Goines takes the reader into the violent world of ghetto prostitution. Whoreson Jones, the novel"s hero, is the son of a beautiful black prosititute and an unknown white john. By the age of sixteen, he is a fully- fledged pimp, cold blooded, ruthless. Written in gritty street talk, Whoreson"s story affords a startling glimpse into the hell of the inner city, yet brisrles with bitter humor and defiant pride.