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

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This book is fun and full of potential, but I can’t help but take issue with the way it discusses racial issues. In taking place in several European countries in the 1700s, the book quickly stumbles into the conversation of race as one of the main characters is black. I think there were about a million other ways the racism in this era could have been exemplified better without the use of racial slurs and yet the author felt she must resort to it. 

Some might argue that it’s historically accurate, but seeing as it’s a historical fiction novel about three upper class/high society British citizens who manage to make their way across the European continent with no money and no worldly experience outside of the boarding schools and palaces they grew up in, it think the author could have taken the liberty to not use this language. 

Furthermore, I loved the main relationship at first, and I still find it adorable, but I can’t bring myself not to dwell on how toxic it is. Though the story ends in a vow to be better, the mental health of one of the main character does not allow him to be a good partner and it is to the detriment of his better half who stupidly forgives him time and time again. 

Overall, the story is cute and full of ridiculous adventure if you’re able to look past it’s screaming faults. 
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