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There are currently 42 reader reviews for Victoria
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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
Deborah M
Reads like a YA Historical Romance
This is the first time I haven't finished a Book Browse review on time. Although I had looked forward to reading this book, I struggled to get through it. The writing and focus seemed more appropriate for a YA novel than a mature historical novel. Yes, I know that Victoria was only 18, and that she depended on Lord Melbourne's advice, but turning this relationship into an adolescent crush and an old man's fancy was a big mistake. It made the queen seem giddy, petulant, and self-absorbed. Yet after all this mooning over Melbourne, she falls head over heels in love with Albert in a few day, after an initial period of their hating one another. Nothing of much consequence happens in this book, and it sheds no light on how Victoria might rule for the next 50 years. This was a real disappointment. I will watch the BBC series based on this novel--but I sure hope it's better than this.