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There are currently 34 member reviews
for Victoria
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Carolyn D. (Chico, CA)
A Different View
As the author points out, we usually think of Victoria as a very mature and dour woman. This story, highlighting her early years, was a good and interesting read; and pretty accurate in its fact. As the basis for the Masterpiece series, it just can't miss. The book should have a HUGE audience. Because it is historically presentable, most readers will enjoy the story and the history.
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Elizabeth K. (Glenshaw, PA)
Victoria
How could a very sheltered 18 year old girl cope with suddenly becoming the queen of England? The book, Victoria, gives us a glance of the first few years of her reign. The book is, more or less, a love story of her feelings for the father figure and kind prime minister. As she sees Albert in different light from their meeting several years ago. She begins her marriage and future.
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Laurie C. (Nashua, NH)
Victoria
Daisy Goodwin's historical novel, Victoria, tells a compelling story of Queen Victoria who takes the throne at eighteen years of age. The novel details not only the struggle the young queen faces with managing the precipice between adolescence and adulthood but also the naiveté and inexperience she has about duty, politics, and trust. Portrayed at the beginning of the novel as stubborn, a bit reckless and unprepared for her duties, I found my interest in the novel increasing as the Queen learns the complexities of ruling through making mistakes and becoming more politically aware. At forty years older than Queen Victoria, Lord Melborne's character, was equally well fleshed out. The relationship between the queen and the Prime Minister was effectively conveyed through the various historical events that occurred during these first few years. The juxtaposition in age, as told through both characters perspectives, added to the complexity. Ms. Goodwin's focus on dialogue, along with historical events made this a wonderful, delightful read. The novel also piqued my interest in reading more about Queen Victoria's reign.
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Beth M. (Medfield, MA)
Victoria as a young queen
It was fun to read about Victoria's beginnings, and to see and feel what it may have been like to be in her position, raised so protectively and then suddenly thrust into such a public role at such a young age. I appreciated the extremes inherent in the situation of being a young girl coming of age subject to the normal feelings a young girl experiences, while at the same time expected to act with the wisdom, grace and dignity befitting a monarch.
I especially liked the portrayal of Victoria's Prime Minister, Lord Melbourne. I found him to be the most fully developed and satisfying character in the book.
I liked the second half of the book more than the first. I felt it contained more humor in the situations and characters' responses, which I enjoyed very much.
I found this to be a fairly light read compared to many of the other historical fiction novels I have read, but definitely fun and enjoyable with a satisfying ending.
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Erica M. (Chicago, IL)
A queen's growth from childhood to adulthood
This is the story of the first two years of Queen Victoria's reign starting as a sheltered 18-year-old and ending with her clearly on the verge of adulthood two years later. Godwin drew a good balance between the person she wanted to be and the monarch that she needed - and was expected - to be. There were many (especially men) who thought her incapable of handling the rigors of the monarchy and tried to influence her as well as trying to marginalize her. Her ability to stand up to those men, as well as her mother, was inspirational. A truly enjoyable book.
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Mary D. (Claremont, CA)
VICTORIA by Daisy Goodwin
I love history, and I appreciate good historical fiction. However, I must admit that I was disappointed by Daisy Goodwin's VICTORIA. It is very well written, very easy to read and arranged in such a way that you could read it in short chunks. I was hoping for more history, more perspective about the times, about Victoria ascending the throne as a very young woman. To me, this book almost bordered on an exceptional 'young adult' romance novel, with little bits of historical references thrown in. Perhaps the author was assuming that there has been plenty written about the workings and protocols of the English court, but I personally would have enjoyed more of this, while still incorporating the deep personal relationships between Victoria, her family, her Prime Minister and ladies-in-waiting. For me, more depth and history (perhaps using quotes from letters, notes, etc.) would have been appreciated and enjoyed.
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Jody P. (Mount Pleasant, WI)
Victoria
This is the first book I've read by Daisy Goodwin and it won't be the last. The author brings Victoria to life. I would have enjoyed having tea with the Queen! I spent time disliking and liking the Queen Mom which I'm sure was the author's intent. The relationship Victoria enjoyed with the Prime Minister was most interesting. It was a great story to get lost in and I hope there is a sequel. I host book club in November which is too soon to pick this book. Darn!
