Well, 'Miss Julie' by August Strindberg is a well - known one. It's a play that has themes related to class and sexuality, and there are elements that touch on prostitution - like situations. The interactions between the characters show the power dynamics that could be associated with such a profession.
The 'Thérèse Raquin' by Émile Zola is also relevant. Thérèse is in a complex situation where she is involved in relationships that have some resemblance to prostitution in the context of the difficult social and economic circumstances she faces. It shows how desperation can lead to certain actions.
Another is 'Moll Flanders' by Daniel Defoe. While not solely about prostitution, the main character, Moll, has experiences related to it as she struggles through different situations in life, which gives insights into the social context of the time regarding such activities.
Yes, there are some books that explore the topic of prostitution based on true stories. For example, 'Half the Sky' by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn touches on the issue of sex trafficking, which is related to prostitution in some aspects. It tells real - life stories of women who have been victims of such exploitation, aiming to raise awareness about the situation.
Prostitution - related stories are often complex and may involve themes that are not suitable for promotion. However, some classic works that touch on the darker aspects of society, like 'Les Misérables' by Victor Hugo, which briefly shows the plight of those in desperate situations including some elements related to prostitution in the context of a larger social commentary.
Then there's 'My Family and Other Animals' by Gerald Durrell. Although it's more of a memoir with fictional elements, it takes place in Greece. It tells the story of a family's life on the Greek island of Corfu, with its rich descriptions of the local flora, fauna, and the unique Greek island lifestyle.
Then there's 'Three Trapped Tigers' by Guillermo Cabrera Infante. This is a very innovative and experimental novel that reflects on Cuba in a unique way. It uses language and form in a way that both challenges and delights the reader, while still being firmly rooted in Cuban themes.
There's also 'Junkie' by William S. Burroughs. This book gives a raw and unflinching look at the life of a drug addict. Burroughs writes from his own experiences, and it provides a detailed exploration of the drug - using subculture and the various aspects of addiction.
Julio Cortázar's 'Hopscotch' is another famous one. It's a complex and experimental novel that challenges the traditional way of reading. Set in Paris and Buenos Aires, it reflects on Argentine identity and the experiences of the Argentine diaspora.
One can't forget 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, published in 1960 but with themes that were very much part of the 1950s. It deals with racism in the South. And 'A Streetcar Named Desire' by Tennessee Williams, first performed in 1947 but widely read in the 1950s, is a powerful play about desire and the clash between different classes.
A well - known one is 'The Midwife' by Katja Kettu. It offers a unique perspective on midwifery in a particular historical and cultural context.