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delaneyyyw's review against another edition
4.0
This was such a quick and entertaining read that combines a great deal of humor with quality research based on primary sources. I'm not sure why there are so many reviews complaining about the tone...I loved the sarcastic fairy-godmother-meets-finishing-school-headmistress vibe.
jenlouisegallant's review against another edition
4.0
So I've finally finished this and I loved it. If only all my history textbooks in university had been this funny I would have probably done a History major to go with my English major. It actually reminded me of my women's history class and the papers I wrote both of women's fashion in the 19th century and on Beaton's Household book, and maids of all work. Makes me kind of miss history class. I'll have to pick up more non-fiction on this topic. This book gives you the dirty, and gritty facts about the Victorian era, which we like to dream as a romantic period. It was far from romantic most of the time. I think the author managed to be both humourous and tasteful when writing this book. I will definitely read more from her if she publishes more.
jennystout21's review against another edition
4.0
Super fun and informative book about the reality for ladies of a certain social standing (i.e. white and wealthy) in the Victorian era. Oneill covers things like where/how do you pee? What do you use when you're menstruating (you brazen hussy!)? What should you expect on your wedding night (pain and terror)?
Although she obviously only covers a tiny fraction of Victorian life for the people who were essentially the "1%" back then, Oneill's book is hilarious, charming, and a really quick read with lots of pictures.
Although she obviously only covers a tiny fraction of Victorian life for the people who were essentially the "1%" back then, Oneill's book is hilarious, charming, and a really quick read with lots of pictures.
re_oanslay's review against another edition
4.0
Going into this book, I already knew I adored microhistories but this was an especially delightful surprise! In the first few pages, Oneill's humor jumped off the page and made me laugh out loud. Throughout the entire book, her tongue-in-cheek chidings about the fragility of women and the state of medicine especially were well crafted. There's also a feminist undercurrent that I appreciate, including the acknowledgment of how women of color and lower-class women are largely missing from the typical Victorian narrative.
tessisreading2's review against another edition
3.0
Fun, glib overview of the life of a wealthy Victorian lady, probably in America. Oneill's tone is snarky and she's determined to amuse. The research seems good, although the occasional efforts to dart into the realm of the less-than-savory were somewhat frustrating - mentions of racism, slavery, classism, and the perils of the life of the non-rich Victorian woman were sometimes startling, because they're not detailed or particularly contextualized, although it would be hard to have a decent history without them - and if you've read much of anything on Victorian women you probably know most of this stuff already. You're reading this because Oneill makes a fun guide, shrieking "What?!?" at all the right details, not because you desperately want to learn the details of Victorian etiquette.
olicooper's review against another edition
4.0
What a delightful walk through a woman's intimate life in the Victorian era. Focus, mostly the middle class and rich. Nonetheless, more information than I ever had. Really drills in the dirty and disgusting of the era. Smells on top of smells.
The author is quite hilarious. Very tongue in cheek.
The author is quite hilarious. Very tongue in cheek.
ipomoea's review against another edition
5.0
The snappy dialog and humor of an internet listicle, but well-researched and entertaining.
provenance's review against another edition
3.0
My only complaint about this book is that I wish it would have a more academic tone rather than jokey- but nevertheless I learned a lot and would read the author again.
whichthreewords's review against another edition
3.0
A fairly shallow summary (probably best for those new to the subject) -- but quite fun.