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lamom77's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this story about Queen Victoria's early years. Unfortunately, when I started it I didn't know the story only covered a short time at the beginning of her reign. I was definitely left wanting more!! A very well written historical novel.
nicholeb84's review against another edition
3.0
If you have watched the first four episodes of the ITV show Victoria (which aired on PBS in the United States), you have read this novel. All the novel truly is is the first four episodes. Some scenes are cut out (they more or less take out the servant story lines) and some character thoughts are added in; however, word-for-word it is more or less the show. Nicely written, but the novel felt more like a media-tie-in than a novel.
tlctbr's review against another edition
4.0
Read this while also watching the series, which helped bring some clarity to who the characters were. I think there are some historical in this story, but it’s still compelling, entertaining and an overall very worthwhile read.
ttebbutt's review against another edition
3.0
I loved this book and found Goodwin's interpretation brought the characters to life. Towards the end, I found that she had not developed the relationship between Albert and Victoria enough for the reader to understand the attraction. Nonetheless, I recommend the book and the tv series that was created.
ellie31773's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
michidoc's review against another edition
4.0
Victoria is a nicely written, very enjoyable narrative. It follows the path led by the ITV series, but stops quite earlier than I expected. It explores part of the story that we could not see on the series, because of timing or medium. I found that I could relate more with every character, that parts were even more dramatic than on screen and I must confess that if Lord M had my complete favour, now I cannot but wish to snog the Coburg brothers to death. So, in the end, I highly recommend it: highly entertaining, well written and engaging to the right point.
ameserole's review against another edition
4.0
Victoria was another good book. It was interesting to see how different Victoria was when she was growing up to the person that we all know about through history classes and such. Of course people are always different when they are younger and naive but it was still refreshing and enjoyable.
Victoria is an 18 year old full of innocence when she is crowned Queen of England. She learns about politics, responsibility, and the effects of power at a pretty young age. However, she still has to continue learning about these as she grows up. I had a love/hate kind of relationship with her at first because she would just annoying me by sulking around. Other than that I was completely fine with her attitude and how she handled things.
Learning to rule without emotion must've been hard to learn while on the throne. People are always emotional so being under constant watch (whether is for a good or bad reason) must've been tough. I totally understood how she acted in some ways because in a way everything changed in a matter of seconds for her. She wasn't a teenager anymore who could frolic outside all day. She had a duty to her country, people, and the crown. That's a lot to take in in one day.
Overall, I loved this book. I'm really happy that I dove into it because I rarely dive into a historical fiction book about royalty. I enjoyed it and I will definitely look to see if I can find another one.
Victoria is an 18 year old full of innocence when she is crowned Queen of England. She learns about politics, responsibility, and the effects of power at a pretty young age. However, she still has to continue learning about these as she grows up. I had a love/hate kind of relationship with her at first because she would just annoying me by sulking around. Other than that I was completely fine with her attitude and how she handled things.
Learning to rule without emotion must've been hard to learn while on the throne. People are always emotional so being under constant watch (whether is for a good or bad reason) must've been tough. I totally understood how she acted in some ways because in a way everything changed in a matter of seconds for her. She wasn't a teenager anymore who could frolic outside all day. She had a duty to her country, people, and the crown. That's a lot to take in in one day.
Overall, I loved this book. I'm really happy that I dove into it because I rarely dive into a historical fiction book about royalty. I enjoyed it and I will definitely look to see if I can find another one.
lilbitap's review against another edition
5.0
Really enjoyed this one. I love to read anything to do with the British Monarchy and this was just a fun retelling of the story of Queen Victoria.
jadziadax's review against another edition
3.0
I LOVED the TV series. Goodwin and co masterfully bring to life the spirit of the Victorian age and Jenna Coleman (who I adore) is amazing as the queen.
The book...it was fine. But it was mostly dialogue and scenes right from the show. And...the extra scenes. Well, some I could've done without. Victoria's crush on Melbourne and his kindness toward her was charming and a little heartrending in the TV show, but in the book it came off...kinda creepy. Age wise (slight trigger here and in the book for creepy guys liking young (young!) women)
The book...it was fine. But it was mostly dialogue and scenes right from the show. And...the extra scenes. Well, some I could've done without. Victoria's crush on Melbourne and his kindness toward her was charming and a little heartrending in the TV show, but in the book it came off...kinda creepy. Age wise (slight trigger here and in the book for creepy guys liking young (young!) women)
Spoiler
I'm thinking of the scene where he goes to a brothel and picks out the prostitute that is near the age of Victoria (18-20). He doesn't go through with it, but it makes it as though Melbourne likes her cause of her age...in the series, it's more 'she likes him romantically and he like her a lot as person but not romantically' or even stretched to...he does have a romantic draw to her, but it's almost a soulmate thing and he knows he is too old for her. In the book I felt weird and unsettled that he seemed attracted to her age? ughvictoriathuyvi's review against another edition
3.0
Fun, easy read, but I felt like there was not much substance or plot. Enjoyable nonetheless.