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!
![5 Ways For Non-Black POC And White Travel Bloggers To Be Better Allies:•••👉🏽Visit and support Black-owned businesses and restaurants not just on your next trip but every trip you take. And include your favorite Black-owned businesses and restaurants in your travel guides. “If you’re not actively making an effort to include, you might accidentally exclude.” - Anonymous••👉🏽Look into the tour companies/hotels you promote. Do they hire BIPOC? If yes, how do they treat BIPOC? Do as much research as you can. Email them if you need to (sometimes, they aren’t going to respond. Sometimes, there isn’t going to be that much information. But it’s important to try).••👉🏽Try not to use the word minority in your blog posts (there are times when it is appropriate but it isn’t always). Over the years, the word has unfairly developed a negative connotation. It implies being lesser-than (and not numerically). And no person is lesser than (or greater than) another person because of the color of their skin. Don’t just use a word because of its surface-level definition. Understand its meaning, nuances, and cultural context. Be more aware of your language.••👉🏽Change how you approach stock photos. If you’re looking for a stock photo of a girl traveling on Unsplash, also look up “Black girl travel” and include it in your post. This is a way to not only be more genuinely inclusive but it also increases awareness. I saw a Facebook post by Raciana Brown that mentioned nappy (same style of licensing as Unsplash) and BlackIllustrations as well (thank you Raciana. We will be using these resources as well from now on).••👉🏽Follow Black creators. There are so many amazing and inspiring accounts out there. I personally love @theartisangeek (non-travel but books) @feedthemalik (so many great food recommendations) @packslight (funded travel opportunities) amongst many others.•••P.S. I’m a non-Black POC. I don’t know what it is like to be Black. I will never understand what it is like to be Black. But I see you. I hear you. I stand with you. Black Lives Matter.•••[contd in the comments below]](https://i0.wp.com/www.passporttoeden.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)
4 Comments
Jamie
February 3, 2020 at 3:11 PMI thought Monty’s comfort level with his bisexuality was refreshing. His character was annoying but I liked that he knew his sexuality and wasn’t debating or struggling. It was just a part of him. Also yes to everything you said about Felicity. I LOVE HER. AND PERCY WAS PRECIOUS.
Anshula Varma
February 4, 2020 at 10:12 AMYES. PERCY WAS ADORABLE. xx – Anshula
Vyas
February 3, 2020 at 9:24 PMI think Monty is likeably unlikeable. I feel like the language fit but it took a while to get used to.
Anshula Varma
February 4, 2020 at 10:12 AMOoohhh…I like that phrase – likeably unlikeable. Yup. That sums him up pretty well. xx – Anshula