The woman who toils

Mrs. Bessie Van Vorst- an early twentieth century wealthy American gentlewoman- and her daughter Marie endeavor to discover the true hardships of poor female factory workers by dressing down to live similar lives. Separately, they find board, lodging, and positions in several factories, describing their day-to-day lives and the work itself and attempting to live within their means.

The book is divided by author into two sections, each having an introduction, conclusion, and separate chapters describing each new life in a new town. While the introductory and conclusory portions are "preachier", written in the more stilted formal language of the day, the majority of the text is comprised of Bessie and Marie's enthralling personal narratives.

In contrast to typical dry historical descriptions of the industrial revolution in America and the lives of contemporary workers, the writing of these two upper-crust society ladies gives you an honest glimpse into the boarding house, the factory floor, breakfast, bedtime, and weekends. It's absolutely fascinating, couldn't-put-it-down reading, and, despite the heavy subject matter, not depressing- though I did skip the Marie's last chapter on child labor.

Especially intriguing were Mrs. Van Vorst's descriptions of her reaction to "the underclasses" prior to her experience and the reactions of her society friends.