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

 

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

          Lee, M. (2017). The Gentleman’s Guide to vice and virtue. Katherine Tegen Books. ISBN 978-0062382801

        🚨Content warning: racism, ablism, homophobia, death, epilepsy, seizure🚨

         Henry "Monty" Montague is a young lord in the 18th century who would love nothing more than to be able to pursue his passions with his best friend Percy along his side. His dream to do so is shattered when his father gives him a one-year deadline to go on a Tour of Europe before he returns and takes over the estate. While on Tour with Percy and his sister, Monty makes a foolish decision that takes the group on a quest that is a run for their lives. Monty is forced to face the reality of the situation and figure out how his story affects others.

          The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue was such a fun read! Monty is the narrator throughout the story, and while he does not always make the best decisions, he adds life to the story. Monty is thick-headed at times, especially when it comes to situations dealing with Percy, his best friend, though this is because he is in love with him. His love for Percy does blind Monty at times, and that does cause Monty to put the lives of him Percy and his sister Felicity. Though Monty loves Percy, he fails to voice this to him because of the times. Set in the 1700s, being gay was seen as a crime, and falling in love with your Black best friend crosses multiple lines. Monty's longing for Percy is evident throughout the book, and specific interactions have you questioning if Percy loves Monty as well, making you root for them and their love story despite all the hurdles they would have to overcome to make their dreams a reality. It is heartwarming to see just how much Monty cares for Percy, even if it is a bit much at times, like when Monty realizes Percy has epilepsy and can not comprehend what it means for Percy and the future of their friendship and relationship.

        The book did move a bit slow in the beginning until, one-fourth into the book when Monty steals a box from the Palace of Versailles, and it is from there that the group is launched into an epic journey that is a whirlwind of events that has the group running for their life. From that point on, we get action-packed scenes that engross the reader—even with all the action, serious moments throughout the book helped with the pacing, such as Monty and Felicity talking about his sexuality, Percy talking about his experience living as a Black person in the period, or Felicity talking with Percy about sex. Percy and Felicity were the perfect balance to Monty's chaos. Felicity ended up being my favorite character due to her assertive nature! Set in the times when women did not have many responsibilities besides getting married and having children, Felicity has a no non-sense attitude and strives to become a doctor, something that was uncommon for the times, and it could be argued that she is the reason that they all survived. If you are wondering if the book has a happy ending, it does, though you will have to read it to find out what exactly happens!

          Overall, The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue was a faced paced, coming-of-age historical fiction novel that you should read if you enjoy adventure, romance, and stories about embracing your true self. The heavy themes of the book are well balanced with the humorous dialogue, loveable characters, and the characters' quick wits. Amanda MacGregor from Teen Library Toolbox calls the novel "a witty, romantic, and exceedingly smart look at discovering one's place in the world." In her TikTok review, author Emma R. Alban says that The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue "takes a different look at the 18th century and is just a fun time. It's shenanigans; it's boys in love on the continent. There are pirates, there are lords, there is alchemy. It's not to be missed." 

          Books similar to this one are is the sequel The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee and Carry On by Rainbow Rowell.  If you are interested in learning more about the time period, make sure you look at the back of the book after the Author's Note because Mackenzi goes more into detail about the Grand Tour, the politics, epilepsy, race relations 18th century Europe, and queer culture!

Awards and Recognition:

•        A 2018 STONEWALL HONOR BOOK
•           A BARNES AND NOBLE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
•           A SHELF AWARENESS BEST YOUNG ADULT BOOK OF 2017
•           NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY KIRKUS REVIEWS
•           WINNER OF THE NEW ENGLAND BOOK AWARD

        Sources

        Lee, M. (2017). The Gentleman’s Guide to vice and virtue. Katherine Tegen Books. ISBN 978-0062382801

        MacGregor, A. (2017, March 14). Book review: The gentleman’s guide to vice and virtue by Mackenzi Lee. Teen Librarian Toolbox. https://teenlibrariantoolbox.com/2017/03/14/book-review-the-gentlemans-guide-to-vice-and-virtue-by-mackenzi-lee/

        The Gentleman’s Guide to vice and virtue. Mackenzi Lee. (n.d.). http://www.mackenzilee.com/the-gentlemans-guide-to-vice-and-virtue

          Writer Emma R. Alban on Tiktok. TikTok. (2022, February 17). https://www.tiktok.com/@eraofemma/video/7065833016169352494?_r=1&_t=8dstr6A1Zvy