Sarah A. Chrisman

This is the kind of book I really love and, in fact, this was one of the most interesting books I've read in a long time. However, the author's attitude was a big turn off for me. In several cases throughout the book, Chrisman discusses some of the negative attention they receive for living an out-of-the-norm lifestyle. Granted, this is part of her describing their reality so I wasn't irritated that she brought it up, I was more annoyed by her attitude about it when I thought about my own experience. When I opened up Facebook the next day to find another article on them based solely around the fact that people are mean to the Chrismans, it just rubbed me the wrong way.

I, too, live an out-of-the-norm lifestyle. I have nine children whom I homeschool. I choose to wear long skirts and long hair and remain unemployed. I drive an enormous van. People stare and lift a finger to count when we drive by. I get all kinds of snotty comments, rude questions, and invasions on my privacy and lifestyle. What I've found over the years is my defensive actions and snotty comments back only feed the fire. The meaner I am back to people like this, the more attention I give them, the worse it is for me. Once I started holding my head high and refusing to apologize for my choices, I was amazed at how people started complimenting and encouraging us. All that to say, when all I see on this couple is them complaining to the media about not being accepted in a society that promotes diversity, (a phrase she repeats on multiple occasions in her narrative) it lowers my esteem for them quite a bit. In Victorian society, one conformed to the norm or one was ostracized by every so-called decent member of society. I guess what I'm trying to say is if one is going to take the road less traveled, one must be prepared for the opposition. Discussing the disappointment privately is appropriate---complaining to the media and expecting people to conform to what suits you is not. (See Butchart Gardens story).

Now on to the less-bad bits. Besides all the atheistic or pantheistic nods to humanism, macro-evolution, and other ridiculous notions, the author presented herself as an intelligent woman. For the most part, the narrative was well-written. In fact, I had a long discussion with my husband about how publishers and editors really need to hold authors to a higher standard concerning grammar and subject matter. Almost everything I read nowadays is dumbed down to the level of a fourth grader. One would argue that this is the reading level of the average American adult in these times---I would argue back that rising standards usually result in those who will rise up to meet them. Chrisman is obviously well-read---her voice makes that clear. I was encouraged to seek out some of the earlier novels and nonfictions in hopes of finding other intelligently written material. In fact, I'm off to my favorite used book store this morning to do that very thing.

Regarding the editing and photography---part of me wants to say the book could do with some serious editing and professional photography; part of me finds it endearing that she would have a friend do her photos. She obviously looks very joyful and at peace in her photos---something she may not have done with a more professional set up invading her space. As for editing, I always blame that on the publishing company. They're being hired and trusted to present her in the best light---authors must hold paid editors to a higher standard.

I admire the Chrismans' research on so many things: the Hershey's company, cycling, and some very interesting bits regarding the regulation of time and why timepieces are made with jewels. I'd always wondered about some of these things and Chrisman does an excellent job explaining the whys.

I loved all her talk of settings as we are from the Pacific Northwest and enjoyed a brief spell of living in Skagit County near Deception Pass and the Chuckanut Drive that she describes. I know this area well and was able to imagine all the places she described. We spent a lovely morning in her town of Port Townsend, one day about seven years ago, admiring the Victorian homes on our way to pick up our Yorkie.

I think the thing that just left a sour taste in my mouth was how the author presented herself. Besides the previously mentioned issues, there were a few times when I thought she was either seriously exaggerating a situation or she was just an awfully snobbish and self-righteous boor. She has a way of making others "less learned" than she seem like pitiful simpletons. When describing a memory of ladies chatting about cell phones in a restaurant, she actually describes herself running from the table and spewing her tea into a bathroom sink because she was laughing so hard at their ignorance. Either she is an absolutely obnoxious and immature human being or she has a vivid imagination. Either way, nothing disfavors someone in my eyes more than snobbish, know-it-all behaviour.

On a positive note, my good opinion once lost is not lost forever so within ten minutes of finishing the book, I had purchased her previous book, Victorian Secrets and it should be arriving before the week is out. The good and useful definitely outweighed the annoying with this one and I'm looking forward to reading more about this unique and beautiful life the Chrismans are building together.

Taking off one star for an author who's a bit too big for her britches and another star for poor editing.… (meer)

I purchased this from eBay after reading her book, This Victorian Life. I was fascinated by her lifestyle described in that book, but quite put off by her character. This book is even more shocking in terms of her disgustingly enhanced pomposity, but I think I've figured her out.

Chrisman talks a lot about the "alpha creature" vs. the "subordinate". She also seems to adhere to a lot of pseudo-scientific beliefs about macro-evolution that are just as archaic as the Victorian age she emulates. I seriously think she sees herself as a more evolved human---an alpha species---because she's chosen to believe her lifestyle (what she calls her "research") makes her a more intelligent and better dressed member of society. To put it in plainer terms for all us lesser people: she thinks she's better than us.

I don't want this review to be all about how much I can't stand this woman, but that's pretty much all I could think about as I read this book. So, before I launch into a more vehement rage than I did for her last book, let me expound on the parts of this one that I did like.

Her conclusions on corset wearing were delightfully surprising. There seem to be many happy benefits: a much trimmer waist, better posture and back support, help with portion control, not to mention a better appearance and self-image. I was also very encouraged to seize the day when it comes to doing the things I want to do but am afraid to because of the opinion of others. I don't have a HUGE problem doing my own thing, but I do have some hangups about my appearance. I feel like I can be more bold in presenting myself the way I desire to, rather than worrying about fitting into someone's mold.

Now...Chrisman started right in with the arrogance. On one hand, I understand she and her husband are offended by those who could so bungle the art of dressing Victorian with plastic jewelry and synthetic fiber, on the other hand---SHE is NOT a VICTORIAN!!! They are playing a game---just like the other reenactors they come across. She gets so angry when someone calls her clothing a "costume" because people who wear costumes are people who play pretend. Um. Reforming your entire existence to emulate people who lived over 100 years ago---all while selectively living, working, and interacting with the 21st century---if that's not playing pretend, I don't know what is!

I get a sense she feels she and Gabriel are "real Victorians" while others are just play-acting. Get a grip, lady! You are a 21st century woman deeply involved in an extreme form of historical pretend. You drive a DeLorean, for crying out loud! Leave others alone about how they choose to engage in this game and they'll leave you alone about how you do.

In every encounter, (often besides, but not completely excluding personal friends) she runs down everyone from her own mother to a woman who accidentally swished her long ponytail into cupcake frosting. These put-downs are never necessary, but someone who sees herself as superior must continuously put down others in order to keep up appearances. The only people she speaks positively about are children and those who compliment and are sympathetic to her.

She is so specific with her descriptions and put-downs that I can't imagine she's gained many friends in the PNW community---unless they're all just as snotty and judgemental as she. As I said in my review of This Victorian Life, decent people likely aren't mean to her because of how she dresses---they're probably disillusioned by the way she acts. There's more to being a lady than dressing like one. Give me a smiling "rotund" plastic-clad reenactor, any day, over a white-washed high school bully in a more accurate costume.… (meer)