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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
Daisy Goodwin wrote this novel alongside the ITV drama, 'Victoria', and I'll say one thing for it: it shows. I found this to be an exact reptition of 'Victoria' season 1 but a longer and duller version. For that reason, it took me a lot longer than it should've to get through it because NOTHING WAS HAPPENING.
Goodwin has clearly familiarised herself with some historical sources, the most significant being Victoria's diaries, but when reading I actively separated the novel (as I did with the show) from historical fact in my mind. This isn't supposed to be a biography and it's certainly not historically accurate. Instead it's a period drama loosely based on historical accounts of Victoria's reign. It may offer SOME insight into Victoria's life and early reign for those that know little to nothing about it, but this book should be treated as a fictional work.
Bearing that in mind, the main romance throughout the book is the fictional one between Victoria and Prime Minister Melbourne; a romance which is completely uncomfortable to read and VERY dull. 3/4 of the book is Victoria repeatedly obsessing and fawning over Melbourne, despite their interactions being far from stellar. I don't know WHY Goodwin made the decision to create a romance between the young 18 year old Victoria and the 40-something (in 'Victoria'; in real-life Melborne was even older than this and in his 50s by the time Victoria came to the throne) Melbourne. I'm all for writers making creative decisions in historical fiction, but this decision is hard to understand. It doesn't add anything to the story, nor to Victoria's character (except making it clear she has "daddy issues) and all it does is detract from the main attraction: Albert.
Sadly, Albert and his relationship with Victoria takes a back seat, and Albert doesn't make an appearance until the end of the novel. This is understandable since the novel follows season 1 of the ITV drama, but it does suffer for this. I found myself waiting and anticipating Albert's arrival, and although it came much too late, it didn't disappoint. Albert is an intruiging, rich and likeable character and his relationship with Victoria much more interesting, passionate and romantic than her relationship with Melbourne.
Romance aside, the character of Victoria throughout the novel is detestable; a spoiled, whining, arrogant, hot-headed, inconsiderate and ineffective queen. Although Victoria's back-story goes a little way in making her sympathetic, it doesn't go far enough and as a result I found her to be insufferable. Her mother and companion are presented as antagonists determined to undermine and thwart Victoria's power and position as queen. The problem with this is that I found myself siding with them. Victoria ISN'T fit to be queen and makes a lot of silly mistakes, poor decisions and rules with her heart rather than her head. Her unwillingness to listen to reason or to let go of her precious Melbourne dictates everything she does. It's hard to sypathise with a character like this.
Goodwin's writing reads as YA. She uses simple and clean language which is easy to read. It's very repetitive (which is why the word "dull" always comes to mind when describing my reading experience) and overall, there's no substance or plot. It's too long for what it is and drags on unnecessarily. Most of it is taken up by Victoria hanging out in her rooms, thinking about Melbourne and riding horses. Even the snippets of insight into Victoria's early life lack detail and aren't exactly illuminating.
Overall, 'Victoria' is a slow and dull read. Fans of the ITV drama won't find anything new or fresh here, just an underwhelming written rehash of the TV series. However, young readers who are interested in history or Victoria's reign may find some enjoyment here.
Goodwin has clearly familiarised herself with some historical sources, the most significant being Victoria's diaries, but when reading I actively separated the novel (as I did with the show) from historical fact in my mind. This isn't supposed to be a biography and it's certainly not historically accurate. Instead it's a period drama loosely based on historical accounts of Victoria's reign. It may offer SOME insight into Victoria's life and early reign for those that know little to nothing about it, but this book should be treated as a fictional work.
Bearing that in mind, the main romance throughout the book is the fictional one between Victoria and Prime Minister Melbourne; a romance which is completely uncomfortable to read and VERY dull. 3/4 of the book is Victoria repeatedly obsessing and fawning over Melbourne, despite their interactions being far from stellar. I don't know WHY Goodwin made the decision to create a romance between the young 18 year old Victoria and the 40-something (in 'Victoria'; in real-life Melborne was even older than this and in his 50s by the time Victoria came to the throne) Melbourne. I'm all for writers making creative decisions in historical fiction, but this decision is hard to understand. It doesn't add anything to the story, nor to Victoria's character (except making it clear she has "daddy issues) and all it does is detract from the main attraction: Albert.
Sadly, Albert and his relationship with Victoria takes a back seat, and Albert doesn't make an appearance until the end of the novel. This is understandable since the novel follows season 1 of the ITV drama, but it does suffer for this. I found myself waiting and anticipating Albert's arrival, and although it came much too late, it didn't disappoint. Albert is an intruiging, rich and likeable character and his relationship with Victoria much more interesting, passionate and romantic than her relationship with Melbourne.
Romance aside, the character of Victoria throughout the novel is detestable; a spoiled, whining, arrogant, hot-headed, inconsiderate and ineffective queen. Although Victoria's back-story goes a little way in making her sympathetic, it doesn't go far enough and as a result I found her to be insufferable. Her mother and companion are presented as antagonists determined to undermine and thwart Victoria's power and position as queen. The problem with this is that I found myself siding with them. Victoria ISN'T fit to be queen and makes a lot of silly mistakes, poor decisions and rules with her heart rather than her head. Her unwillingness to listen to reason or to let go of her precious Melbourne dictates everything she does. It's hard to sypathise with a character like this.
Goodwin's writing reads as YA. She uses simple and clean language which is easy to read. It's very repetitive (which is why the word "dull" always comes to mind when describing my reading experience) and overall, there's no substance or plot. It's too long for what it is and drags on unnecessarily. Most of it is taken up by Victoria hanging out in her rooms, thinking about Melbourne and riding horses. Even the snippets of insight into Victoria's early life lack detail and aren't exactly illuminating.
Overall, 'Victoria' is a slow and dull read. Fans of the ITV drama won't find anything new or fresh here, just an underwhelming written rehash of the TV series. However, young readers who are interested in history or Victoria's reign may find some enjoyment here.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
the only time you’ll ever hear me say the show was better
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Bueno, me vi la serie en tres dias y cuando supe que había un libro no dudé en leerlo. Me ha gustado muchísimo, pero lo único que eché en falta fue más del romance de Victoria y Albert. Al menos tenemos la serie para contentarnos.
Absolutely amazing! I enjoyed more than the MASTERPIECE series!