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There are currently 34 member reviews
for Victoria
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Barbara E. (Rockville, MD)
Victoria
I was very much looking forward to reading this historical novel about the young Victoria. I found it well-written, easy to read, and generally an enthralling story. I thought the author created fully realized characters. However, I did eventually tire of Victoria's tantrums. While her behavior is all too typical of a very young and immature girl, it did become tedious.
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Patricia W. (Richmond, VA)
The Queen in her Young Years
We've heard and read about Queen Victoria in her formidable later years. This book explores her early years and her early days as a young queen. Her obstacles were many. This book tells her story well, is informative, highly entertaining and sure to be enjoyed by people who enjoy historical fiction.
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Anita
Captivating Story of Young Queen Victoria
It feels like it has been awhile since I read a book that felt strictly like pleasure reading, and Victoria was perfect in that regard. Goodwin's storytelling is wonderful - - I felt transported to the 19th century and captivated by the story of an 18 year old Queen who simultaneously must contend with the responsibilities and politics of her position and the normal coming of age problems. The story has historical detail, enough to set the scene, but not too much to bog you down, romance, a bit of fashion, and some political challenges - - all of which are presented in a completely engaging way. Very enjoyable read that I would totally recommend to any historical fiction buff.
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Carole R. (Burlington, WI)
I wanted more!
VICTORIA by Daisey Goodwin covers the very early years of Victoria's life, from her childhood through her coronation and early courtship with Prince Andrew. The book is very readable and at times felt like a stage for a TV show which is exactly how the story develops. Does this distract from the book? No. Did I enjoy the book? Yes. But when all was said and done I wanted more, I wanted an Erik Larson treatment of Queen Victoria. Hopefully this book would be published as a trade paperback with discussion questions immediately. Wouldn't it be great for bookclubs to read this early in 2017 and enjoy the PBS shows or read along each week?
[Editor's Comment: BookBrowse will be hosting a discussion of Victoria starting Jan 24, to coincide with the broadcast of the PBS series (also written by Daisy Goodwin).]
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Donna W. (Wauwatosa, WI)
Victoria
This was very good historical fiction. It was clearly written with great detail so that I got a good feeling for, not only, Queen Victoria and the early years of her reign, but also what late 1830s England was like.
However, this detail also proved to be a distraction for me, and I finished the book with the feeling that it was about 50 pages too long. That said, the book was good, and those lovers of historical fiction will enjoy this book.
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Sue J. (Brookfield, WI)
Victoria
Victoria was an enjoyable historical read. I found the dialogue interesting as well as the descriptions of the mansions and clothing. Though the story did drag a bit for me at times (Victoria's obsession with Lord M), I appreciated the struggles of an eighteen year old girl becoming the Queen of England. I was disappointed that the novel didn't include Victoria's first few years of marriage to Albert and how that impacted her reign.
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Barbara L. (Novato, CA)
Victoria
I was of two minds regarding this novel of young Queen Victoria. I thought for the most part that it was an easy, pleasant read chronicling the early days or this 18 year old girl turned queen who had no preparation whatsoever for the task ahead. I enjoyed looking in on her relationship with Lord M, and how she began to develop as a woman.
But then I thought it really began to drag. I did not think the relationship with her cousin Albert was very well developed. I would have enjoyed more depth and insight into their union
