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A review by bookwormenthusiast
Victoria by Daisy Goodwin
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