The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue

After reading so many good things about this book for months now, my expectations were quite high and I am happy to say it didn't disappoint. I had a lot of fun and there were quite a few laugh out loud moments which is such a refreshing change from all the intense fantasy books that I usually read.

Monty maybe a self-absorbed, slightly narcissistic rake, but he is so full of charm that I couldn't help but like him. Being in his head the whole time, we get to know all his insecurities and uncertainties and get to see a vulnerable side to him that he doesn't really show to others. There were times when I wanted to shake him and make him see some sense, but then I also felt bad for him. Percy is his best friend whom he has secretly been in love with for quite awhile. Percy is the one person in his life who is calm and composed and keeps him grounded. Their relationship is so wonderful with their quiet understanding, meaningful silences and just so much love for each other even if they are unable to express it properly.

Felicity is a fiery feminist in the 18th century who has strong opinions, is very smart and wants to pursue medicine, but is not allowed due to the restrictions on women. At the beginning, they don't really have a warm sibling relationship but as they travel together, it was great to see them get to know each other in a different light, away from the judgmental eye of their father. The scene where Monty tries to explain his sexuality to Felicity and she tries to understand him but can't really accept it as natural is very poignant.

The whole journey includes some very unrealistic (borderline fantastical) encounters with highwaymen, pirates, alchemists and sinking islands but this book is about what they learn about themselves and each other through the journey. The love story is absolutely adorable and I really wish there was an epilogue about their later life. The dialogue is part cheesy part sassy but extremely entertaining, however, the author uses this same light tone to touch on difficult topics like homophobia, racism, privilege, sexism, mental health stigma and abuse. But ultimately this is a coming of age story of Monty – him growing up and learning to understand and care for others, realizing what is most important in his life and gaining the confidence to go for it. And find his true happiness!!!!