A review by hodgeonlucy
The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book read like fan fiction, in the best possible way. The plot was driven by adventure but the main focus was on the secret crush of the main character in a 'friends-to-lovers narrative which, whilst overdone, is still very charming. If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be just that - charming. The characters were well-constructed and witty; the only thing that made me slightly uncomfortable was the main character's lack of awareness or real progress in understanding race despite being in love with a mixed-race boy who experienced a lot of racism that Monty just brushed off. I wish there was slightly more development on that front, similarly to Monty's sister's development past her own homophobic prejudices. Maybe I am just too much of an optimist or I am looking for a fully-polished novel; whilst this book was enjoyable and charming, polished it was not. It is slightly haphazard and the plot cannot take too much scrutiny or it would fall apart. But this book, like any other, does not have to be polished to be enjoyable; the meandering and outrageous storyline suits the premise and characters perfectly. It does not hold up to scrutiny but it does not have to; it is not meant to be read with an analytical or overly serious eye. It is merely a charming book intended to be enjoyable to the audience (which it is) and offer solace to certain sections of that audience perhaps struggling with similar issues as Monty or at least seeking a gay character they can relate to (which it provides). The book therefore succeeds in what it achieves and is a wonderful light-hearted tale that many will enjoy. Plot holes be damned.  
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