Stella: Unrepentant Madam
Can$19.95
Linda Eversole
A wealthy madam who was known from San Francisco to Victoria
in the early part of the 20th century, Stella Carroll was glamorous, worldly and
determined to succeed. Her bordellos were fashionably decorated and patronized
by the affluent and the powerful; she offered the best of everything—fine food
and wine, cigars, entertainment and, of course, girls.
The author, with the cooperation of Stella’s family in California and New
Mexico, has provided an intimate portrait of this infamous, unrepentant woman,
her business and her tenuous relationships with double-dealing politicians and
corrupt police, whose cooperation was essential to her success in the shadowy
world she inhabited.
Stella was a woman of contrasts. Her scandalous lifestyle and fiery temper often
landed her in court on morals charges, yet she was devoted to and supportive of
her family and gave generously to orphans and charities.
This compelling non-fiction narrative is a fascinating look at Stella’s life
and at how things were in Victoria 100 years ago.
LINDA EVERSOLE is a freelance researcher, writer and heritage consultant
historian who has been researching the intriguing life of Stella Carroll for
many years. She lives in Victoria, B.C.