Fanny and Stella by Neil McKenna Review

Reviewed by Natasha Kolb

Fanny and Stella is a dramatization of actual events that happened in the late Victorian 19th century era detailing the lives and the court trial for homosexuality of two transvestites.

When this book arrived and I read the preface, I wasn’t convinced that it was something I would be interested in reading, however wondering outside of my normal reading material I found this book was actually a very good read.

The edition I read was a hardback book. The cover is well designed showing an enhanced colour photograph of Fanny ad Stella in full Victorian dress. The book also includes a range of fascinating photographs and illustrations of various aspects of the subject’s lives which become even more interesting after reading the book.

I can see how some people would not wish to read about this topic but if you are interested in the fundamental differences of everyday lifestyle between the Victorian Era and present day at all then this is a brilliant read for you.

What I found most fascinating was the change in how homosexuals and transvestites were treated by the Courts. Just six years earlier their court case could potentially have resulted in the death sentence. This was simply for a lifestyle choice that by today’s opinions, the majority of us consider perfectly acceptable.

This book was extremely cleverly and well written. Neil McKenna has stoically researched all areas of his subject’s lives and skilfully woven it into a beautifully written dramatisation. Whilst reading, it’s easy to forget this was true life gathered from documents and research and tells as a gripping life story of two very colourful characters!

As far as subject matter goes and this being a topic you are interested in reading then this book most definitely deserves a 5 out of 5 rating for how well the author has detailed the specific events in Fanny and Stella’s lives.

Rating: 5/5

RRP: £16.99 (Hardback) / £10.99 (Paperback)

Available to buy from Faber here.