Unmentionable

by Therese Oneill

[MurderByDeath]

This one gets a lot of mixed reviews and I think I've figured out why, perhaps.  If you've already read about or studied the reality of the Victorian era, not only might you find the information repetitive, but I think the tone absolutely isn't going to work for you.     But if you aren't a history buff, find yourself reading a lot of historical fiction about the Victorian age, and would like a highly entertaining, factual, but very tongue-in-cheek introduction, this is the book for you.   As I knew very little beyond a general impression of "filthy dirty" and "no indoor plumbing", I found this book both informative and hilarious, although I do admit it starts off feeling very condescending until you sort of figure out what she's doing and just go with it.  I found myself reading several sections out loud to MT for both their appalling factual nature and the hilariousness of her prose.   Definitely recommended for those that are new to the historical realities of the period as well as those that prefer their history served up in the most entertaining way possible.  Those looking for a more in-depth study should steer clear, although there is a solid list of citations and additional reading at the end.