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There are currently 34 member reviews
for Victoria
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Karen L. (Antelope, CA)
Good for YA readers
This book has a lot of buzz, in part because of the tv miniseries, but in my view, the book fails to live up to the hype. Historical fiction is tricky, and while the concept of the Queen Victoria as a teenager is fresh, I was disappointed in the development of all the characters. Victoria herself seemed a lot more teenage style icon than queen, and it was difficult to understand the fascination that she held for Melbourne. Similarly, the end of one relationship in favor of Albert seemed rushed and unlikely to me. But the London setting, Buckingham Palace, and the clothes all made a positive contribution to the story. All in all, I still prefer "An American Heiress."
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Kathryn S. (St. Helena Island, SC)
Victoria
I am a big fan of historical fiction, but this book does not count among my favorites. It is an easy to read love story, begins in 1835, two years prior to Victoria's ascent to the throne, and ends with her proposal to Albert in 1839. Victoria's less-than-satisfactory relationship with her mother and her mother's power-hungry friend, Sir John Conroy, are explored. On the romantic front, her quasi-romantic relationship with her prime minister, Lord Melbourne, dominates the book. In the last few chapters, husband-to-be Albert finally comes to the fore. After a brief courtship, Victoria manages to win Albert. Or is it he who manages to win her? The best I can say is that the book did spur me to further reading about the social and political milieu into which Victoria found herself thrust at the age of 18.
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Deanna W. (Port Jefferson, NY)
Novel or TV Show ?
This book provides excellent context for the PBS Masterpiece Theater presentation coming in January. However, as a stand alone novel, I feel it had some short comings. Too much time was spent on her very early years. It dragged in places and was some what repetitive. I learned new information about The Bedchamber Crisis, John Conroy and Lord Melbourne. The book ends in 1839 when Victoria fell in love with her cousin, Prince Albert. Perhaps more pages on the early years of their marriage...or is that saved for the next book or season 2 of the TV show?
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Christine P. (Gig Harbor, WA)
A Tedious Read
I struggled to get through Victoria. I am afraid I read this book from today's perspective. I got so tired of reading how Victoria would only be happy if she married. She would come into her own if she had a man to guide her. Too much detail was given to her infatuation with Lord Melbourne. This book was more romance than historical fiction.
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Peggy A. (Morton Grove, IL)
Coming of Age Tale
I was really looking forward to this book as I enjoy historical novels. Also, the importance of this young British monarch is legendary. Unfortunately, I was let down by a rather fluffy and light weight rendering of Victoria. I found the antics of "Dish", Victoria's dog, more enjoyable! I would categorize this book as a "coming of age" novel rather than an historical fiction. Daisy Goodwin squandered an opportunity to convey any of the richness of the times in the 1830's
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Linda V. (Independence, KY)
disappointing
I was looking forward to reading about a young girl who becomes a strong woman leading her country. All I got was a weak story line of a romance. Victoria relies on Melbourne throughout, never really involving herself in her country's politics. She goes by her hairstylist's sadness, Melbourne's politics, etc. to make decisions on her next royal ruling. Never delving into what is truly going on in her country. This is a romance novel of "spirited young girl meets awkward young prince" with no meat or depth. She is more concerned about her hairstyles, the cut of her dress than the turmoil in her country. No where in this novel is there a hint of the depth of Victoria either as a queen or a woman. I am so disappointed.
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