networks, and the motivations of those involved. The book was incredibly well-researched, and as soon as I finished it my head was still full of all the information I had taken in (albeit in a fictionalised format), and I am incredibly tempted to go and research more about the sex industry myself.
The story is told primarily from Fiona's point of view, but the story jumps around in time a fair bit, which at times made me feel (as a reader) quite overwhelmed. It was like I was in the thick of it with her. The addition of blog posts from various women in 'the business' was brilliant - it showed how they advertised themselves, the rules and regulations they placed on their business transactions with the 'punters', and how they challenged the conventional ideas of prostitutes and sex work in general. What I also loved was the fact that the book didn't just primarily focus on women in the sex industry, but also briefly touched on men's roles as sex workers. I almost wish there was more of this in a way.
I liked Fiona as a narrator - she wasn't perfect, and her thoughts were bared to the reader in a way that let you really connect with her, through the good and the bad. She came across as judgemental, but understandingly so, and I loved watching her thought processes and belief system evolve as she researched more and more, and came into contact with people in a variety of positions (no pun intended) within the business. I'd like to think I was always quite open to the sex industry as a whole, and I have never really been against it for the most part. However, even I found my thoughts surprisingly (and sadly) turning the way of Fiona's initial thoughts, and I felt that my beliefs and thoughts evolved along with hers (although mine were never as black and white as hers in the beginning).
The book was well-written and put its message across wonderfully. At times I was a little confused by the jumps in time, because I wondered at times whether or not I was still listening to Fiona's voice, or if I had disappeared back to Rona (as she opens and ends the book), but for the most part I was completely enthralled by the story. I read this in two sittings, on two long train journeys, and I was surprised to find out how sucked into this book I was. Usually I find myself easily distracted when surrounded by other people, noise, announcements etc. - but not with this one. I was lost in the world, where the setting was so familiar but the inner workings were not.
I would recommend this to anyone honestly. If you are interested in the subject, it is incredibly eye-opening, and if you're just interested in reading some new Scottish writing then you should definitely make it a priority to get your hands on this. Excellent stuff and I can't wait to see what's next from Kirstin Innes.
May 29, 2016
I don't understand the hype around this book, it was very mediocre. And the amount of times the word "wee" got used, made me want to throw my Kindle against the wall.
October 3, 2019
I was highly anticipating this book about prostitution, sex work, and feminism. From what everyone's been saying, this is eye-opening, page-turning, searing. I was ready to be sucked in.
Maybe it will be all of these things for you. However, sadly, it wasn't for me. I found it hard to wade through the writing style. So riddled with POV jumps with no warning beforehand, and stylistic choices I didn't understand the significance of. (The chapters set in the past are narrated as if you're the main character. I'm not clear what the point of that was, unless it was to keep taking me out of the story?)
There are eye-opening points in here. And I appreciate that this is a world where power is flipped to those you wouldn't think likely. If you can get through the writing style, I would still say you should try this one. However, the writing style felt too muddy for me, and I didn't enjoy pushing through it for a message that I already know and agree with.
I received an ARC courtesy of Simon & Schuster CA in exchange for a review.
Maybe it will be all of these things for you. However, sadly, it wasn't for me. I found it hard to wade through the writing style. So riddled with POV jumps with no warning beforehand, and stylistic choices I didn't understand the significance of. (The chapters set in the past are narrated as if you're the main character. I'm not clear what the point of that was, unless it was to keep taking me out of the story?)
There are eye-opening points in here. And I appreciate that this is a world where power is flipped to those you wouldn't think likely. If you can get through the writing style, I would still say you should try this one. However, the writing style felt too muddy for me, and I didn't enjoy pushing through it for a message that I already know and agree with.
I received an ARC courtesy of Simon & Schuster CA in exchange for a review.
October 17, 2019
I like noir, the grittier the better and with this book I got that in spades. Fiona's sister Rona disappeared from her life, devastating her family who did all they could to find her. Six years after her disappearance, Fiona ends up in the Scottish town she disappeared from and this time, without her parents, she gets more information from her sister's old flatmate, who tells her that she kicked Rona out for working as a prostitute and bringing clients back to the flat. This information sends Fiona into turmoil, she was already not that much fun to be around, but now she alienates her last friends. She is also given a new avenue to search for her sister, a search which consumes her.
This novel reminded me of both The Cutting Room by Louise Welsh and Garnethill by Denise Mina. There's a depth to the characters that isn't always present in noir, where the story often takes precedence over character development. Fiona is both off-putting and wholly sympathetic, as she works through her complicated emotions for her sister. The novel also follows Rona to a lesser degree, and while this novel has an agenda (as made clear in the author's afterword), it doesn't overwhelm the story. Innes isn't preaching, just writing about an issue she cares about and which I knew very little about. This is an outstanding Scottish noir and I'm glad to have discovered this author.
This novel reminded me of both The Cutting Room by Louise Welsh and Garnethill by Denise Mina. There's a depth to the characters that isn't always present in noir, where the story often takes precedence over character development. Fiona is both off-putting and wholly sympathetic, as she works through her complicated emotions for her sister. The novel also follows Rona to a lesser degree, and while this novel has an agenda (as made clear in the author's afterword), it doesn't overwhelm the story. Innes isn't preaching, just writing about an issue she cares about and which I knew very little about. This is an outstanding Scottish noir and I'm glad to have discovered this author.
April 14, 2015
This is an excellent debut novel with one of the most engaging narratives I've read so far this year. Fiona is an easy to read voice, a familiar Scottish every-woman for our time who is instantly likeable, loath-able and loveable at the same time while all the more identifiable for her ‘flaws’.
It would be too easy a subject matter for a lazy author to scratch the surface of then backfill with assumptions and stereotypes—that's not the case here. Without revealing any spoilers, the world of the sex trade is presented in a very realistic and well researched manner that surprisingly humanises and challenges prejudices. It is very much the focus of the novel, but don't let that put you off if you're worried it's not going to be to your taste—there's a hearty story of friendships, family and work lives broken and fixed at its core.
Highly recommend.
It would be too easy a subject matter for a lazy author to scratch the surface of then backfill with assumptions and stereotypes—that's not the case here. Without revealing any spoilers, the world of the sex trade is presented in a very realistic and well researched manner that surprisingly humanises and challenges prejudices. It is very much the focus of the novel, but don't let that put you off if you're worried it's not going to be to your taste—there's a hearty story of friendships, family and work lives broken and fixed at its core.
Highly recommend.
June 29, 2016
http://kathrynsbookishlife.blogspot.c...
review now up on my blog :)
review now up on my blog :)
May 15, 2020
Re-read: enjoyed it more this time around, took more time with it to help distill the perspectives.
April 1, 2016
Novel set in SCOTLAND
This review first appeared on our blog, where we also chat to the author: http://www.tripfiction.com/novel-set-...
Kirstin Innes’ debut novel Fishnet explores the world of the sex worker in Scotland through the story of two sisters, Fiona and Rona. It won the Guardian Not the Booker Prize in 2015, so you might feel a little trepidation as you embark on it. And so you should. This is a challenging read.
If, like me, you begin by holding the opinion that all prostitution is exploitative, even abusive and that all sex workers are victims, rest assured that Innes isn’t going to leave you with your preconceptions. She knows her stuff, having spent years studying the Scottish sex industry, speaking to sex workers and following their online blogs. The feisty sex workers in Fishnet protest about the moves in the Scottish Parliament to completely criminalise the purchasers of sex, and Innes makes the point very powerfully that this, instead of protecting sex workers, will actually endanger them by driving the whole sex industry underground.
As you follow Fiona in her quest to discover what has happened to her sister, Rona, when she walked out on the whole family six years previously, Innes challenges you on a lot of other fronts too. Fiona discovers that Rona has been working as a prostitute and this sets her off on a quest to investigate the Scottish sex industry. In the process of this, she learns a few things and so do we. She learns that a lot of the women involved in this world are anything but victims; they are tough and strong and ultimately in control. She busts some myths along the way too – like the idea that most men who use the services of a sex worker hate women. Rather, she shows us that a lot of them are just looking for a little warmth and intimacy. Innes forces the reader to consider the nature of many sexual encounters which fall outside the area of prostitution and to compare these with prostitute/client encounters and you are left with the distinct impression that the latter are often more honest and tender than the former.
This book is a real page turner and it’s not because the plot is strong, for it isn’t, but rather because, like Fiona, you just want to keep on finding out more about this life, more about how people get involved and why. The characterisation is masterful; Fiona isn’t always likeable but she is a very believable character and Innes makes you care about her, whilst simultaneously being irritated by her. It would be impossible, too, to read this novel without admiring the characters of many of the sex workers. Innes’ is really good, too, with the Scottish vernacular and there are scenes that are so vivid, heart-warming and entertaining that they stay fixed in the mind, like the Scottish Union of Sex Workers meeting where the smug Claire Buchanan is so pleasingly dealt with by the plain speaking Helen.
Ultimately, this is the kind of book that will change the way you think. It’s not always a comfortable read, in that it constantly forces you to reassess your views and even perhaps even look back over your own sexual experiences with a more critical eye.
This review first appeared on our blog, where we also chat to the author: http://www.tripfiction.com/novel-set-...
Kirstin Innes’ debut novel Fishnet explores the world of the sex worker in Scotland through the story of two sisters, Fiona and Rona. It won the Guardian Not the Booker Prize in 2015, so you might feel a little trepidation as you embark on it. And so you should. This is a challenging read.
If, like me, you begin by holding the opinion that all prostitution is exploitative, even abusive and that all sex workers are victims, rest assured that Innes isn’t going to leave you with your preconceptions. She knows her stuff, having spent years studying the Scottish sex industry, speaking to sex workers and following their online blogs. The feisty sex workers in Fishnet protest about the moves in the Scottish Parliament to completely criminalise the purchasers of sex, and Innes makes the point very powerfully that this, instead of protecting sex workers, will actually endanger them by driving the whole sex industry underground.
As you follow Fiona in her quest to discover what has happened to her sister, Rona, when she walked out on the whole family six years previously, Innes challenges you on a lot of other fronts too. Fiona discovers that Rona has been working as a prostitute and this sets her off on a quest to investigate the Scottish sex industry. In the process of this, she learns a few things and so do we. She learns that a lot of the women involved in this world are anything but victims; they are tough and strong and ultimately in control. She busts some myths along the way too – like the idea that most men who use the services of a sex worker hate women. Rather, she shows us that a lot of them are just looking for a little warmth and intimacy. Innes forces the reader to consider the nature of many sexual encounters which fall outside the area of prostitution and to compare these with prostitute/client encounters and you are left with the distinct impression that the latter are often more honest and tender than the former.
This book is a real page turner and it’s not because the plot is strong, for it isn’t, but rather because, like Fiona, you just want to keep on finding out more about this life, more about how people get involved and why. The characterisation is masterful; Fiona isn’t always likeable but she is a very believable character and Innes makes you care about her, whilst simultaneously being irritated by her. It would be impossible, too, to read this novel without admiring the characters of many of the sex workers. Innes’ is really good, too, with the Scottish vernacular and there are scenes that are so vivid, heart-warming and entertaining that they stay fixed in the mind, like the Scottish Union of Sex Workers meeting where the smug Claire Buchanan is so pleasingly dealt with by the plain speaking Helen.
Ultimately, this is the kind of book that will change the way you think. It’s not always a comfortable read, in that it constantly forces you to reassess your views and even perhaps even look back over your own sexual experiences with a more critical eye.
August 11, 2019
I had no idea what I was getting into reading this book as I hadn't read any reviews. But I was more than pleasantly surprised that it included so much content beyond the storyline. Fiona is searching for her sister, Rona who disappeared six years ago and was apparently working as a prostitute. Fiona is raising Rona's daughter as her own and struggles to balance work and a social life being a single mother. But finding her sister becomes a priority, and in searching she meets several young women involved in the sex trade business. This is where we learn just who these women are and the various reasons they chose this field. It's eye-opening to say the least as we realize most do not feel trapped or insecure; they are articulate and intelligent, viewing prostitution as a valid choice over which they have complete control. It's clear a lot of research went into this debut and I enjoyed both the plot and the information gleaned from this novel!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
April 18, 2015
I'm grateful to the publisher for a review copy of this book.
This book - Innes' debut novel - is thoughtful, sometimes angry, sometimes funny, always well written, and deserves a wide readership.
Fiona Leonard, a young Glasgow officeworker, splits her life between work and caring for six year old Beth. Hovering over the family is the unspoken presence of Rona, Fiona's younger sister who disappeared several years before. Neither Fiona nor her parents have come to terms with this, but the time is now coming when Rona could be officially declared dead. So Fiona's chance discovery of news about Rona offers her a last opportunity, perhaps, of tracing her sister.
Fiona doesn't imagine a lovey-dovey family reconciliation. She wants to confront Rona, make her realise what her absence has cost the family, what - as Fiona sees it - she has taken on for Rona, what she has given up: "That world I missed out on whilst living someone else's middle-age."
It's a complicated situation, made more so - as Fiona renews her search for Rona - by what she discovers. Rona had been a sex worker. The fact makes Fiona hyperaware, of course, of all those signs around her that she would normally screen out, of the ordinary details of a side of life she would choose to ignore. At the same time, Fiona's employer, a construction firm, wins a contract to redevelop a building used as a drop in centre for sex workers. She has both a reason to find out more, to try and locate Rona, and an opportunity to ask questions.
This is where the book's political purpose comes to the fore. That's not meant as a judgement, Innes has written a passionately committed book which argues strongly against shaming, stigmatisation and criminalization of sex work, against the assumption that it is inevitably degrading that participants are victims. She uses the events around the redevelopment, around what is for Fiona a journey of discovery, to illustrate the theme and give voices to those involved. There's always a risk when a book takes a strong position like this of a book coming over as preachy, propagandistic, of the story and characters being made to serve the message but Innes avoids falling into this trap. She draws convincing, three dimensional characters and has constructed a plot that hums along and draws the reader in, taking various viewpoints and moving back and forward through events (mostly in paired narratives: now/ then, public/ private, back/ forth and so on). And the writing, as I said above, is excellent, coupled with razor sharp observations on work, life, women and men.
As you would expect given the themes the book is fairly explicit in places but - and this perhaps shouldn't need saying but I will anyway - doesn't set out to offend or titillate: it is about something that happens, deal with it, and get on, don't judge is the message (both implicit and explicit).
An enjoyable, even uplifting, book.
This book - Innes' debut novel - is thoughtful, sometimes angry, sometimes funny, always well written, and deserves a wide readership.
Fiona Leonard, a young Glasgow officeworker, splits her life between work and caring for six year old Beth. Hovering over the family is the unspoken presence of Rona, Fiona's younger sister who disappeared several years before. Neither Fiona nor her parents have come to terms with this, but the time is now coming when Rona could be officially declared dead. So Fiona's chance discovery of news about Rona offers her a last opportunity, perhaps, of tracing her sister.
Fiona doesn't imagine a lovey-dovey family reconciliation. She wants to confront Rona, make her realise what her absence has cost the family, what - as Fiona sees it - she has taken on for Rona, what she has given up: "That world I missed out on whilst living someone else's middle-age."
It's a complicated situation, made more so - as Fiona renews her search for Rona - by what she discovers. Rona had been a sex worker. The fact makes Fiona hyperaware, of course, of all those signs around her that she would normally screen out, of the ordinary details of a side of life she would choose to ignore. At the same time, Fiona's employer, a construction firm, wins a contract to redevelop a building used as a drop in centre for sex workers. She has both a reason to find out more, to try and locate Rona, and an opportunity to ask questions.
This is where the book's political purpose comes to the fore. That's not meant as a judgement, Innes has written a passionately committed book which argues strongly against shaming, stigmatisation and criminalization of sex work, against the assumption that it is inevitably degrading that participants are victims. She uses the events around the redevelopment, around what is for Fiona a journey of discovery, to illustrate the theme and give voices to those involved. There's always a risk when a book takes a strong position like this of a book coming over as preachy, propagandistic, of the story and characters being made to serve the message but Innes avoids falling into this trap. She draws convincing, three dimensional characters and has constructed a plot that hums along and draws the reader in, taking various viewpoints and moving back and forward through events (mostly in paired narratives: now/ then, public/ private, back/ forth and so on). And the writing, as I said above, is excellent, coupled with razor sharp observations on work, life, women and men.
As you would expect given the themes the book is fairly explicit in places but - and this perhaps shouldn't need saying but I will anyway - doesn't set out to offend or titillate: it is about something that happens, deal with it, and get on, don't judge is the message (both implicit and explicit).
An enjoyable, even uplifting, book.
August 3, 2019
s always, I would like to thank @netgalley and @bookouture for providing me a digital copy of “Fishnet,” by Kirsten Innes, to read and review.
The synopsis:
Rona Leonard was only twenty-years-old when she walked out of her sister Fiona’s flat and disappeared.
Six years later—worn down by a tedious job, childcare, and an aching absence in her life—Fiona’s mundane existence is blown apart by the revelation that Rona had been working as a prostitute before she vanished. Driven to discover the truth, Fiona embarks on an obsessive quest to investigate the sex industry that claimed her sister. However, as she is drawn into this complex world, Fiona finds herself seduced by the power it offers women in a society determined to see them only as victims.
In bold, unflinching prose, Fishnet offers a clear-eyed look at the lives of sex workers, questioning our perception of contemporary femininity and challenging assumptions about power, vulnerability, and choice.
My review:
The culture of sex workers has always intrigued me, so I had high hopes for “Fishnet.” Unfortunately, this book did not live up to my expectations. It was difficult to follow, possibly because there was not always clear as to who the speaker was or simply because of my lack of motivation to read it. I only finished the book because it bothers me to leave anything in-read; it was not because I enjoyed it.
#netgalley #bookouture #arc #fishnet #kirstininnes #readandreview
The synopsis:
Rona Leonard was only twenty-years-old when she walked out of her sister Fiona’s flat and disappeared.
Six years later—worn down by a tedious job, childcare, and an aching absence in her life—Fiona’s mundane existence is blown apart by the revelation that Rona had been working as a prostitute before she vanished. Driven to discover the truth, Fiona embarks on an obsessive quest to investigate the sex industry that claimed her sister. However, as she is drawn into this complex world, Fiona finds herself seduced by the power it offers women in a society determined to see them only as victims.
In bold, unflinching prose, Fishnet offers a clear-eyed look at the lives of sex workers, questioning our perception of contemporary femininity and challenging assumptions about power, vulnerability, and choice.
My review:
The culture of sex workers has always intrigued me, so I had high hopes for “Fishnet.” Unfortunately, this book did not live up to my expectations. It was difficult to follow, possibly because there was not always clear as to who the speaker was or simply because of my lack of motivation to read it. I only finished the book because it bothers me to leave anything in-read; it was not because I enjoyed it.
#netgalley #bookouture #arc #fishnet #kirstininnes #readandreview
October 24, 2015
This is a strong debut, ambitious and persuasive. I think the journalistic roots of the subject and approach slightly hamper the book as a novel, and I found the plot too contrived for that reason. But the middle section is excellent, getting into the complex issues around prostitution in ways that provoke real thought and further discussion.
October 16, 2015
Gripping, well-researched, thought-provoking, well-written.
October 17, 2019
One woman's mystery and a peek into the world of modern sex-trade.
Full review at: http://bit.ly/32iNPn4
Full review at: http://bit.ly/32iNPn4
January 29, 2021
Seductive with a fresh and honest perspective
February 6, 2020
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of Fishnet for review.
This novel was a thoughtful approach to the dilemma of defining what the sex industry really is. Is it harmful to women? Or is it purely a transaction where no one is demeaned and both people walk away happy?
Our main character Fiona has to decide this for herself and find out where her sister disappeared to once she entered the world of the European sex trade.
Beyond just the issues of sex and commerce this book was an unflinching look at families, parenting, the internet, drugs and maintaining relationships when the world becomes more and more disconnected.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to examine these topics more closely.
This novel was a thoughtful approach to the dilemma of defining what the sex industry really is. Is it harmful to women? Or is it purely a transaction where no one is demeaned and both people walk away happy?
Our main character Fiona has to decide this for herself and find out where her sister disappeared to once she entered the world of the European sex trade.
Beyond just the issues of sex and commerce this book was an unflinching look at families, parenting, the internet, drugs and maintaining relationships when the world becomes more and more disconnected.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to examine these topics more closely.
April 7, 2020
An easy and enjoyable read with a bit of a slow start. Once I got into it and used to the accent of the the audiobook it moved very quickly. I think this lined up with a lot of my beliefs about sex work, but if you've never thought much about the sex work industry it may challenge some of your beliefs.
October 14, 2019
Fishnet is a novel that delves into the realm of sex workers focusing on meticulous research. I really wanted to like this book but found it hard to understand. When I initially read the blurb, I was intrigued. Although it felt researched it didn't believe the flow of the story worked in the author's favor.
The story follows a woman named Fiona who is looking for her missing sister. She has been looking for six years and still doesn't know the truth about what happened. On her journey to find her sister, she discovers her sister's chosen occupation, prostitution.
I appreciated Kirstin Innes writing a character that wasn't automatically repulsed by the situation. Instead, Fiona was determined to find the truth and actually take a look into the world of sex workers and why they do what they do.
Overall, I thought Kirstin Innes had the makings of a great plot but was underdeveloped. Going back and forth in the chapters makes it tough as a reader to stay attentive to the serious situations.
The story follows a woman named Fiona who is looking for her missing sister. She has been looking for six years and still doesn't know the truth about what happened. On her journey to find her sister, she discovers her sister's chosen occupation, prostitution.
I appreciated Kirstin Innes writing a character that wasn't automatically repulsed by the situation. Instead, Fiona was determined to find the truth and actually take a look into the world of sex workers and why they do what they do.
Overall, I thought Kirstin Innes had the makings of a great plot but was underdeveloped. Going back and forth in the chapters makes it tough as a reader to stay attentive to the serious situations.
December 27, 2019
This book wasn't great, but it wasn't bad. I agree with others that the flip flopping of the chapters took some getting used to. I didn't particularly like the main character, Fiona. She really seemed sort of pathetic. *spoilers* So the abrupt change in character at the end didnt really seem to fit. It wasnt like she had a gradual build up and then embraced change. It was as if in one night she decided she was going to do a 180, and then she did. I am ok with the fact that she never found Rona. I do think it made the story feel a little empty that she never seemed to have any moment of clarity that she needed to let go and move on. Instead, it almost seems like she just decided to step into her sister's old shoes. Especially since she was describing things she was doing as Rona-esque.
February 18, 2020
Innes’s debut novel depicts the world of Scottish sex workers without the usual moralizing and demonstrates that many escorts view prostitution as a well - paid carrier path. Fiona’s sister Rona has disappeared six years prior and left behind her infant daughter Bethan, without a word of explanation. As the seventh year of Rona’s disappearance approaches, Fiona’s renewed search for her sister leads her to discover that Rona was working as an escort. Pulled suddenly into the insulated world of prostitution, Fiona discovers a world previously unknown to her. Fishnet is an interesting look at a world that is rarely portrayed in this light. The novel’s structure is a bit confusing and offers various perspectives and a rather distracting time line, but still manages to reflect skill and promise.
3.5 Recommended.
3.5 Recommended.
October 10, 2019
This was a hard story to read for me, and made me feel a bit uncomfortable in parts, mainly due the subject matter. I did however find it to be thought provoking and entertaining. The story is about a sister trying to sort through her missing sister's past as a prostitute. I would read another one of Innes' novels. Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Pocket Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 5, 2017
I was gripped from the start and although the ending was *totally* to my satisfaction, this was a great read!
November 14, 2019
Powerful, but difficult to follow. Review to come at AAR.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews