Title: The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue
Author: Mackenzi Lee
First published June 27, 2017
528 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780062382801 (ISBN10: 0062382802)
Rating: 4.05
Overview
A wild and debonair Henry “Monty” Montague is set to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime Grand Tour of Europe with his best friend Percy and his sister Felicity. However, Monty’s penchant for a life of pleasure and vice may not last long as he is expected to take over his family’s estate upon his return.
To make matters worse, Monty is hiding an impossible crush on Percy. Nevertheless, Monty is determined to make the most of his journey as he flirts with Percy across the cities of Paris, Barcelona, and Venice.
But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions leads to a perilous manhunt across Europe, he must confront his true feelings, including his love for Percy, and question everything he knows about himself.
Editoral Review
In Mackenzi Lee’s The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, readers are taken on a wild historical adventure through 18th century Europe. Lee, an American author known for her LGBTQIA+ YA novels, spins a tale of romance, rebellion, and self-discovery that will delight readers of all ages.
Set in England, France, Spain, and Italy, The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue tells the story of Henry “Monty” Montague, a young rake and aristocrat who is about to embark on a year-long Grand Tour of Europe before he must return home to assume his duties as lord of the land. Monty’s plans, however, quickly go awry when he, his best friend Percy, and his sister Felicity are caught up in a thrilling adventure involving pirates, alchemy, and dark family secrets.
Lee’s writing style is eminently readable, with a brisk pace that makes it difficult to put down the book. Monty is a captivating narrator, bringing humor and heart to even the darkest moments of the story.
His love interest, Percy, is a compelling character in his own right, as is Felicity, Monty’s sister, who proves herself to be just as brave and resourceful as her brother. One of the book’s strengths is its nuanced depiction of 18th century Europe, with its rigid social hierarchies, pervasive racism and sexism, and complex political alliances.
Lee does not shy away from these realities, yet she also manages to imbue the story with a sense of hope and possibility. Another strength is Lee’s handling of the LGBTQIA+ themes in the story.
Monty and Percy’s romance is central to the plot, but it is not the only focus of the book. Lee also explores issues such as homophobia, mental illness, and disability, weaving them into the narrative in a way that feels organic and authentic.
While there are moments when the plot veers into melodrama or predictability, these flaws are outweighed by Lee’s skillful character development and her masterful command of language. By the end of the book, readers will feel as though they have embarked on their own Grand Tour, and they will be left wanting more.
In many ways, The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue is a book that feels both timeless and timely. With its emphasis on the importance of self-discovery and individual autonomy, it speaks to readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Yet it is also a book that is firmly rooted in its historical context, and it sheds light on many of the issues that continue to plague society today. For readers who enjoy historical fiction, adventure stories, and swoon-worthy romance, The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue is a must-read.
It is a book that will transport you to another time and place, while also reminding you of the enduring power of love and friendship. On a scale of one to ten, I would rate this book a solid nine.
