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bookwormenthusiast's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
As a lover of the "Victoria" TV series, I knew I had to pick up this book. While this holds a similar plotline to the first half of season one, I would say that they are both enjoyable in their own ways. While the TV show goes more in-depth on the inner workings and has multiple storylines, the book focuses more on Victoria herself, fleshing out her character a bit more. In addition, I had a bit of trouble following the TV series but never felt that way with the book. In fact, it helped me understand the TV series a bit more. Therefore, for people who have seen the show, I would actually give this a higher rating of 4.25.
However, I wanted to provide a rating that did not bear the tv show in mind, instead of focusing on how this book would stand to someone who simply read it by itself, with no intention of watching the other format. While the story was interesting enough and provided a good amount of romantic moments in a historical setting, it dragged a bit in certain areas, especially in the beginning. I almost wanted to give up on the book, as I felt that it was throwing me into a story that I was supposed to have some understanding of already. I'm so glad I kept reading though! As everything became more fleshed out, it not only became easier to understand but allowed for the pace to pick up. I also felt like a lot of things were left unanswered, a problem that I feel is resolved in the tv series, and would have been resolved in the book had there been a sequel of some sort.
side note: The connection between Victoria and Alfred seemed almost nonexistent within the book. I had felt that way during these sections in the show as well though. Again, that's something that is fleshed out more in the show but is not done justice within the book.
All in all, if you plan on reading this book, I would take the time to watch the show as well. Not only will the plot make more sense, but you'll also be able to learn more about the characters after the events in the book.
However, I wanted to provide a rating that did not bear the tv show in mind, instead of focusing on how this book would stand to someone who simply read it by itself, with no intention of watching the other format. While the story was interesting enough and provided a good amount of romantic moments in a historical setting, it dragged a bit in certain areas, especially in the beginning. I almost wanted to give up on the book, as I felt that it was throwing me into a story that I was supposed to have some understanding of already. I'm so glad I kept reading though! As everything became more fleshed out, it not only became easier to understand but allowed for the pace to pick up. I also felt like a lot of things were left unanswered, a problem that I feel is resolved in the tv series, and would have been resolved in the book had there been a sequel of some sort.
All in all, if you plan on reading this book, I would take the time to watch the show as well. Not only will the plot make more sense, but you'll also be able to learn more about the characters after the events in the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Death of parent
ravensandlace's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
4.0
Find this review and others like it at https://aravenclawlibraryx.wordpress.com
One of my goals for 2020 (besides finishing up any series I’ve started) is branching out my reading. I want to read more diverse books and I want to read books about different time periods besides the same ones I always read about. Normally I stick with King Henry VIII and Russian Tzar time periods. And while I love those time periods, you can honestly only read so much about them before you start getting things repeated.
In my attempt to clear out books I already own, I decided to read about Queen Victoria, one of the longest ruling monarchs of the United Kingdom. I’ve read only one previous book about her so I decided to give another book about her a shot. It fits my goal of wanting to read about different time periods so I figured why not?
This book, Victoria, is about the first few years of her rule. There clearly was a lot of work involved with this book, which is something I can appreciate. I always like to acknowledge when an author puts in a lot of time to make sure their book is as historically accurate as possible. But the reason for the 3 (three) stars had to do with Victoria herself.
Now I don't know if she was childish in real life like she was in this book. But wow, reading this book, was painful at times. Victoria was so childish! I’m amazed she was able to keep her throne. She threw so many tantrums. I was constantly told about how she wanted to rule and she was going to be a good ruler for her people but man, she sure didn’t act like it. She was prone to going through fits and refusing to do any important work if something didn’t go her way. Honestly, that was frustrating to read. It didn’t help that the book was written so impersonally, almost like a biography. I told things more than I was shown.
Overall, this wasn’t a terrible book. I’m still very interested in learning more about Victoria and I’m still interested in more of this author’s work. I just had a lot of issues with Victoria herself and the way this book was written.
Content Warnings
Minor: Blood, Bullying, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Sexism, and Terminal illness
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