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sophienorman27's review
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
hekate24's review against another edition
3.0
2016 Reader Harder Challenge: A historical fiction novel set before 1900.
I need to write this review or I never will, mostly because this book is fading from my mind. It just wasn't very memorable. Or maybe I would have liked it more if I hadn't read it so close to [b:A Royal Experiment: The Private Life of King George III|17286774|A Royal Experiment The Private Life of King George III|Janice Hadlow|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1380964036s/17286774.jpg|23906837]. It kind of felt like a fictionalized version of that book. Which isn't a bad thing, per se. I like accuracy in my historical fiction more often than not. But this one didn't get under my skin, I guess? Despite the book getting into the character's deep depression and fucked up mindsets things like the cycle of abuse, I just felt like I was reading along a timeline. However, it also dropped some of the things I found most interesting. For example, the book makes pre-madness George/Charlotte seem downright idyllic when, in reality, Charlotte wrote quite candidly to her brother about her frustration at having to repress everything. Also three of the princesses are total non-entities in this book, despite seeming quite interesting in real life.
Ehhh I'm making this sound worse than it is. I did read this book essentially in one go, so it did hold my attention. The writing in the latter parts is better than the earlier sections, which I find pretty fascinating. Maybe the author became more confident as she wrote?
Anyway, I have a suspicion that these figures are hard ones to fictionalize. I've read the author's blog and her posts about character character arcs for historical figures. Not an easy process. I'll probably read the second book in this series, because I'm curious to see what the author will do with figures who led much less stagnant lives.
I need to write this review or I never will, mostly because this book is fading from my mind. It just wasn't very memorable. Or maybe I would have liked it more if I hadn't read it so close to [b:A Royal Experiment: The Private Life of King George III|17286774|A Royal Experiment The Private Life of King George III|Janice Hadlow|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1380964036s/17286774.jpg|23906837]. It kind of felt like a fictionalized version of that book. Which isn't a bad thing, per se. I like accuracy in my historical fiction more often than not. But this one didn't get under my skin, I guess? Despite the book getting into the character's deep depression and fucked up mindsets things like the cycle of abuse, I just felt like I was reading along a timeline. However, it also dropped some of the things I found most interesting. For example, the book makes pre-madness George/Charlotte seem downright idyllic when, in reality, Charlotte wrote quite candidly to her brother about her frustration at having to repress everything. Also three of the princesses are total non-entities in this book, despite seeming quite interesting in real life.
Ehhh I'm making this sound worse than it is. I did read this book essentially in one go, so it did hold my attention. The writing in the latter parts is better than the earlier sections, which I find pretty fascinating. Maybe the author became more confident as she wrote?
Anyway, I have a suspicion that these figures are hard ones to fictionalize. I've read the author's blog and her posts about character character arcs for historical figures. Not an easy process. I'll probably read the second book in this series, because I'm curious to see what the author will do with figures who led much less stagnant lives.
unabridgedchick's review against another edition
4.0
I can't squee enough about this novel -- it was so fascinating, disturbing, intriguing, and exciting it pulled me out of my reading slump -- and is another fabulous example of great, escapist historical fiction.
Set in the late 18th/early 19th century during George III's reign, the novel follows his wife Charlotte and a handful of their 14 children (primarily their daughters). George -- "mad" King George as well as the hated George of the American Revolution-- is a beloved husband and father, and his wife and daughters flock to his side when his mysterious illness manifests in bouts of mania, violence, and occasional cruelty. As time goes on, however, the constant threat of his madness provokes everyone to begin to look out for themselves, fracturing the family, and costing his daughters enormously.
Purcell manages to make George's chronic mental illness read compellingly, and I couldn't help but feel sympathetic toward him. His wife, Charlotte, is harder to like -- she cruelly depends on her children, mostly her daughters, to help her deal with her changing husband -- and her choices really stuck in my craw. The myriad children were distinctive individuals, but the story focused mostly on the Royal Princess Charlotte and Sophia -- both of whom had tragic dramas I loved/felt awful about.
Despite the heavy tragedy implicit in the plot, the story really races, and didn't feel crushingly dark or depressing. Purcell offers happiness to her characters when she can, and moments of grace when she can't.
Originally a self-pubbed bestseller -- as God Save the King -- it's been picked up by Myrmidon. I can't speak to any changes made between editions as I've not read the original release, but I'm delighted that it will find new readers. This edition has a family tree and a brief historical note about what details she fictionalized.
Purcell has ambitious plans to tackle the Hanoverian/Georgian dynasty in fiction so those who are unfamiliar with this family but enjoy royal drama will have some meaty escapades to dig into. I'll be eagerly anticipating her next release!
Set in the late 18th/early 19th century during George III's reign, the novel follows his wife Charlotte and a handful of their 14 children (primarily their daughters). George -- "mad" King George as well as the hated George of the American Revolution-- is a beloved husband and father, and his wife and daughters flock to his side when his mysterious illness manifests in bouts of mania, violence, and occasional cruelty. As time goes on, however, the constant threat of his madness provokes everyone to begin to look out for themselves, fracturing the family, and costing his daughters enormously.
Purcell manages to make George's chronic mental illness read compellingly, and I couldn't help but feel sympathetic toward him. His wife, Charlotte, is harder to like -- she cruelly depends on her children, mostly her daughters, to help her deal with her changing husband -- and her choices really stuck in my craw. The myriad children were distinctive individuals, but the story focused mostly on the Royal Princess Charlotte and Sophia -- both of whom had tragic dramas I loved/felt awful about.
Despite the heavy tragedy implicit in the plot, the story really races, and didn't feel crushingly dark or depressing. Purcell offers happiness to her characters when she can, and moments of grace when she can't.
Originally a self-pubbed bestseller -- as God Save the King -- it's been picked up by Myrmidon. I can't speak to any changes made between editions as I've not read the original release, but I'm delighted that it will find new readers. This edition has a family tree and a brief historical note about what details she fictionalized.
Purcell has ambitious plans to tackle the Hanoverian/Georgian dynasty in fiction so those who are unfamiliar with this family but enjoy royal drama will have some meaty escapades to dig into. I'll be eagerly anticipating her next release!
whatvictoriaread's review against another edition
4.0
This is an interesting, entertaining novel, set in a period of history that I didn't know a lot about. It could have had more emotional pull but overall, it was a fast and easy read and I enjoyed it.
hannieah's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
truebookaddict's review against another edition
4.0
Here in America, we learn in our history lessons in elementary school that King George III was a tyrant keeping us from our freedom. The truth of the matter is we're not usually taught both sides of the story. In Queen of Bedlam, we are shown the other side of the story. That King George, who was very human, had real regrets about losing the colonies and cared about what his people thought of him. Of course, this is a fictional account, but even so, it is believable that this was the truth of the man.
I first learned of the illness that affected George III in the film, "The Madness of King George." Excellent film. So, when I heard about this book, I was immediately drawn to another telling of the story, this time from the point of view of his wife and queen, Charlotte, and two of his daughters. We learn early on that queen Charlotte expects the utmost decorum from herself and her daughters. No emotion must be shown. However, when things start to fall apart with the king, that decorum is very hard to maintain.
The author tells the story across the backdrop of the conflicts that were going on in France with the French Revolution and beyond and so we are shown the turmoil that was occurring at the time. Adding these external elements to the culture of the monarchy during George III's illness makes for a dramatic story. We experience the dread and disappointment of the daughters who are at marriageable age, but are unable to wed due to their father's status and prospective matches disillusioned by a fear of the family madness. All of these elements gave this novel a suspenseful feel. What will happen next? Will the people revolt, will the king hurt his family, will the daughters eventually find a match? It all plays out rather sadly, but the telling is so compelling, we must read on.
I was very impressed by this historical novel and will look forward to the author's future offerings.
I first learned of the illness that affected George III in the film, "The Madness of King George." Excellent film. So, when I heard about this book, I was immediately drawn to another telling of the story, this time from the point of view of his wife and queen, Charlotte, and two of his daughters. We learn early on that queen Charlotte expects the utmost decorum from herself and her daughters. No emotion must be shown. However, when things start to fall apart with the king, that decorum is very hard to maintain.
The author tells the story across the backdrop of the conflicts that were going on in France with the French Revolution and beyond and so we are shown the turmoil that was occurring at the time. Adding these external elements to the culture of the monarchy during George III's illness makes for a dramatic story. We experience the dread and disappointment of the daughters who are at marriageable age, but are unable to wed due to their father's status and prospective matches disillusioned by a fear of the family madness. All of these elements gave this novel a suspenseful feel. What will happen next? Will the people revolt, will the king hurt his family, will the daughters eventually find a match? It all plays out rather sadly, but the telling is so compelling, we must read on.
I was very impressed by this historical novel and will look forward to the author's future offerings.
abookishaffair's review
4.0
In "Queen of Bedlam," Queen Charlotte of England is not sure what to do about King George III. He started out being a very good husband and a very good father but things have changed. He's starting to descend into madness, which means that it is up to Charlotte to step up, which she believes that she is ill prepared to do. I had never read any historical fiction or even really history about Queen Charlotte or King George III so I was not really sure what to expect. I was intrigued by the story of the mad king and wanted to know more about him and his family. This book definitely gives you a good taste for that!
In the late 1700s, England is really at a turning point. Wars in other parts of the world are threatening to affect them and potentially cause the need to get involved in something that the country can't stand to be involved in. England has also just lost the American colonies to an expensive war. It certainly doesn't help that England's King doesn't seem to be all there. Queen Charlotte is really at the center of this book. She is a complex character. You feel bad for what she is going through with her beloved husband but on the other hand, she seems to really draw on her children for support to what is almost an unhealthy degree. It was really interesting to see how and why she does this in the book. It was also interesting to see how her children coped with her holding on to them so tightly.
I really liked the setting and time period of this book. You all know that I love learning something new when I read a book and this book definitely allowed for that. I liked reading about how chaotic England was when the world surrounding them was arguably more chaotic. You get to see how England was getting pulled in so many different directions.
This is the kind of novel that you simply sink into and find yourself fully engaged. Purcell did a really good job of creating characters in Queen Charlotte, Royal, and Sophie that you want to follow. There was a good mix of informative historical detail and enough drama to really draw you in.
In the late 1700s, England is really at a turning point. Wars in other parts of the world are threatening to affect them and potentially cause the need to get involved in something that the country can't stand to be involved in. England has also just lost the American colonies to an expensive war. It certainly doesn't help that England's King doesn't seem to be all there. Queen Charlotte is really at the center of this book. She is a complex character. You feel bad for what she is going through with her beloved husband but on the other hand, she seems to really draw on her children for support to what is almost an unhealthy degree. It was really interesting to see how and why she does this in the book. It was also interesting to see how her children coped with her holding on to them so tightly.
I really liked the setting and time period of this book. You all know that I love learning something new when I read a book and this book definitely allowed for that. I liked reading about how chaotic England was when the world surrounding them was arguably more chaotic. You get to see how England was getting pulled in so many different directions.
This is the kind of novel that you simply sink into and find yourself fully engaged. Purcell did a really good job of creating characters in Queen Charlotte, Royal, and Sophie that you want to follow. There was a good mix of informative historical detail and enough drama to really draw you in.
hekate24's review
3.0
2016 Reader Harder Challenge: A historical fiction novel set before 1900.
I need to write this review or I never will, mostly because this book is fading from my mind. It just wasn't very memorable. Or maybe I would have liked it more if I hadn't read it so close to [b:A Royal Experiment: The Private Life of King George III|17286774|A Royal Experiment The Private Life of King George III|Janice Hadlow|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1380964036s/17286774.jpg|23906837]. It kind of felt like a fictionalized version of that book. Which isn't a bad thing, per se. I like accuracy in my historical fiction more often than not. But this one didn't get under my skin, I guess? Despite the book getting into the character's deep depression and fucked up mindsets things like the cycle of abuse, I just felt like I was reading along a timeline. However, it also dropped some of the things I found most interesting. For example, the book makes pre-madness George/Charlotte seem downright idyllic when, in reality, Charlotte wrote quite candidly to her brother about her frustration at having to repress everything. Also three of the princesses are total non-entities in this book, despite seeming quite interesting in real life.
Ehhh I'm making this sound worse than it is. I did read this book essentially in one go, so it did hold my attention. The writing in the latter parts is better than the earlier sections, which I find pretty fascinating. Maybe the author became more confident as she wrote?
Anyway, I have a suspicion that these figures are hard ones to fictionalize. I've read the author's blog and her posts about character character arcs for historical figures. Not an easy process. I'll probably read the second book in this series, because I'm curious to see what the author will do with figures who led much less stagnant lives.
I need to write this review or I never will, mostly because this book is fading from my mind. It just wasn't very memorable. Or maybe I would have liked it more if I hadn't read it so close to [b:A Royal Experiment: The Private Life of King George III|17286774|A Royal Experiment The Private Life of King George III|Janice Hadlow|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1380964036s/17286774.jpg|23906837]. It kind of felt like a fictionalized version of that book. Which isn't a bad thing, per se. I like accuracy in my historical fiction more often than not. But this one didn't get under my skin, I guess? Despite the book getting into the character's deep depression and fucked up mindsets things like the cycle of abuse, I just felt like I was reading along a timeline. However, it also dropped some of the things I found most interesting. For example, the book makes pre-madness George/Charlotte seem downright idyllic when, in reality, Charlotte wrote quite candidly to her brother about her frustration at having to repress everything. Also three of the princesses are total non-entities in this book, despite seeming quite interesting in real life.
Ehhh I'm making this sound worse than it is. I did read this book essentially in one go, so it did hold my attention. The writing in the latter parts is better than the earlier sections, which I find pretty fascinating. Maybe the author became more confident as she wrote?
Anyway, I have a suspicion that these figures are hard ones to fictionalize. I've read the author's blog and her posts about character character arcs for historical figures. Not an easy process. I'll probably read the second book in this series, because I'm curious to see what the author will do with figures who led much less stagnant lives.
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