The book seems like a long read (got the eBook) but I loved Russian novels since I was young (especially the ones about the Tsar period) so thanks for the recommendation!

I am living in the Netherlands and can confirm that the prostitutes here can and will refuse clients at their own will. I have never witnessed it myself but heard of it.

The majority of the woman I visit are working in brothels and are Dutch-speaking independent women. Especially the ones I have 'chemistry' with are non-judgmental and don't mind talking about various deeper subjects which makes me really like the companionship more than the sex.

Luckily the new school year will start next week and I'll try to make non-superficial (friendly) relationships with female students.