White Orchid of Hokkaido

In this moving and inspirational memoir set among the striking scenes of Japan, American filmmaker Iris Boisvert recounts her desperate post-graduation days and how they led her on one of the most enlightening, sensual, and profound journeys of her life.

Compiled from letters and diary entries, the narrative reflects the honest perspective of the characters as they were in the 1970s, unflinchingly exposing and examining their flaws. Unlike many memoirs told through the biased lens of time, Boisvert's recollections in White Orchid of Hokkaido are refreshingly unskewed by the desire to paint herself as a hero.

Exploring the sensual world of Turkish baths, Boisvert reveals the often harsh behind-the-scenes realities-from lessons in exotic ways to apply a condom to the skin-irritating full-body shampoos she had to learn to perform-all based on her experiences as an employee for Royal Orchid Co.'s Venus Turkish Bath.

Readers also obtain a glimpse into the sexy, empowering realm of burlesque dancing, where Boisvert further discovers her own sexuality-and her own self-worth. Coupled with a budding romance and a desire to remain in beautiful Hokkaido, Boisvert lays bare her most intimate experiences for the world to see.