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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
I really enjoyed reading this novel. Earlier this year, I had watched Victoria and I could see some of the scenes playing out as I read. If the author continues this story to go along with future episodes of Victoria, I will read them.
So predictable. So skipable. I powered through. It’s finally done.
adventurous
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Excellent book that I'm so glad to have been given the chance to read. I loved learning more about Alexandrina Victoria who became Queen Victoria at the young age of 18. Daisy Goodwin's telling of Victoria's life from just before she became queen to her engagement to Albert is beautifully told, giving enough details that I was able to easily "picture" everything in my mind. I especially liked that this wasn't a historical fiction novel that focused only on the politics of the time. There was a bit of that, but for the most part, I learned about her family, a bit of romance of the time, balls, fashion, hairstyles, the sorts of things I'm more interested in. I feel like I know just enough about her early reign now that I need to keep reading and learn more. I would highly recommend this book to everyone that enjoys historical fiction and stories about princesses/queens. As an aside that has nothing to do with the actual writing, I adore the cover of this book, it's so pretty!
** Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for giving me this book in exchange for an honest review. **
** Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for giving me this book in exchange for an honest review. **
emotional
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
informative
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Overall a good book. It was pretty slow paced with several boring sections. I enjoyed the beginning a lot when Victoria is learning the ropes and coming into her new role and when Albert comes into the picture
This was so interesting. I did not know anything about Queen Victoria before this but she seems like a normal impulsive 18 year old, you know except foe the whole Queen part lol
My only thing is I wish that it would have had more about her life post- marriage but perhaps another book? I am intrigued and would like to know more.
My only thing is I wish that it would have had more about her life post- marriage but perhaps another book? I am intrigued and would like to know more.
This book was fine, but I also watched the tv show. It's such a close adaptation, there's really not a point to reading and watching both.
I appreciated that Goodwin didn't feel the need to skim over Victoria's mean streak, but I also found her spin on the queen's relationship with Melbourne odd and out-of-character. She claims in interviews there is historical evidence for it, but I don't think any respected historian agrees with her.
It was a good book, but I think Hilary Mantel has spoiled me when it comes to historical fiction about British monarchs.
I appreciated that Goodwin didn't feel the need to skim over Victoria's mean streak, but I also found her spin on the queen's relationship with Melbourne odd and out-of-character. She claims in interviews there is historical evidence for it, but I don't think any respected historian agrees with her.
It was a good book, but I think Hilary Mantel has spoiled me when it comes to historical fiction about British monarchs.
It feels like it has been awhile since I read a book that felt strictly like pleasure reading, and Victoria was perfect in that regard. Goodwin's storytelling is wonderful - - I felt transported to the 19th century and captivated by the story of an 18 year old Queen who simultaneously must contend with the responsibilities and politics of her position and the normal coming of age problems. The story has historical detail, enough to set the scene, but not too much to bog you down, romance, a bit of fashion, and some political challenges - - all of which are presented in a completely engaging way.
Victoria takes the throne as an 18 year old, and her first challenge is contending with her Duchess mother's boyfriend's power grabbing ways. She finds a confident in her adviser, Lord Melbourne, and her reliance on him grows as she deals with the challenges of being such a young, petite ruler. The question of her marriage is, as you might expect, a huge deal and a large focus of the book.
I'm not normally a person who reads romance, but I really did enjoy the sweet way Goodwin portrays Victoria's coming of age, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this one to people looking for a light, very enjoyable historical fiction read. I believe it is going to be made into a mini series too, so that should make it extra fun!
The only reason I didn't give it five stars is that it isn't very literary nor original, and I save my fifth stars for something that makes a book out of the ordinary. Something that makes me go "wow". This book didn't have that, but it was completely enjoyable.
Victoria takes the throne as an 18 year old, and her first challenge is contending with her Duchess mother's boyfriend's power grabbing ways. She finds a confident in her adviser, Lord Melbourne, and her reliance on him grows as she deals with the challenges of being such a young, petite ruler. The question of her marriage is, as you might expect, a huge deal and a large focus of the book.
I'm not normally a person who reads romance, but I really did enjoy the sweet way Goodwin portrays Victoria's coming of age, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this one to people looking for a light, very enjoyable historical fiction read. I believe it is going to be made into a mini series too, so that should make it extra fun!
The only reason I didn't give it five stars is that it isn't very literary nor original, and I save my fifth stars for something that makes a book out of the ordinary. Something that makes me go "wow". This book didn't have that, but it was completely enjoyable.
slow-paced