Reporter in Disguise: The Intrepid Vic Steinberg

Gr 7 Up—Vic Steinberg was the pseudonym of a female investigative journalist in Victorian-era Toronto. In her popular column in the Toronto News, she shared her experiences exploring different occupations and places, some of which were not open to women. She visited a tavern, toured the county jail, and sat in the men's stands at a rugby game; sometimes she even dressed as a man, thoroughly enjoying the chance to get out of her corset. Other times, Steinberg took on jobs common to women in the lower classes, such as working as a housemaid or in a sweatshop. Each chapter begins with the author retelling one of her subject's adventures (some quotes from the original columns are included), followed by a shorter section that provides further context about the occupations, Victorian social norms, or women's roles. Since Steinberg's true identity was never revealed, the epilogue encourages readers to speculate about what kind of woman she may have been. Photos and period illustrations are interspersed throughout the text, and a glossary helps readers understand the Victorian terminology, though some phrases, such as "scarlet woman," are never defined. Though Steinberg's experiences are eye-opening, the book's cover is unlikely to attract YA readers, and the tiny font makes browsing a challenge. Best for larger collections or those with a focus on women's history.—Jackie Partch, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR