I was really looking forward to this book as I enjoy historical novels. Also, the importance of this young British monarch is legendary. Unfortunately, I was let down by a rather fluffy and light weight rendering of Victoria. I found the antics of "Dish", Victoria's dog, …more more enjoyable! I would categorize this book as a "coming of age" novel rather than an historical fiction. Daisy Goodwin squandered an opportunity to convey any of the richness of the times in the 1830's (less)

I would kowtow to Elsa Hunt if I knew exactly how. She has written a great "who done it " novel cast in a magical and insulated China in the 1700's. The suspense regarding the poisoning of a Jesuit priest/ astronomer lasted until the closing chapters. It was a quick read …more but held my interest throughout. One realizes that greed and politics have always been a part of every place and period in time. Elsa Hart has written an interesting tale of intrigue set in a China 300 years ago. I recommend this novel! (less)