At first, I had the same reaction but from my understanding of the article, it appears to me that it is not an attempt to live in the Victorian era but rather, to learn to appreciate their love of the Victorian period which happens to be their area of study and expertise. Thus, the removal of all modern inventions is not absolutely necessary.
It's clear from the article that the transition was over a period of time and ongoing.
...It's not as though someone suddenly dropped us into a ready-furnished Victorian existence one day...The life we now enjoy came bit by bit, through gifts we gave each other...
However, I would agree that this perspective is not articulated across well in the article and several paragraphs have a pretentious air to them.
Seems to me they strive to replicate Victorian life as much as possible but still use electronics when necessary.
Each day I write in my diary with an antique fountain pen that I fill with liquid ink using an eyedropper. My inkwell and the blotter I use to dry the ink on each page before I turn it are antiques from the 1890s; I buy my ink from a company founded in 1670.
From what I understand of their lifestyle from the article (I haven't had the chance to read their blog), it appears they just want to live their love (which is the Victorian Era) by first principles. This would be similar to a mathematician who solves problems with pen and paper when one could easily plug the problem into software or someone who loves fashion and sows their own clothes. To people who do not share their passion, it is torture, however, they find great enjoyment and fulfillment in such endeavors. Similarly, I find that the Victorian Era couple just have an extreme passion for the Victorian era and find great fulfillment in "first-principles" living.
At first, I had the same reaction but from my understanding of the article, it appears to me that it is not an attempt to live in the Victorian era but rather, to learn to appreciate their love of the Victorian period which happens to be their area of study and expertise. Thus, the removal of all modern inventions is not absolutely necessary.
It's clear from the article that the transition was over a period of time and ongoing.
However, I would agree that this perspective is not articulated across well in the article and several paragraphs have a pretentious air to them.
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