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angelofthetardis's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book has lived on my Kindle for years without me ever having read it, and I had thought it was a book showcasing the making of the ITV drama 'Victoria' starring Jenna Coleman. I clearly wasn't paying that much attention when I bought it, as in fact it is a novel telling the story of Victoria's life from shortly before the death of her Uncle King William IV, up to her engagement to Prince Albert.
I was surprised at the lack of depth here. Although the author is the same person who wrote the TV series, I can't say that this is a novelisation as basically all of the subplots have been excised, leaving only the main narrative of Victoria growing into her role as Queen behind. While that's not a bad thing in and of itself, there is very little new material here. In fact, it felt more like I was reading an expanded novelisation of the film 'The Young Victoria' starring Emily Blunt. It hits all of the main plot points contained in that film and it was that cast I was imagining throughout - particularly Paul Bettany as Lord M. Ultimately, it came across to me as someone telling a story using the information learned in a school history lesson and via a summary of the Queen's early life rather than a well thought-out, well researched novel.
I was very sympathetic to Victoria's desire to stretch her wings and take charge of her own life after the restrictions of The Kensington System were lifted, and liked the motif of Victoria taking strength and inspiration from her forebear, Queen Elizabeth I, particularly when faced with people who treated her like they knew better. The author has done a good job at encouraging the audience to root for Victoria in understanding just who is trying to manipulate her (everyone) and for her to have the option of making her own choices.
I know it won't be to everyone's taste, but I did like the balancing of the 'romance' element between Victoria and Lord M. Is it likely that it's historically accurate? Probably not. But it is clear that she really did rely upon him heavily in her early years on the throne and probably did see him as something of a father figure. This is what I like about historical fiction - the fact that the author has taken a little gap in the collective knowledge and filled it with her own ideas. And yet she's kept it believable; I didn't question for a moment that it wasn't a possibility that their relationship had the potential to develop into something deeper, yet he would choose the integrity of Crown and Country over his feelings. The continuation of the Elizabeth I imagery by painting Lord M as Victoria's 'Earl of Leicester' was particularly appreciated by this reader - I found it a brilliant way of him expressing himself without compromising his (or her) position any further.
I'm less convinced by the development of Albert's character and relationship with Victoria. There was nothing that convinced me of their growing feelings for one another, or that he was even that likeable (although I admit to totally understanding his character! Seeing a lot of myself in there!) It felt like Victoria had been backed into a corner about her proposal, when in fact as far as I've always understood it she was more than willing to become Albert's wife after she'd had the opportunity to get to know him a little and that it was almost 'love at second sight'. Genuinely, I was preparing myself for one or other to say 'to hell with this' in the climactic scene! I mean, it would have been one mega plot twist, but still, that's how little I bought into it.
As a 'point and click' pick from my Kindle, it did the job, but I wasn't drawn into the writing and didn't have that urge to just keep going. It's by no means anywhere near bad enough to countenance a DNF, but I doubt I'll pick it up again in future.
I was surprised at the lack of depth here. Although the author is the same person who wrote the TV series, I can't say that this is a novelisation as basically all of the subplots have been excised, leaving only the main narrative of Victoria growing into her role as Queen behind. While that's not a bad thing in and of itself, there is very little new material here. In fact, it felt more like I was reading an expanded novelisation of the film 'The Young Victoria' starring Emily Blunt. It hits all of the main plot points contained in that film and it was that cast I was imagining throughout - particularly Paul Bettany as Lord M. Ultimately, it came across to me as someone telling a story using the information learned in a school history lesson and via a summary of the Queen's early life rather than a well thought-out, well researched novel.
I was very sympathetic to Victoria's desire to stretch her wings and take charge of her own life after the restrictions of The Kensington System were lifted, and liked the motif of Victoria taking strength and inspiration from her forebear, Queen Elizabeth I, particularly when faced with people who treated her like they knew better. The author has done a good job at encouraging the audience to root for Victoria in understanding just who is trying to manipulate her (everyone) and for her to have the option of making her own choices.
I know it won't be to everyone's taste, but I did like the balancing of the 'romance' element between Victoria and Lord M. Is it likely that it's historically accurate? Probably not. But it is clear that she really did rely upon him heavily in her early years on the throne and probably did see him as something of a father figure. This is what I like about historical fiction - the fact that the author has taken a little gap in the collective knowledge and filled it with her own ideas. And yet she's kept it believable; I didn't question for a moment that it wasn't a possibility that their relationship had the potential to develop into something deeper, yet he would choose the integrity of Crown and Country over his feelings. The continuation of the Elizabeth I imagery by painting Lord M as Victoria's 'Earl of Leicester' was particularly appreciated by this reader - I found it a brilliant way of him expressing himself without compromising his (or her) position any further.
I'm less convinced by the development of Albert's character and relationship with Victoria. There was nothing that convinced me of their growing feelings for one another, or that he was even that likeable (although I admit to totally understanding his character! Seeing a lot of myself in there!) It felt like Victoria had been backed into a corner about her proposal, when in fact as far as I've always understood it she was more than willing to become Albert's wife after she'd had the opportunity to get to know him a little and that it was almost 'love at second sight'. Genuinely, I was preparing myself for one or other to say 'to hell with this' in the climactic scene! I mean, it would have been one mega plot twist, but still, that's how little I bought into it.
As a 'point and click' pick from my Kindle, it did the job, but I wasn't drawn into the writing and didn't have that urge to just keep going. It's by no means anywhere near bad enough to countenance a DNF, but I doubt I'll pick it up again in future.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Medical trauma, Toxic relationship, Infidelity, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Body shaming, Death of parent, Alcohol, Death, Classism, Drug use, Animal cruelty, Deportation, and Murder
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
aqtbenz's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, Mental illness, and Confinement
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