redhickory's review against another edition
2.0
I almost DNF but stuck with it. It should have been a fascinating story but I found it dry and repetitive.
verityw's review against another edition
4.0
I was wavering between three and four stars for this one - so I gave it four as I really did like it more than a three.
This is the story of Madame Rachel - a nineteenth century businesswoman who made her money by promising to make women "beautiful for ever" via her face "enamelling" process. Rappaport says in her introduction that the book has been a bit of a labour of love for her and I could tell from the book how invested she was in it. I didn't find the story as fascinating as she clearly does, but it was a great insight into the murky world of the Victorian beauty industry.
I found it hard to work up sympathy for Madame Rachel - while she was badly treated by the press (for being Jewish) and in some cases the court system (who favoured the aristocracy over her) her business dealings were dodgy at best and downright illegal at worst. Equally I didn't have much sympathy for her victims - women who spent tens of thousands of pounds in today's money at her salon in one visit - often money that they couldn't afford.
But over all it was still a really interesting read - and one that I read very quickly, which is always a sign that I'm enjoying something.
This is the story of Madame Rachel - a nineteenth century businesswoman who made her money by promising to make women "beautiful for ever" via her face "enamelling" process. Rappaport says in her introduction that the book has been a bit of a labour of love for her and I could tell from the book how invested she was in it. I didn't find the story as fascinating as she clearly does, but it was a great insight into the murky world of the Victorian beauty industry.
I found it hard to work up sympathy for Madame Rachel - while she was badly treated by the press (for being Jewish) and in some cases the court system (who favoured the aristocracy over her) her business dealings were dodgy at best and downright illegal at worst. Equally I didn't have much sympathy for her victims - women who spent tens of thousands of pounds in today's money at her salon in one visit - often money that they couldn't afford.
But over all it was still a really interesting read - and one that I read very quickly, which is always a sign that I'm enjoying something.
nataliesboooks's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book, though I would change the title to Madam Rachel: Victorian Snake Oil Salesman. She gives the word "swindler" a whole new meaning.
This read like a novel. I had to keep reminding myself that this actually happened. I couldn't believe the absolute JUNK that this woman charged exorbitant amounts to buy and the blatantly false advertising she used to sell the stuff (such as claiming she went all the way to the Dead Sea to procure these products). The scary part is she made TONS of money and had no remorse for what she did.
This book was fascinating and well researched. I enjoyed it a lot.
This read like a novel. I had to keep reminding myself that this actually happened. I couldn't believe the absolute JUNK that this woman charged exorbitant amounts to buy and the blatantly false advertising she used to sell the stuff (such as claiming she went all the way to the Dead Sea to procure these products). The scary part is she made TONS of money and had no remorse for what she did.
This book was fascinating and well researched. I enjoyed it a lot.
liil's review against another edition
3.0
A fascinating true story into the life of Madam Rachel, a con artist and a beautician of the Victorian time. The story goes beyond her life and work, and there is an examination of the court proceedings and collecting evidence from that time. I felt it was quite a good portrayal of the justice system of that time, including how women were treated, how people of different religions were treated and the popular shaming of women. It was interesting to see how women, even at that time, felt pressure to be and stay beautiful and would use incredible amounts of money to do it!
babiafi's review
5.0
Fascinating account of the nineteenth century cosmetics trade, and those who came into contact with it. One of the most enjoyable history books I've read in years!
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