sentimental novels

Pray for Her: The 19th-Century Roots of 'Real Housewives' Munchausen Storylines

In last week's episode, Real Housewife Lisa Rinna accused her co-star Yolanda Foster of faking her Lyme disease for attention and sympathy. This plot is reality TV gold—and it dates back to 19th-century sentimental novels like "Uncle Tom's Cabin."