Czech author and illustrator Anna Rajmon, whose book Elis: Irish Call Girl has been reviewed for Global Comment by me this month, was gracious enough to grant me some of her time to discuss the book, related themes, and other projects that she is working on.
Ms Rajmon, thank you very much for agreeing to this interview.
You cover the perils of the sex trade in Ireland quite thoroughly within the book. Do you believe these issues are unique to Ireland’s scene, or are they inherent in the trade universally?
First of all, thank you for including me in this interview. I believe that these issues are an inherent part of the sex trade in general. However, I also think that in countries like Ireland, this problem is particularly significant due to specific legislation, which, even if unintentionally, contributes to the difficulties within the trade.
In Ireland, certain laws meant to protect individuals can sometimes have the opposite effect, adding layers of vulnerability to those involved. This legislative approach may differ from other countries, but the inherent risks and challenges are largely universal, affecting individuals across borders in similar ways. So, while the specifics may vary from one place to another, the core issues are deeply embedded in the trade itself.
You shed a lot of light on how the trade functions in Ireland, clearly as a warning to other young women who may contemplate going into that trade themselves without fully realising the implications. Is this the book you wish you could have read when you were making your own decisions?
That’s a very good question. I remember vividly the time before I made the decision to enter this world. I tried to find information online, but it was a completely new experience for me, and my understanding of how this world operated came mostly from books and films, where reality is often highly romanticised or altered. I remember finding very little reliable information at that time, so I had to rely on what the agency told me. I had no choice but to trust them.
If a book like mine had been available to me back then, I think certain aspects of my decision-making could have been different. There are elements in my story that, had I known about them earlier, might have influenced my perspective and perhaps even my choices.
On the other hand, if I had decided differently back then, my book wouldn’t exist today.
In your view, who can benefit from reading Elis?
I believe many people — even those who have never come close to this world — can find a part of themselves in the book. I’d say it’s a very layered narrative, not only about what happens within Ireland’s underworld but also touching on humour, romance, motherhood, friendship, and other experiences that might seem unrelated to the world of escorting.
Primarily, the book is written for young women who may be considering whether to enter such a world, as well as for the users of these services.
Finally, it’s also for the wives, girlfriends, daughters, and mothers who may be affected by this world without even realising it.
What would set Elis apart from other memoirs?
The entire purpose of this book was to make it different. It’s intense and emotional, and it will make you laugh and cry at the same time.
Within the pages that the reader holds, there’s pain, happiness, and experience woven in. I wrote it as though no one would ever read it, including things that many writers would choose to conceal for their own benefit. The book touches, to a greater or lesser extent, many people — even those who, unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, don’t realise it.
I wrote parts of it, where possible, with a hint of sarcasm and humour, which I believe sets it apart. I don’t impose any opinions on anyone; every reader can form their own perspective after reading it. And last but not least, there are illustrations included, which I worked on for a long time and which, I believe, complement the book and give it a unique and different perspective.
Within the pages that the reader holds, there’s pain, happiness, and experience woven in
What sort of feedback have you received for the book?
I’ve received a lot of positive messages, both from women and men, many of which genuinely warmed my heart and brought me joy. Some readers admired my determination and courage, while others appreciated the book’s content and the way it reveals what really goes on.
I was also delighted to receive messages complimenting my writing style. I think it’s a huge compliment for any author when numerous strangers reach out. One woman shared that she read the book while in the hospital for cancer treatment and, at a time when she thought nothing could lift her spirits, my book brought her both laughter and tears.
The last message I received a few days ago from another woman said, and let me quote: “I think your daughter is very lucky to have a mother that would literally do anything for her!”
All this feedback reassured me that I’m on the right path and that I want to keep writing.
Of course, along with these encouraging messages, I also received some negative feedback — primarily from those for whom the book Elis is not beneficial. Some messages were truly inhumane.
With regard to the book, have you heard anything from those in the agency you worked for?
Yes, unfortunately, I have.
As I mentioned earlier, some of the messages I received were truly beyond acceptable boundaries. I received a lot of vile messages — threats and insults — in reaction to the book. There was no reason to respond to these senseless attacks, so I chose to block these people instead.
Have you received any feedback from former clients regarding the book?
Yes, I received feedback from men I met in Ireland. Many of them recognised themselves in the book and reached out to me.
I must say, to my own surprise, all the messages I received from these people were remarkably friendly and supportive. Some messages were apologetic, emotional, and intense. Overall, it was very positive feedback, which made me smile.
Recently, there have been reports in the Irish press concerning sex trafficking, particularly in Kerry. Reading how the agency you were with is run, would you consider yourself a victim of trafficking?
No, I wouldn’t say I was a victim of trafficking. However, as you mentioned, the way the agency operates does involve strong elements of trafficking.
In Ireland, human trafficking is defined as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring, or receipt of people through force, fraud, or deception, with the aim of exploiting them for profit. The agency’s practices exhibited characteristics associated with trafficking, such as exploitation and control over individuals.
Would it be fairer to say, then, that if it wasn’t a trafficking operation, that there nonetheless were strong elements similar to trafficking in your situation?
Yes, I think that would be a fair way to put it. While I wouldn’t describe it as a full trafficking operation in the traditional sense, there were certainly strong elements that resembled trafficking in my experience. The agency’s practices, such as exerting control over personal choices and creating a sense of dependency, are characteristics often associated with trafficking.
So, while it may not fit the strict definition, it did involve aspects that made it feel exploitative and restrictive.
What legal requirements would be needed to address the serious problems within the Irish sex trade, as outlined in your book?
That’s a very complex question. I believe that implementing regulations directly on the sites where profiles are registered could be helpful. In my case, the agency created my profile — as well as those of others working for them — without my direct involvement. I think the website moderators must have been aware of this, and I suspect they’re aware of similar situations with other profiles as well.
Such measures could certainly bring about some positive changes. Full legalisation, as seen in other countries where this work is fully legalised, would have an impact, but it doesn’t come without drawbacks. For example, in Switzerland, full legalisation has brought both benefits and negatives.
On the other hand, a complete ban would likely open the door to even more trafficking and exploitation. Unfortunately, where there is demand, there will always be supply.
Do you see much motivation on the part of the authorities to address these problems?
You know, many people talk about the issues, but in reality, they’re not addressing them. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be a strong effort from the authorities either. I think that if the issue doesn’t affect people directly, it’s hard for them to really understand the situation.
On the other hand, some individuals may actually benefit from the lack of regulation, so they’re not inclined to see any changes. It’s a much-discussed topic, especially lately, but it seems that the conversation always stops at just talking.
Violence against women in general is rightly getting highlighted more frequently in recent years as a problem. However, while statistics have shown violence against female sex workers on the island of Ireland has increased, there has been comparatively little coverage – why do you think that is?
I think Ireland is still a somewhat conservative country. It also has a relatively positive reputation, and perhaps there is some reluctance to highlight internal issues of this nature — at least, that’s my opinion. On the other hand, there are people who aren’t afraid to talk about these matters, and lately, they’re becoming more visible.
You mention that violence against these women has recently increased. I must say that you’re likely mistaken. Violence against these women has always been present, and I’d even venture to say it may have existed on a larger scale in the past. The real issue, however, was that it was rarely talked about.
On the other hand, these women often prefer to remain anonymous for obvious reasons and would rather not be discussed in the media. Given Irish legislation, or perhaps out of fear of being judged by others, a significant percentage of those affected by such violence may not report these incidents. When something like this happens in the course of this “work” and behind closed doors, it’s cloaked in even greater shame than if it were to happen in public.
Have you any other writing projects you are working on at present?
Writing has truly allowed me to find myself and experience freedom. It has incredible power!
I have been currently working on a new book that, like Elis, is written in a sarcastic and humorous tone. It’s a psychological exploration of the differences between men and women, highlighting so-called “red flags” in men from a light-hearted, somewhat feminist perspective.
The book includes personal experiences, and I hope it will help many women see the true intentions of some men and realise that things are not always as they appear at first glance.
Has a launch date been planned for this book?
I’d love to finish this book by the end of the year, but with work and daily responsibilities, it’s quite challenging. Writing also requires being in the right mindset. Nonetheless, I hope the book will be available as soon as possible.
Read our review of Elis.