Eden Travel Book Club: The Gentleman’s Guide To Vice And Virtue By Mackenzi Lee Discussion Questions

one last hurrah before we start discussing?

Here’s what I loved about The Gentleman’s Guide To Vice And Virtue by Mackenzi Lee (the title is a bit of a mouthful so I’ll be referring to it as The Gentleman’s Guide throughout the chat): the humor, the diversity, Felicity.

Felicity made this book for me. Her feisty, sharp, quick-witted, unafraid-of-being-snappy, willing-to-passionately-fight-for-what-she-believed-in character arc was such a highlight.

I rarely see side characters in books who are well-rounded but Felicity was just that – fleshed out in thoughts and spirit.

While I initially described The Gentleman’s Guide as a romp, it’s so much more than that. This book is a discussion unto itself.

Monty (a white male) is a privileged character and this book doesn’t just hit but stabs and twists at his privilege multiple times. It’s done in such a nuanced and insightful way.

My husband picked up The Gentleman’s Guide this month as well (side note: we’re listening to Daisy Jones & The Six together right now and I can’t recommend the audiobook enough) and he agrees: it’s funny.

I mean, it’s a swashbuckling steampunk queer tender-hearted romance – what’s not to love?

Disclosure: Heads up, this post contains an affiliate link! If you make a purchase, we get a commission at no extra to you. You can absolutely pick up a copy of The Gentleman’s Guide from your neighborhood library or indie bookstore – no hard feelings. Zero pressure to buy anything (the choice is 100% yours). You can read my full affiliate disclosure here.

The Gentleman’s Guide Discussion Questions

• Monty is an extremely flawed character. Despite his flaws, did you find him unlikeable or likable?
• This novel has an intense cast of characters. Which character was your favorite?
• Were there any characters you felt were underdeveloped?
• How did you feel about Monty’s attitude towards his sexuality?
• How do you think Monty’s personality evolved over the course of the novel?
• What was the strongest part of the book? What was the weakest part of the book?
• How did the time period impact the characters in the novel?
• The Gentleman’s Guide is known for having a bit of crude language. Did you feel like it fit with the tone of the book or the title could do without it?
• Which of the locations in this book did you enjoy reading about the most?
• Do you feel like you’re more vice or virtue?

Let me know in the comments below! Of course, these are just starter questions. Feel 100% free to discuss anything regarding the book. I’ll be jumping in and responding as well!