The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue
Mackenzi Lee
Katherine Tegen Books/Harper Collins, 2017 513 pages
Grades 9-Up
Historical Fiction/Adventure/Mystery

The eldest son of a British noble in eighteenth century England, Monty leads a life of drunkenness and debauchery. His father has tried repeatedly to beat this lifestyle out of him to no avail. Finally, Father decides to send Monty, his best friend of mixed race Percy, and his sister Felicity, who prefers learning and medicine over female pursuits, on a tour of the continent. Monty sees this tour as an extension of his previous behavior of excessive drinking and bedding every man and woman he can get his hands on, but this is not the case. A strict chaperone is assigned and the educational tour begins. After an unfortunate incident where Monty humiliates the family and pinches an important item from a French Lord at Versailles, the party is intercepted on the road by dangerous highwaymen, where they get separated from the chaperone while running for their lives. What follows is an adventurous romp through Europe where the three young people have encounters with gypsies, pirates, and various characters with their own personal agendas. Meanwhile, Percy has a secret to reveal and Felicity proves that she is suited for more than sewing and being pretty. Monty slowly comes to terms with the abuse at the hands of his father and his feelings for his best friend, all while learning to take responsibility for his actions and to think about someone other than himself.

More “new adult” than “young adult”, The Gentleman's Guide is a delicious romp through the Europe of the past. The reader will have a hard time deciding whether to like the main character or not. Monty is selfish and often behaves badly, but his first person narration is always hilarious and never boring. He grows throughout the book and it is impossible not to root for him and his relationship with Percy. The action never stops and surprises abound. The mystery surrounding the box pilfered by Monty is revealed and the reader discovers why so many people will go to such lengths to obtain it, including Monty once he realizes its purpose. Felicity is a strong character and her relationship with her brother grows throughout the book. Percy demonstrates the blatant racism of the day and provides a gentle contrast to Monty's bullish nature. My one complaint with this book is that its loooong. Too long for me, yet teen readers, with more time on their hands, will never want it to end. Enjoyed by both male and female readers, there is certainly something for everyone and is not a traditional historical fiction. Because of the excessive drinking and sexual scenes, I would strongly recommend this for older teens and adults. A sequel featuring Felicity, A Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy, is due to be released in October of this year.