Reviews of Victorian Secrets: What A Corset Taught Me About the Past, the Present, and Myself
Review by Vicki Fischer<http://blog.prettycity.com/beautymuse4u2/tag/sarah-a-chrisman/>
"Victorian Secrets captured my interest the moment I started reading the book. Author Sarah A. Chrisman eloquently shares the true story of her complete transformation from being a “Victorian woman in her heart” to actually living in the twenty first century as a “real life” Victorian lady….corset and all!
As a child, Sarah “longingly dreamed of the Victorian era”, and her mother would
caution her that, “if she would have lived back then she would had to have worn a corset!
After Sarah married, she told her husband Gabriel never to buy her a corset as “they were unhealthy, uncomfortable, and women would break their ribs to to fit into them.” However, on her twenty-ninth birthday, when she opened her last present from Gabriel… It was a CORSET!
Sarah had been a bit disappointed and unsure of this garment with laces and a silk exterior with interior metal supports. A concerned Gabriel began reading her the instructions that came with the corset, and with a kiss and an encouraging “I’ll help you” , how could Sarah be upset?…After all, she and Gabriel collected antique attire and this “corset” truly was “the ONLY real way” to have the clothing fit as they were “supposed” to! Sarah put on the corset and the adventure began!
I was on page five of Victorian Secrets at this point, and I honestly couldn’t put the book down! It’s not only an endearing story, but quite educational as well! It was a venture back to a time where women had different views about their physical image. Though things have changed since the Victorian era, I believe that throughout the ages, during each time period, the “focus on the image of a woman” would usually take precedence! In the Victorian era the cinched waist via a corset was definitely the “look” of the time.
Victorian Secrets is a wonderful book! I inspire you to give it a read and enjoy the amazing metamorphosis as Sarah’srelationship with the “corset” comes into being and she deals with her encounters, challenges, and triumphs that were sofulfilling to Sarah… and are to the reader, as well!
With the upcoming holidays, this is a perfect gift!
Thank you for sharing your story, Sarah! Victorian Secrets receives a 5-Star rating!
To purchase your copy visit:
http://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/book/?GCOI=60239107697590
"Victorian Secrets captured my interest the moment I started reading the book. Author Sarah A. Chrisman eloquently shares the true story of her complete transformation from being a “Victorian woman in her heart” to actually living in the twenty first century as a “real life” Victorian lady….corset and all!
As a child, Sarah “longingly dreamed of the Victorian era”, and her mother would
caution her that, “if she would have lived back then she would had to have worn a corset!
After Sarah married, she told her husband Gabriel never to buy her a corset as “they were unhealthy, uncomfortable, and women would break their ribs to to fit into them.” However, on her twenty-ninth birthday, when she opened her last present from Gabriel… It was a CORSET!
Sarah had been a bit disappointed and unsure of this garment with laces and a silk exterior with interior metal supports. A concerned Gabriel began reading her the instructions that came with the corset, and with a kiss and an encouraging “I’ll help you” , how could Sarah be upset?…After all, she and Gabriel collected antique attire and this “corset” truly was “the ONLY real way” to have the clothing fit as they were “supposed” to! Sarah put on the corset and the adventure began!
I was on page five of Victorian Secrets at this point, and I honestly couldn’t put the book down! It’s not only an endearing story, but quite educational as well! It was a venture back to a time where women had different views about their physical image. Though things have changed since the Victorian era, I believe that throughout the ages, during each time period, the “focus on the image of a woman” would usually take precedence! In the Victorian era the cinched waist via a corset was definitely the “look” of the time.
Victorian Secrets is a wonderful book! I inspire you to give it a read and enjoy the amazing metamorphosis as Sarah’srelationship with the “corset” comes into being and she deals with her encounters, challenges, and triumphs that were sofulfilling to Sarah… and are to the reader, as well!
With the upcoming holidays, this is a perfect gift!
Thank you for sharing your story, Sarah! Victorian Secrets receives a 5-Star rating!
To purchase your copy visit:
http://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/book/?GCOI=60239107697590
“In Victorian Secrets, Sarah Chrisman shares what it’s like to live a Victorian life in today’s modern world. In an attempt to further understand the nineteenth-century lifestyle and truly connect with the past, she began wearing a corset on a daily basis—and now rarely takes it off! A stately lady with the twenty-two-inch waist, she uses her experiences to teach others about the past, the present, and the future. You won’t regret—or forget—reading this book.” —Hilda Meryhew, Neely Mansion Association
"While it seems these days everyone is trying some sort of personal challenge or experiment to blog about it, Chrisman's experience is much more genuine. She didn't challenge herself to 'a year of corset wearing' to advance her fame and fortune. Her memoir of her transformation into a twenty-first-century Victorian lady is candid, funny, and offers new perspectives on the assumptions and biases of our own era and astute observations on timeless human tendencies."
— Debra Alderman, The Woman’s Century Club
— Debra Alderman, The Woman’s Century Club
"Wherever Sarah Chrisman goes, she turns heads. Now, you can turn pages to find out why that is. What has been viewed as restrictive has freed her to live a life of her choosing; that elusive thing we all seek. In her fascinating book, whether you agree with her or not, Sarah captures the essence of living a truly authentic life."
— Terry Murphy, Seattle TV Producer/Writer
— Terry Murphy, Seattle TV Producer/Writer
"In a personal account of the social and historical evolution of the corset, Sarah Chrisman provides a distinct and revisionist analysis of Victorian attire. This book encourages us to put aside our assumptions of the oppressive nature of fashion. Chrisman thoughtfully focuses on the ways women of many classes within society sought to create impressions, still critical in today's political economy."
— Professor Christine Ingebritsen, University of Washington
— Professor Christine Ingebritsen, University of Washington
Book Review by Lucy's Corsetry
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKSXGbosyTw
Before the rights were purchased by Skyhorse Publishing, this book was originally hand-bound by the author and distributed under the title, Waisted Curves: My Transformation Into A Victorian Lady. In this YouTube video, Lucy Bishonenrancher gives a wonderful review of the text.
Before the rights were purchased by Skyhorse Publishing, this book was originally hand-bound by the author and distributed under the title, Waisted Curves: My Transformation Into A Victorian Lady. In this YouTube video, Lucy Bishonenrancher gives a wonderful review of the text.
Book review from WORN Fashion Journal (Toronto)
http://www.wornjournal.com/blog/book-review-waisted-curves/
"Chrisman begins the narrative on her birthday, when her husband Gabriel gives her a corset as a gift. This spurs an extensive personal change, both physically and mentally. The narrow conception of corsets with which she begins the memoir quickly changes as she learns more about the history and practices of corsetry. Eventually, she dismisses the idea of the corset as oppressive as she records her changes in self-perception and self-esteem.
Despite this eventual change, the journey begins reluctantly. In the opening pages she admits to thinking, “At least he didn’t buy the most expensive version of a thing I’ll never wear.” But at the close of her story we see her in an “ankle-length wool skirt, three petticoats [and] cashmere-lined leather gloves.” She gradually adopts more Victorian inspired garments—and at times real vintage pieces from this era—into her day-to-day wardrobe. Waisted Curves is not simply a diary of what Chrisman wore each day, but is also full of historical and practical information about the garments she describes. In between stories of Victorian fashion shows gone awry, and stuffing a broken foot into kitten-heeled boots, Chrisman informs us about the history of not only corsetry but also Victorian apparel in general. In an often humorous tone, she examines the myths and misconceptions of the corset, and turns them inside out.
Reading this book reminded me of just how much what we wear shapes us—both figuratively and literally. Our feelings about our bodies are complex, and though we put on clothing every day, we don’t often think about garments as being able to address or reconfigure any of these feelings. If we hate the way a flap of skin sits on the top of our jeans, our disapproval is not likely transferred to the jeans themselves. We tend to think that our bodies should work around the clothing we wear, instead of the reverse.
Chrisman’s experience with corsets highlights the fact that clothing should work for your body and self-esteem, not against, and emphasizes the inseparability of clothing and body image. Throughout Waisted Curves, she becomes increasingly comfortable and proud of her corseted figure, until being without a corset leaves her feeling naked and uncomfortable. In the same sense, some women may feel foreign in their own skin when they unclasp the eyehooks of a bra. How clothing affects our perceptions of our own bodies is subjective, but as Chrisman’s book reveals, there is a direct connection.
What made me uncomfortable was how frequently Chrisman was approached or interviewed by complete strangers regarding her corseting practices—imagine the disgruntled woman sitting next to you on the subway asking you your cup size. At times, people’s audacity was shocking. It reminded me that, sometimes unfortunately, once what we wear enters the public domain, it becomes open for commentary—be it scrutiny or admiration. She handles both of these reactions with grace, never faltering or holding back as onlookers prod and pull at her petticoats. Chrisman’s experience pushed me to be not only confident in what I choose to wear, but knowledgeable as to why and how I am choosing to wear it." - Casie Brown, WORN Fashion Journal
"Chrisman begins the narrative on her birthday, when her husband Gabriel gives her a corset as a gift. This spurs an extensive personal change, both physically and mentally. The narrow conception of corsets with which she begins the memoir quickly changes as she learns more about the history and practices of corsetry. Eventually, she dismisses the idea of the corset as oppressive as she records her changes in self-perception and self-esteem.
Despite this eventual change, the journey begins reluctantly. In the opening pages she admits to thinking, “At least he didn’t buy the most expensive version of a thing I’ll never wear.” But at the close of her story we see her in an “ankle-length wool skirt, three petticoats [and] cashmere-lined leather gloves.” She gradually adopts more Victorian inspired garments—and at times real vintage pieces from this era—into her day-to-day wardrobe. Waisted Curves is not simply a diary of what Chrisman wore each day, but is also full of historical and practical information about the garments she describes. In between stories of Victorian fashion shows gone awry, and stuffing a broken foot into kitten-heeled boots, Chrisman informs us about the history of not only corsetry but also Victorian apparel in general. In an often humorous tone, she examines the myths and misconceptions of the corset, and turns them inside out.
Reading this book reminded me of just how much what we wear shapes us—both figuratively and literally. Our feelings about our bodies are complex, and though we put on clothing every day, we don’t often think about garments as being able to address or reconfigure any of these feelings. If we hate the way a flap of skin sits on the top of our jeans, our disapproval is not likely transferred to the jeans themselves. We tend to think that our bodies should work around the clothing we wear, instead of the reverse.
Chrisman’s experience with corsets highlights the fact that clothing should work for your body and self-esteem, not against, and emphasizes the inseparability of clothing and body image. Throughout Waisted Curves, she becomes increasingly comfortable and proud of her corseted figure, until being without a corset leaves her feeling naked and uncomfortable. In the same sense, some women may feel foreign in their own skin when they unclasp the eyehooks of a bra. How clothing affects our perceptions of our own bodies is subjective, but as Chrisman’s book reveals, there is a direct connection.
What made me uncomfortable was how frequently Chrisman was approached or interviewed by complete strangers regarding her corseting practices—imagine the disgruntled woman sitting next to you on the subway asking you your cup size. At times, people’s audacity was shocking. It reminded me that, sometimes unfortunately, once what we wear enters the public domain, it becomes open for commentary—be it scrutiny or admiration. She handles both of these reactions with grace, never faltering or holding back as onlookers prod and pull at her petticoats. Chrisman’s experience pushed me to be not only confident in what I choose to wear, but knowledgeable as to why and how I am choosing to wear it." - Casie Brown, WORN Fashion Journal
Reviews of Victorian Secrets on Amazon:
A personal journey accentuated with research
Amazon review by Thomas Evans on November 3, 2013
This delightful narrative takes the reader through the author's personal transformation both physically and emotionally as she interacts with corsetry.
There are broadly three themes in the book: 1. the author's emotional and physical changes due to wearing a corset, 2. feminism, 3. making informed decisions (data driven decision making).
Of most interest are the changes in the author's self image, confidence, and personality from wearing a corset. Most of what she describes are results that I would not have expected, thus the book frequently delivers insights into the author and society that are both informative and instructive. Most importantly she demonstrates how a corset can be personally liberating within the confines of our modern society and the assumption of gender equality.
The book assumes gender equality while acknowledging gender differences. In this frame of reference the author explores her own personal development in defining her own concept of self. She explains why she choses to adopt a lifestyle that could be falsely interpreted as being repressed, and demonstrates how she is liberated and strong. This juxtaposition is used as a means of exploring what feminism means to the author and how she operationalizes the concept in her own life. Ultimately the message is sent that to be feminist also means doing what makes you personally happy and healthy, a positive message indeed.
Lastly, a recurring theme is that of informed decision making. She repeatedly recounts stories of people claiming to be authorities on subjects that have clearly not taken the time to perform adequate research. In addition, she describes her interaction with people, and how often their reactions to her are fraught with misconceptions, assumptions, and faulty information. Much of the book discusses how she attempts to correct some of the bad information that is presently floating around society. It is refreshing and inspiring to read prose that is well researched and supported that does not compromise. All too often we accept ill informed opinions and willful ignorance. This text points out the inherent hypocrisy and idiocy of these behavior patterns by showing how absurd they are when viewed from the perspective of those who have to tolerate the consequences of poor thinking.
Ultimately the book is a story of self actualization and discovery that is well worth the read. At the very least you will come away from the book knowing substantially more about corsetry, but also more about the author and how she views the world since it is written in such a way that you feel like you are sitting at home chatting with an old friend.
Amazon review by Thomas Evans on November 3, 2013
This delightful narrative takes the reader through the author's personal transformation both physically and emotionally as she interacts with corsetry.
There are broadly three themes in the book: 1. the author's emotional and physical changes due to wearing a corset, 2. feminism, 3. making informed decisions (data driven decision making).
Of most interest are the changes in the author's self image, confidence, and personality from wearing a corset. Most of what she describes are results that I would not have expected, thus the book frequently delivers insights into the author and society that are both informative and instructive. Most importantly she demonstrates how a corset can be personally liberating within the confines of our modern society and the assumption of gender equality.
The book assumes gender equality while acknowledging gender differences. In this frame of reference the author explores her own personal development in defining her own concept of self. She explains why she choses to adopt a lifestyle that could be falsely interpreted as being repressed, and demonstrates how she is liberated and strong. This juxtaposition is used as a means of exploring what feminism means to the author and how she operationalizes the concept in her own life. Ultimately the message is sent that to be feminist also means doing what makes you personally happy and healthy, a positive message indeed.
Lastly, a recurring theme is that of informed decision making. She repeatedly recounts stories of people claiming to be authorities on subjects that have clearly not taken the time to perform adequate research. In addition, she describes her interaction with people, and how often their reactions to her are fraught with misconceptions, assumptions, and faulty information. Much of the book discusses how she attempts to correct some of the bad information that is presently floating around society. It is refreshing and inspiring to read prose that is well researched and supported that does not compromise. All too often we accept ill informed opinions and willful ignorance. This text points out the inherent hypocrisy and idiocy of these behavior patterns by showing how absurd they are when viewed from the perspective of those who have to tolerate the consequences of poor thinking.
Ultimately the book is a story of self actualization and discovery that is well worth the read. At the very least you will come away from the book knowing substantially more about corsetry, but also more about the author and how she views the world since it is written in such a way that you feel like you are sitting at home chatting with an old friend.
Corsets: a woman's friend
Amazon review by Aliza Finley on November 1, 2013
This book is an insightful window into a tradition which women have long upheld. Sarah Chrisman has bravely immersed herself into this research with an open mind and she has been rewarded...
Corsets being a topic of controversy, this subject is tackled with a great deal of bravery only known by those who dare to try something completely out of the box and discover for themselves what is truth and what is propaganda. Women have been wearing corsets of one kind of another for a very long time, it is only recently that we have forgotten how supportive clothing can be, not only for our posture but to our personality.
Great read
Amazon review by Ursula "knit to live" (rochester, minnesota United States) November 4, 2013
This book is well written, politically incorrect, funny and deals with the personal growth and changing body image of a likable young woman. The tool to achieve this? Corsets. What's not to like. Read and snort coffee, like I did, when reading the airport chapter.
Witty, warm, and well-researched
Amazon review by Brigid Strait November 1, 2013
I so enjoyed this book. Chrisman's voice is my favorite part—she's thoughtful, insightful, and funny. I enjoyed her observations of the people she meets, the reactions of herself and others throughout her journey, and the strength she finds by exploring the fashions and lifestyles that truly work for her. It's never easy, going against the grain to find where you belong, but Chrisman does it with elegance and humor.
Like Jane Austen, Chrisman's wit can be sharp at times. But her warmth is equally present, and it's well worth the read.
Victorian Secrets... on Barnes & Noble
Victorian Secrets... on Amazon
Victorian Secrets... from the Victorian Trading Company
Victorian Secrets... on Amazon
Victorian Secrets... from the Victorian Trading Company