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Queen Victoria #1
The Captive of Kensington Palace
Victoria is virtually a prisoner in Kensington Palace. Her mother and her mother's chamberlain, Sir John Conroy, are her guards. They will not allowher to associate with anyone that has not been thoroughly and critically checked to make sure Victoria is not made harmed by their very presence.Even her governesses are under scrutiny. She is not even allowed to bealone! Someone must always be with her. Her only hope is in contemplating her coming of age, whereupon she may be free and able to take her "UncleKing's" crown without her dreaded captures taking regency. Her best friends are her "dear" sister Feodora, married and living in Germany; her UncleLeopold, her cousin-in-law and uncle as well as King of the Belgians; Lehzen, her faithful governess; the King and Queen, whom she is rarely allowed to see; and her cousins that she is also rarely allowed to see. Shehas scheming uncles trying to usurp her right to the throne, and family fighting over her. Every day she comes closer to her dream of adulthood, and her guards' despair at loss of power.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1972
45 people are currently reading
1733 people want to read
About the author
Jean Plaidy
211 books1,574 followersEleanor Alice Burford, Mrs. George Percival Hibbert was a British author of about 200 historical novels, most of them under the pen name Jean Plaidy which had sold 14 million copies by the time of her death. She chose to use various names because of the differences in subject matter between her books; the best-known, apart from Plaidy, are Victoria Holt (56 million) and Philippa Carr (3 million). Lesser known were the novels Hibbert published under her maiden name Eleanor Burford, or the pseudonyms of Elbur Ford, Kathleen Kellow and Ellalice Tate. Many of her readers under one penname never suspected her other identities.
-Wikipedia
-Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 10, 2022
I have to admit I've never been very interested in Queen Victoria and the era in which she lived much preferring the Medieval or Renaissance era when it came to English history. After the Tudors and Stuarts, the Georgian era is rather pale in comparison not to mention those lusty Plantagenets.
After watching the PBS miniseries "Victoria" I was curious to know more about her though. So of course I immediately ordered this book by Jean Plaidy since she's the cream of the crop when it comes to historical fiction. Plaidy, one of my favorite authors has written books that cover the Norman era to the Georgian and I can't say enough about her talents.
This is the lst book in a 4 book series and I have really enjoyed reading about Queen Victoria's early life as the heir apparent to the throne. This was a page turner for me and I couldn't wait to find out what happened next in Victoria's life.
Victoria was the only child of the 3rd son of King George III. When King George the IV lost his only child Charlotte, Victoria became heir apparent at a very young age.
Victoria was a lonely child and spent a lot of time with her doll collection. Her father, Prince Edward, married the widowed German Duchess of Leiningin. This was the 2nd marriage for the Duchess who had 2 children by her first husband Prince Charles. Prince Edward of Kent died when Victoria was young so her mother would be the main influence in her life.
The Duchess was a difficult woman by all accounts and she guarded Victoria like a hawk. Victoria was never to be left alone and shared a bedroom with her mother until she became Queen of England at the age of 18. This distressed Victoria to no end as she craved alone time with nobody guarding her.
The Duchess did have a lot to fear though since the next son of George III in line for the throne, had plotted to have Victoria killed so he would be King. So the Duchess's fears and paranoia for Victoria's safety were justified. Even though the Duchess was not a pleasant person at all she had a strong maternal instinct and devoted her life to seeing Victoria crowned queen.
The Comptroller for the Duchess's household, Sir John Conroy was rumored to be the Duchess's lover. He was an extremely ambitious man as well and planned to continue control over Victoria once she became queen. The Duchess and Sir John were hoping the elderly King William IV would croak so that they would be able to rule England as the regents for the young queen.
The problem was King William detested the Duchess and vowed he wouldn't die until Victoria became of age at 18 to rule without her mother as Regent.
So as the years passed and Victoria entered her teens she began to resent Sir John's power over the household. He brought his wife and children to live with them at Kensington Palace which made the lonely Victoria feel like a stepchild at times.
So life was a waiting game for all of them with Victoria yearning to turn 18 so that she would be free of Sir John and her mother while they impatiently waited for King William to die so they would be able to rule England as regents of a young queen.
King William kept his vow and lived to see Victoria turn 18. She was a natural born queen with a regal air and fully confident of her abilities. Victoria wastes no time telling Sir John there would be no place for him in her household while separating her household from her mother's.
The young queen was lucky to have Lord Melbourne as her prime minister as he patiently taught her all the ins and outs of ruling England and was a father figure for her. Of course the Duchess didn't like him at all. Since Victoria was unmarried it was necessary for the Duchess to live in the same palace as Victoria's chaperone though Victoria longed to be free of her bossy and overbearing mama.
The next book in the series The Queen and Lord M continues the story of young Victoria.
If you are a fan of the Victoria miniseries, you should find this series entertaining and factual as it fleshes out the story and goes deeper into the events in the life of a young Queen Victoria.
After watching the PBS miniseries "Victoria" I was curious to know more about her though. So of course I immediately ordered this book by Jean Plaidy since she's the cream of the crop when it comes to historical fiction. Plaidy, one of my favorite authors has written books that cover the Norman era to the Georgian and I can't say enough about her talents.
This is the lst book in a 4 book series and I have really enjoyed reading about Queen Victoria's early life as the heir apparent to the throne. This was a page turner for me and I couldn't wait to find out what happened next in Victoria's life.
Victoria was the only child of the 3rd son of King George III. When King George the IV lost his only child Charlotte, Victoria became heir apparent at a very young age.
Victoria was a lonely child and spent a lot of time with her doll collection. Her father, Prince Edward, married the widowed German Duchess of Leiningin. This was the 2nd marriage for the Duchess who had 2 children by her first husband Prince Charles. Prince Edward of Kent died when Victoria was young so her mother would be the main influence in her life.
The Duchess was a difficult woman by all accounts and she guarded Victoria like a hawk. Victoria was never to be left alone and shared a bedroom with her mother until she became Queen of England at the age of 18. This distressed Victoria to no end as she craved alone time with nobody guarding her.
The Duchess did have a lot to fear though since the next son of George III in line for the throne, had plotted to have Victoria killed so he would be King. So the Duchess's fears and paranoia for Victoria's safety were justified. Even though the Duchess was not a pleasant person at all she had a strong maternal instinct and devoted her life to seeing Victoria crowned queen.
The Comptroller for the Duchess's household, Sir John Conroy was rumored to be the Duchess's lover. He was an extremely ambitious man as well and planned to continue control over Victoria once she became queen. The Duchess and Sir John were hoping the elderly King William IV would croak so that they would be able to rule England as the regents for the young queen.
The problem was King William detested the Duchess and vowed he wouldn't die until Victoria became of age at 18 to rule without her mother as Regent.
So as the years passed and Victoria entered her teens she began to resent Sir John's power over the household. He brought his wife and children to live with them at Kensington Palace which made the lonely Victoria feel like a stepchild at times.
So life was a waiting game for all of them with Victoria yearning to turn 18 so that she would be free of Sir John and her mother while they impatiently waited for King William to die so they would be able to rule England as regents of a young queen.
King William kept his vow and lived to see Victoria turn 18. She was a natural born queen with a regal air and fully confident of her abilities. Victoria wastes no time telling Sir John there would be no place for him in her household while separating her household from her mother's.
The young queen was lucky to have Lord Melbourne as her prime minister as he patiently taught her all the ins and outs of ruling England and was a father figure for her. Of course the Duchess didn't like him at all. Since Victoria was unmarried it was necessary for the Duchess to live in the same palace as Victoria's chaperone though Victoria longed to be free of her bossy and overbearing mama.
The next book in the series The Queen and Lord M continues the story of young Victoria.
If you are a fan of the Victoria miniseries, you should find this series entertaining and factual as it fleshes out the story and goes deeper into the events in the life of a young Queen Victoria.
May 13, 2019
3.75 stars
This is the first in a series by the author focusing on Queen Victoria. This one opens when Victoria is still a child, living with her mother (the Duchess of Kent), older sister, and her mother’s suspected lover (Sir John) in Kensington Palace. Her mother and Sir John are very ambitious, and knowing that Victoria is next in line to the throne once the childless King (no legitimate children), the Duchess is all for using her daughter to her advantage and hoping that her brother, King William, will die before Victoria turns “of age” (18 years), which would mean the Duchess would be Regent.
I’ve not read anything about Queen Victoria until now, nor do I really know anything about her or the Monarchy in England before and leading up to her rule, so this was interesting. Have to admit, because there were so many names/people I didn’t know at the start of the book, I was a bit lost initially, but it didn’t take long before I was able to figure most of it out. The book did get better and better as it went on, as Victoria grew older and was able to (sometimes) stand up to her mother. I definitely want to continue the series, and hope I am able to before too much time passes, so I remember what lead up to everything to this point.
This is the first in a series by the author focusing on Queen Victoria. This one opens when Victoria is still a child, living with her mother (the Duchess of Kent), older sister, and her mother’s suspected lover (Sir John) in Kensington Palace. Her mother and Sir John are very ambitious, and knowing that Victoria is next in line to the throne once the childless King (no legitimate children), the Duchess is all for using her daughter to her advantage and hoping that her brother, King William, will die before Victoria turns “of age” (18 years), which would mean the Duchess would be Regent.
I’ve not read anything about Queen Victoria until now, nor do I really know anything about her or the Monarchy in England before and leading up to her rule, so this was interesting. Have to admit, because there were so many names/people I didn’t know at the start of the book, I was a bit lost initially, but it didn’t take long before I was able to figure most of it out. The book did get better and better as it went on, as Victoria grew older and was able to (sometimes) stand up to her mother. I definitely want to continue the series, and hope I am able to before too much time passes, so I remember what lead up to everything to this point.
November 12, 2015
Since I just clicked "currently-reading," I obviously have no review yet. But I have a question. When people here post their reviews, why do they include a summary? I see the reviews after I've read the book, and I'm curious what other people thought, but I don't need to be told the plot.
Also, when we select the date when we finished reading a book, why doesn't it default to TODAY???
Also, when we select the date when we finished reading a book, why doesn't it default to TODAY???
January 4, 2012
If you want a captivating insight into the history of the monarchy, you must read the books by Jean Plaidy. I can guarantee that once you start one of her books, you'll not put it down!
In this novel, the first of three for this monarch, she gives us an insight into the childhood of Queen Victoria. The plottings, conniving, match-making that went on in the Royal Palaces beggars belief. Plaidy being each individual to life in a very effective way, so right from the start I wanted to "boo" every time the Duke of Cumberland entered the scene, and as for John Conway and the Duchess of Kent - they drove me nuts! I love the portrait Plaidy gives of Victoria as being such a saintly person (right from the episode of the doll in the shop up until the end of the book when she reaches her eighteenth birthday).
So, to sum up, if you want to brush up on your knowledge of Queen Victoria, you MUST read this book. I'm off to start the sequel now!
In this novel, the first of three for this monarch, she gives us an insight into the childhood of Queen Victoria. The plottings, conniving, match-making that went on in the Royal Palaces beggars belief. Plaidy being each individual to life in a very effective way, so right from the start I wanted to "boo" every time the Duke of Cumberland entered the scene, and as for John Conway and the Duchess of Kent - they drove me nuts! I love the portrait Plaidy gives of Victoria as being such a saintly person (right from the episode of the doll in the shop up until the end of the book when she reaches her eighteenth birthday).
So, to sum up, if you want to brush up on your knowledge of Queen Victoria, you MUST read this book. I'm off to start the sequel now!
March 12, 2017
Not bad, but sometimes reads a bit more like a history book than a novel. I didn't mind that, and I believe the details were captured pretty accurately. It didn't give Victoria much of a personality. Still, as a dabbler in British history, I found it interesting enough!
March 17, 2010
I have bought the "Queen Victoria" Series after being very impressed with other books from Jean Plaidy.
Like most historical fiction, it takes a few chapters to really understand and get to know the characters (especially the not-so-frequent) but once settled into the book - I did continue to read and read and read.
Jean Plaidy sets the scenes brilliantly and you can see everything in your minds eye, the details within the story really entice you to read more.
Some characteristics of the characters were dragged out and repeated ... yes, the king hates the duchess, ... and yes ... they defy eachother ... and yes ... the duchess does not like the king ... and yes ... Queen Adelaide gets uncomfortable with family fueds ... *sigh*
Even though the centre of the arguments are from different fueds - the whining from each character seems to go on and on and it does feel as though it is constantly repeated.
the Character of Victoria is quite pleasant, starting from an innocent child, ever trusting ... to a teenage craving for independance and counting down the days to freedom, defying those who "control" her ... to being of ages and being a strong minded woman; the author really does allow you to understand the reasons behind Victorias opinions and how she grows. Although - some childlike qualities of Victorias character wasn't exactly pleasing...!
Anyway - i am looking forward to the next book - I should be starting it very soon :)
Like most historical fiction, it takes a few chapters to really understand and get to know the characters (especially the not-so-frequent) but once settled into the book - I did continue to read and read and read.
Jean Plaidy sets the scenes brilliantly and you can see everything in your minds eye, the details within the story really entice you to read more.
Some characteristics of the characters were dragged out and repeated ... yes, the king hates the duchess, ... and yes ... they defy eachother ... and yes ... the duchess does not like the king ... and yes ... Queen Adelaide gets uncomfortable with family fueds ... *sigh*
Even though the centre of the arguments are from different fueds - the whining from each character seems to go on and on and it does feel as though it is constantly repeated.
the Character of Victoria is quite pleasant, starting from an innocent child, ever trusting ... to a teenage craving for independance and counting down the days to freedom, defying those who "control" her ... to being of ages and being a strong minded woman; the author really does allow you to understand the reasons behind Victorias opinions and how she grows. Although - some childlike qualities of Victorias character wasn't exactly pleasing...!
Anyway - i am looking forward to the next book - I should be starting it very soon :)
September 7, 2017
Finally checked out the first novel in Jean Plaidy's "Queen Victoria" book series and loved it!!! :D It covers her childhood from the age of 8 till she was 18 and became Queen. I love the current TV series "Victoria" and wanted to read more about her and so glad I got recommended this series. It felt like a prequel to the show and included many more people in Victoria's life and learned so much more. Can't wait to start book 2 next!!! :D
October 18, 2024
As someone fascinated by Queen Victoria, The Captive of Kensington Palace by Jean Plaidy was a fantastic read! Plaidy blends historical accuracy with fictional storytelling in a way that makes the early life of Queen Victoria come alive. This book is part of a series about her life, but it focuses specifically on her childhood and the years leading up to her becoming queen, a period I found incredibly intriguing.
I loved how Plaidy painted such a vivid picture of Victoria’s early life—living under the strict control of her mother, the Duchess of Kent, and the manipulative Sir John Conroy. The atmosphere inside Kensington Palace felt suffocating at times, which really helped me understand the frustration and isolation Victoria must have felt. You get a real sense of how difficult it was for her to break free from the “Kensington System” and come into her own as a young woman destined for greatness.
One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was the fusion of history with fiction. Plaidy clearly did her research, and while the events are true to history, she brings the characters’ emotions and personalities to life in a way that makes you feel as though you’re reading a novel rather than a historical account. I found myself getting lost in the details of court politics, the relationships within the royal family, and the overall atmosphere of the era.
The only reason I didn’t give it a full 5 stars is that there were moments where the pacing felt a little slow, particularly in the middle when the focus was more on the power struggles around young Victoria than on her personal growth. However, this is a minor flaw in an otherwise captivating book.
Overall, The Captive of Kensington Palace is a wonderful read for anyone interested in historical fiction, especially if you’re fascinated by Queen Victoria and her life before becoming queen. Plaidy’s storytelling makes this blend of history and fiction a compelling journey, and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
I loved how Plaidy painted such a vivid picture of Victoria’s early life—living under the strict control of her mother, the Duchess of Kent, and the manipulative Sir John Conroy. The atmosphere inside Kensington Palace felt suffocating at times, which really helped me understand the frustration and isolation Victoria must have felt. You get a real sense of how difficult it was for her to break free from the “Kensington System” and come into her own as a young woman destined for greatness.
One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was the fusion of history with fiction. Plaidy clearly did her research, and while the events are true to history, she brings the characters’ emotions and personalities to life in a way that makes you feel as though you’re reading a novel rather than a historical account. I found myself getting lost in the details of court politics, the relationships within the royal family, and the overall atmosphere of the era.
The only reason I didn’t give it a full 5 stars is that there were moments where the pacing felt a little slow, particularly in the middle when the focus was more on the power struggles around young Victoria than on her personal growth. However, this is a minor flaw in an otherwise captivating book.
Overall, The Captive of Kensington Palace is a wonderful read for anyone interested in historical fiction, especially if you’re fascinated by Queen Victoria and her life before becoming queen. Plaidy’s storytelling makes this blend of history and fiction a compelling journey, and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
August 3, 2020
Až na začátek, který byl trochu chaotický, se mi kniha hodně libila a v celé sérii budu určitě pokračovat.
November 25, 2016
Isolated in Kensington Palace with her overbearing mother and her mother's chamberlain Sir John Conroy controlling her every step and every minute of her day, young Princess Victoria grows up closely watched and not allowed to associate with anyone her guardians don't approve of - which is pretty much everyone apart from her governess, her German relatives and Conroy's children. Never allowed to be alone, she eagerly anticipates the day when she comes of age and can escape from her mother's scrutiny and Conroy's scheming to keep her under his thumb once she inherits the crown.
The first part of a quartet on the long life and reign of Queen Victoria, the book covers Victoria's childhood until the day she becomes Queen. As usual with Plaidy's books, she doesn't only focus on her protagonist but provides a wider frame including viewpoints of numerous other characters and the settings are detailed and well researched. A good beginning for the series - looking forward to the next part.
The first part of a quartet on the long life and reign of Queen Victoria, the book covers Victoria's childhood until the day she becomes Queen. As usual with Plaidy's books, she doesn't only focus on her protagonist but provides a wider frame including viewpoints of numerous other characters and the settings are detailed and well researched. A good beginning for the series - looking forward to the next part.
February 16, 2013
This novel was written in a similar manner to the other Jean Plaidy novel I read. There are multiple points of view going on, even in the same chapter. Once you get used to it you barely notice.
I had read only biographies on Queen Victoria in the past, so this is the first novel about Victoria I've read. I was very impressed at the level of research about Victoria that was included, though much of it I think already widely known. The great thing, I think, about writing Victoria is that we have things like her journal to use as a primary source. It really gives it an air of authenticity, despite it being fiction.
I enjoyed it, and am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
I had read only biographies on Queen Victoria in the past, so this is the first novel about Victoria I've read. I was very impressed at the level of research about Victoria that was included, though much of it I think already widely known. The great thing, I think, about writing Victoria is that we have things like her journal to use as a primary source. It really gives it an air of authenticity, despite it being fiction.
I enjoyed it, and am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
February 14, 2017
a very good book looking into the early years of Queen Victoria.
March 5, 2018
Very enjoyable and informative
September 19, 2021
This is the first of four books about Queen Victoria and starts with her childhood. It’s an era of British history about which I know very little and I did find it a bit confusing at first. It doesn’t help that I read it on my Kindle and on this device the family tree was not at all clear so the host of characters were unclear. I think Kindle needs to work to improve this.
I’ve also not read any of Jean Plaidy’s other books either.
I loved the young Victoria, what a constricted early life she had, but still a delightful character. The manipulations of those connected to royalty have continued throughout the centuries. Makes the current day issues look quite tame.
I’m looking forward to completing the series and seeing how the young delightful Victoria evolves into the more dour older woman I thought her to be. Perhaps my views were wrong?
I’ve also not read any of Jean Plaidy’s other books either.
I loved the young Victoria, what a constricted early life she had, but still a delightful character. The manipulations of those connected to royalty have continued throughout the centuries. Makes the current day issues look quite tame.
I’m looking forward to completing the series and seeing how the young delightful Victoria evolves into the more dour older woman I thought her to be. Perhaps my views were wrong?
August 19, 2018
This is a really good book and an enjoyable read.
Queen Victoria is a very interesting historical figure and was a great queen, bringing her country and her people through an age of industrial change and emperial growth. A story about queen Victoria's childhood was always going to be appealing.
This book brilliantly captures the childhood of one of Britain's best loved queens and discusses everything from royal romanse to politics. It is also very well written and the author depicts the main characters of Victoria, the king, the queen and many others beautifully.
Can't wait to read more books in this series.
Queen Victoria is a very interesting historical figure and was a great queen, bringing her country and her people through an age of industrial change and emperial growth. A story about queen Victoria's childhood was always going to be appealing.
This book brilliantly captures the childhood of one of Britain's best loved queens and discusses everything from royal romanse to politics. It is also very well written and the author depicts the main characters of Victoria, the king, the queen and many others beautifully.
Can't wait to read more books in this series.
March 27, 2020
My first Jean Plaidy novel! She's a renowned and passionate writer, who immerses the reader into the thoughts, feelings and action of the protagonist/characters - in this case, Princess Victoria and her family, before she became Queen. I've seen the TV series and the film of Young Victoria, and I know the novel, first published in 1972, precedes these. The novel has a filmic quality, where the dialogue, plot and writing style allows you to feel that you are there, or a fly on the wall at the very least! There was an impressive bibliography as well, showing the painstaking research involved.
December 14, 2018
I've read a number of non-fictional accounts of the life of Queen Victoria, and the years running up to her ascension to the throne (My favourite being The Strangest Family by Janice Hadlow, which about the House of Hannover, and principally about George III and his children and grandchildren, which included Victoria.
This gave me enough knowledge of the main players to be able to rattle through this fictionalised account of her life from childhood until she became Queen in 1837.
Brought up in isolation from her extended British Royal family by her domineering mother and the intensely disliked Sir John Conroy, her childhood was a strange one which defined the way she would reign as Queen. Her mother prevented Victoria's predecessor, her uncle, King William IV having a close family relationship with his heir, and she ascended the throne as a naive 18 year old, who had little experience of court and political life, due to her mother and Conroy's determination to wield power through her.
It was a simplified account, but well written and largely true to the historical accounts I have read. It is the first of a series, I will certainly read the next one.
This gave me enough knowledge of the main players to be able to rattle through this fictionalised account of her life from childhood until she became Queen in 1837.
Brought up in isolation from her extended British Royal family by her domineering mother and the intensely disliked Sir John Conroy, her childhood was a strange one which defined the way she would reign as Queen. Her mother prevented Victoria's predecessor, her uncle, King William IV having a close family relationship with his heir, and she ascended the throne as a naive 18 year old, who had little experience of court and political life, due to her mother and Conroy's determination to wield power through her.
It was a simplified account, but well written and largely true to the historical accounts I have read. It is the first of a series, I will certainly read the next one.
January 21, 2019
Interesting insight into the Royal Family of the 19th century.
Recommended for historical fiction readers. An insight into young Victoria’s life leading up to the day she became the Queen of England.
Recommended for historical fiction readers. An insight into young Victoria’s life leading up to the day she became the Queen of England.
June 13, 2019
The Captive of a Kensington palace
Jean Plaidy has again written a fantastic book of History and I totally enjoyed reading it. Can't wait to read the next book in the series. Anybody interested in history should pick up a book written by Jean Plaidy and read this book number 1
Jean Plaidy has again written a fantastic book of History and I totally enjoyed reading it. Can't wait to read the next book in the series. Anybody interested in history should pick up a book written by Jean Plaidy and read this book number 1
October 9, 2020
I love Jean plaidy and think queen Victoria’s story is fascinating, but this book is dead boring. I’m 3/4 of the way through and I don’t even think I can finish it. Absolutely nothing is happening. Rather disappointed. Perhaps the second book will be better?
April 24, 2020
I enjoyed this book but the dialogue was repetitive.
May 29, 2020
Queen Victoria early life
A good hisrorical read told through Victoria her mother and King William and his wife
Victoria is treated almost as pisoner until she is of age
A good hisrorical read told through Victoria her mother and King William and his wife
Victoria is treated almost as pisoner until she is of age
March 11, 2021
And so she knew that she was no longer the Princess Victoria but the Queen of England
February 23, 2022
Not my favorite book by this author but still a decent read on young Victoria's life and love.
January 24, 2014
Mlle Alice, pouvez-vous nous raconter votre rencontre avec The Captive of Kensington Palace?
"J'ai une vraie passion pour la Reine Victoria et j'ai été très heureuse de trouver sur elle cette petite série romancée, en quatre tomes."
Dites-nous en un peu plus sur son histoire...
"La jeune princesse Victoria pourrait bien devenir reine sous peu mais en attendant, elle grandit sous l'étroite garde de sa mère et de son conseiller Sir John Conroy et chacun complote pour l'évincer ou la contrôler."
Mais que s'est-il exactement passé entre vous?
"Il m'a fallu un peu de temps pour m'y retrouver parmi tous les membres de la famille de la princesse, pour différencier les divers Ernest, William et autres George. Mais une fois tout ce petit monde bien en tête, j'ai navigué avec plaisir entre les ambitions de chacun, les complots, les rumeurs et les manigances et j'ai suivi avec plaisir les pas de la déterminée Victoria. Bien sûr, le suspense était un peu gâché par le fait que nous savons tous qu'elle devient finalement reine mais les méandres qui la mèneront jusqu'au trône sont malgré tout passionnants. D'ailleurs, si nous ne savions que tout cela est bien arrivé, nous aurions du mal à y croire! Victoria était faite pour être reine et sa vie était faite pour faire un bon roman."
Et comment cela s'est-il fini?
"Le livre se termine au moment de l'accession au trône et on hâte de découvrir tout le potentiel de la nouvelle reine et les remous que créeront ses prochaines décisions."
http://booksaremywonderland.hautetfor...
"J'ai une vraie passion pour la Reine Victoria et j'ai été très heureuse de trouver sur elle cette petite série romancée, en quatre tomes."
Dites-nous en un peu plus sur son histoire...
"La jeune princesse Victoria pourrait bien devenir reine sous peu mais en attendant, elle grandit sous l'étroite garde de sa mère et de son conseiller Sir John Conroy et chacun complote pour l'évincer ou la contrôler."
Mais que s'est-il exactement passé entre vous?
"Il m'a fallu un peu de temps pour m'y retrouver parmi tous les membres de la famille de la princesse, pour différencier les divers Ernest, William et autres George. Mais une fois tout ce petit monde bien en tête, j'ai navigué avec plaisir entre les ambitions de chacun, les complots, les rumeurs et les manigances et j'ai suivi avec plaisir les pas de la déterminée Victoria. Bien sûr, le suspense était un peu gâché par le fait que nous savons tous qu'elle devient finalement reine mais les méandres qui la mèneront jusqu'au trône sont malgré tout passionnants. D'ailleurs, si nous ne savions que tout cela est bien arrivé, nous aurions du mal à y croire! Victoria était faite pour être reine et sa vie était faite pour faire un bon roman."
Et comment cela s'est-il fini?
"Le livre se termine au moment de l'accession au trône et on hâte de découvrir tout le potentiel de la nouvelle reine et les remous que créeront ses prochaines décisions."
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June 26, 2013
Con detalles históricos y un excelente contexto, Plaidy consigue que entre en un mundo completamente diferente, dándole la realidad necesaria para capturar al lector. Con personajes históricos bien retratados, inicia la historia de una pequeña heredera al trono. Si bien me gustó mucho la narrativa y la manera de llevar la historia, siento que los momentos claves dentro de ésta, incluyendo a Victoria desde su infancia hasta que se convierte en Reina, fue demasiado veloz. Si bien la historia comienza con una Victoria pequeña y finaliza con una mujer de 18 años, siento que faltó consistencia en aquellos momentos históricos donde la joven heredera al trono se vio afectada por la actitud de su madre, controlada por Conroy, así como también de las influencias de su tío Leopold, sin contar Lezhen, quedan retratados sin duda, pero poco pudimos saber de las sensaciones que experimentó Victoria, quizá en los siguientes libros quede evidenciado, ya que la joven Victoria no podía expresar su voluntad puesto que su madre leía su diario y después de todo la época no lo permitía.
Aún así me gustó mucho el libro, una manera agradable de conocer más sobre mi Reina británica favorita, aunque siento que poco se le dio importancia a factores fundamentales, el hecho de abarcar todas las visiones de un mismo hecho hizo de este libro un excelente ejemplar. Sin duda compraré los otros tres para terminar la saga de Victoria.
Aún así me gustó mucho el libro, una manera agradable de conocer más sobre mi Reina británica favorita, aunque siento que poco se le dio importancia a factores fundamentales, el hecho de abarcar todas las visiones de un mismo hecho hizo de este libro un excelente ejemplar. Sin duda compraré los otros tres para terminar la saga de Victoria.
June 26, 2014
I am a sucker for anything involving female monarchs and really enjoyed the various movies and miniseries about Victoria. This book did not disappoint. Shedding light on Victoria's childhood and the turbulence of the reign of the kings that preceded her, this was a fun read even if we all know where the story is going. Plaidy totally captured the screwy family dynamic of Victoria, her mother, and her mother's...whatever he was. Enjoyed this very much and off to read the next in this four book series.
May 6, 2014
This is the first of four. I started reading this one because this book was the best out of all i found.
It takes a while to get into the book and work out who everyone is but when you do it's easier to understand what is going on. It shows what life was life was like for the young princess victoria growing up. This book starts with victoria as a child learning realy quickly and who can be trusted.
It takes a while to get into the book and work out who everyone is but when you do it's easier to understand what is going on. It shows what life was life was like for the young princess victoria growing up. This book starts with victoria as a child learning realy quickly and who can be trusted.
September 16, 2012
Like all of Jean Plaidy's books, it dwells a little too much on the historical and not as much on the fiction. But I'm always interested in anything about Victoria. I thought I caught a few historical inaccuracies, but the books weren't exactly written recently, so I'm not surprised. A decent read if you're a huge fan of Queen Victoria's. Don't bother if you're not.
March 6, 2012
Princess Victoria is 11, and on her way to become Queen of England--unless her overbearing mom, the Duchess of Kent, has anything to say about THAT! Good read with an identifyiable heroine--and it's based on a true story!!!
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