VICTORIA

I found this book to be more of a young adult novel than a historical fiction but I like both genres so it did not bother me that the plot focused more on Victoria growing up and the struggle she faced separating herself from her controlling mother and trying to become a competent ruler of a country she was locked away from. I didn't realize this was based on a PBS TV series so the focus on the drama, gossip and scandal makes sense and made this a fast, easy read. The author did a great job of conveying how little control Queen Victoria actually had over her life and how people manipulated and controlled even after she was queen and made you feel the frustration and anger she felt. I am glad she started to grow into her role and started to mature as the book progressed though I felt she was still a little frivolous, acted childish at times, and was clingy to the point of being annoying towards the end. Overall it was an entertaining read and hope there will be a sequel of Victoria as married woman and hopefully a little more mature.

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads.

I received a free advanced copy of this book from NetGalley for review consideration.

This was an adorable read. A little on the fluffy side, but it did allow me to envision one of England’s greatest monarchs with a different perspective. The ending could have been fleshed out a bit more. It was almost too rushed and I’m not sure how the characters changed their minds and feelings so quickly. Perhaps because it was written at the same time as the show?