The Training of a Victorian Homemaker

by Abigail Bryce

Set in 1890 Pennsylvania, this unique story follows the experienced mother and homemaker, Mrs. Sherman, teaching her household tips and wisdom to her new neighbor, the young newlywed, Clara White. As the grateful young Clara and Richard White describe her, Mrs. Sherman is a kind, patient teacher of wholesome living and true economy. Throughout the story, she helps the young Mrs. White truly become a skilled, confident, keeper of the home. Uniquely framed in the style of historical fiction, this book is, in actuality, a treasure trove of household tips pertaining to an era well over a century ago. Combing a deep knowledge of Victorian ways of life and a knack for storytelling, Abigail Bryce presents here, via the fictional Mrs. Sherman, the actual methods used in those days long ago, carefully researched to ensure authenticity. Topics covered include home maintenance, bread-making, food economics and preservation including canning, menu and dietary suggestions, planning one’s weekly workload, as well as further menu suggestions for Thanksgiving and Christmas. “Never before have I found such a wealth of information on the techniques of managing a household during the bygone Victorian era! The attention to historic detail is remarkable. Thank you, Abigail Bryce!” – Anne Gallagher, Christian Publishers Monthly

126 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 9, 2018

Reviews

[Esther N]

I'm just not connecting with this one right now. I may try it again another time, although I'd almost rather have the information condensed down into a bulleted essay and skip the conversational format. Some of it is outdated information, which is expected given the age of the book, but other parts are pretty timeless such as the wisdom of planning a menu around what is least expensive at the time.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

What great insights into keeping house in the late Victorian era! The details of how to clean and do laundry without any mechanical help were amazing. The sheer physical labor, how did they do it? And having to compound any cleaning agent they needed—no dish soap, laundry detergent, oven cleaner, etc. I’m in awe of my ancestresses abilities.

[Wendy DeWachter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a modern copy of a 1906 book by Isabel Gordon Curtis called The Making of a Housewife. Though the names are changed and the language updated, they are the same book. The original has photographs throughout which this version lacks. Personally I enjoyed the original much better, it was more believable, the photos show what the author is talking about and it seemed less like fiction.

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uniquely written

There are many Victorian housekeeping tips, but this was written as a story vs a manual which made reading this book far more enjoyable. A must read for anyone interested in vintage homemaking.

[carol donohoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book!

I loved reading the time gone by methods of cleaning, washing, shopping and cooking. It made me grateful for what I have but really misty over what I never had.
A well written book of times gone by. Thank you for allowing me to read this precious pearl.

[Dlhootenatt.Net · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information

Great information for how households were working. This required much work to keep the household running.
It was a fast read.

[Bill Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read.

This book showed me how hard women had to work to make a home. It also showed the pride they had in a job well done.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable

Such a delight. Breezy and cute but also super packed with historical detail. A fun little treasure of a book.

[Blanca E. Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun reading

I was entertained plus learned that early housewives were really smart and informed on subjects we no longer cover.. It was such a fun and adventurous book..

[Nancy Gunderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

unique read

It was a fun read on a Sunday afternoon. Homemakers from yesterday were cleaver and adaptable. It was a science lesson as well as a peak into the past.

[Teresa Dawson, Ms · Rating 4 out of 5]

i enjoyed reading this book, i loved the character players, also i enjoyed the historical values.

[William Huckaby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life as a new housewife

I love the way this book was written. It is a story of an experienced Victorian housewife taking a young woman under her wing and showing her how to be successful. Interesting and informative. Really enjoyed it.