A review by amberrush
Victorians Undone: Tales of the Flesh in the Age of Decorum by Kathryn Hughes

4.0

I found this one of those books I could only read in small chunks, but enjoyed each chunk and was constantly learning something new about the victorian era. Discussing the elements of the time that are not covered in the usual books or written down, the books shows what it was like to live in Victorian England both as a wealthy person and a 'common woman'. Exploring stories such as Flora Hastings (the lady in waiting) mysterious stomach enlargement to the tribulations of Darwin's beard. Explaining the origins behind the saying 'sweet Fanny Adams' and its rather dark truth. In particular, I found the last two chapters the most interesting as well as parts of Darwin's chapter although each individual part was interesting and unique. The tale of Fanny Cornforth was jubilating in some areas while also highlighting the major inequalities that existed for women and class in which despite her keen acquaintance with Rosseti was simply buried in a common grave due to her fragility in later life. Exploring what it was like to be a person in the victorian era rather than just suggesting the facts that are repeated over and over again. A unique offering that delves deeper into the surface of an everchanging era. 4/5