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The Journey After the Crown
A young Queen. Two sisters. A voyage that will change their fates forever.
Nineteen-year-old identical twins Violet and Daisie Chettle can hardly believe their luck when they are recruited as maids on newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II’s royal ship.
It’s just the ticket they need away from cold, grey London and the tension that’s been brewing at home since the tragic loss of their parents.
But the 1954 royal tour to Australia, is a far cry from the glitz and glamour they had imagined. Life below deck is hard-work, and whilst Violet is prepared to keep her head down and be seen and not heard, Daisie has her sights on doing everything she can to hang up her apron and mingle above deck – even if it means leaving Violet behind.
But as Daisie begins to win royal favour, she receives a letter from London. The sisters can’t outrun their past any longer… Violet has committed an unspeakable act of betrayal that will change their relationship forever.
With their positions on the tour hanging in the balance, have the sisters ventured too far from home to ever find their way back?
Set against the stunning backdrop of Queen Elizabeth’s first royal tour with Prince Phillip prepare to be swept away with this upstairs-downstairs drama, perfect for fans of The Crown and Downton Abbey
Nineteen-year-old identical twins Violet and Daisie Chettle can hardly believe their luck when they are recruited as maids on newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II’s royal ship.
It’s just the ticket they need away from cold, grey London and the tension that’s been brewing at home since the tragic loss of their parents.
But the 1954 royal tour to Australia, is a far cry from the glitz and glamour they had imagined. Life below deck is hard-work, and whilst Violet is prepared to keep her head down and be seen and not heard, Daisie has her sights on doing everything she can to hang up her apron and mingle above deck – even if it means leaving Violet behind.
But as Daisie begins to win royal favour, she receives a letter from London. The sisters can’t outrun their past any longer… Violet has committed an unspeakable act of betrayal that will change their relationship forever.
With their positions on the tour hanging in the balance, have the sisters ventured too far from home to ever find their way back?
Set against the stunning backdrop of Queen Elizabeth’s first royal tour with Prince Phillip prepare to be swept away with this upstairs-downstairs drama, perfect for fans of The Crown and Downton Abbey
381 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2022
151 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
March 15, 2021
There is not a single likeable character in this book. I tried my best to get through it but couldn’t get past halfway. One sister is an abusive, narcissistic cow and the other is a dour idiot. The plot is outlandish. Would not recommend.
March 25, 2022
Nineteen year old identical twins Violet and Daisie Chettle can hardly believe their luck when they are recruited as maids on the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II royal ship. It's just the ticket away they need away from cold, grey London and the tension that's been brewing at home since the tragic loss of their parents. But the 1954 royal tour of Australia, is a far cry from the glitz and glamour they had imagined. Life below deck is hard-work, and whilst Violet is prepared to keep her head down and be seen and not heard, Daisie has her sights on doing everything she can to hang up her apron and mingle above deck - even if it means leaving Daisie behind.
Set in 1954, on the royal tour of Australia. Identical twins Violet and Daisie join the Queens household. I didn't like the twins but I was rooting for Violet to stand up for herself the further I got into the book. I liked that there was some information from the actual tour, this made the story more interesting. There is some humour to this story. I liked the authors writing style and that the pace was steady throughout. This is an intriguing and informative read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQ and the author #AndrewMackie for my ARC of #TheJourneyAfterTheCrown in exchange for an honest review.
Set in 1954, on the royal tour of Australia. Identical twins Violet and Daisie join the Queens household. I didn't like the twins but I was rooting for Violet to stand up for herself the further I got into the book. I liked that there was some information from the actual tour, this made the story more interesting. There is some humour to this story. I liked the authors writing style and that the pace was steady throughout. This is an intriguing and informative read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQ and the author #AndrewMackie for my ARC of #TheJourneyAfterTheCrown in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2021
Disappointing
I was looking forward to this novel but frankly, I can’t see the hype. The author has no insight into women, the result being I was continually thrown out of the story. Not worth the $$$
I was looking forward to this novel but frankly, I can’t see the hype. The author has no insight into women, the result being I was continually thrown out of the story. Not worth the $$$
June 5, 2021
A really good novel which I couldn't put down, with some unexpected twists and turns, accompanied by a good dose of humour.
It focuses on Queen Elizabeth II's tour of Australia in 1954 as two feuding sisters are recruited as maids as part of the royal tour.
However, when one becomes 'too big for her boots', it can only end in disaster for them both.
The author has written, 'Only some of this story is based on fact. Very little of it, actually.'
It focuses on Queen Elizabeth II's tour of Australia in 1954 as two feuding sisters are recruited as maids as part of the royal tour.
However, when one becomes 'too big for her boots', it can only end in disaster for them both.
The author has written, 'Only some of this story is based on fact. Very little of it, actually.'
April 17, 2021
This book was selected on a recent book tour with two fellow avid readers. Ironically it coincided with the recent death of the Duke of Edinburgh who features in this fictitious account of the 1954 Royal Tour to Australia and the Pacific amongst other far flung Commonwealth countries.
A relatively uneventful but pleasant read, it was farcical in parts and therefore hard to take seriously or even contemplate as plausible in terms of a narrative plot. The need to stretch the imagination so extensively made the novel rather pointless if not harmless overall.
The rivalry, rifts and betrayals of the two sisters could seemingly have occurred just as meaningfully without the backdrop of the Royal Tour.
Light reading with mixed literary elements and features.
I am in no rush to read more by this author or indeed more of the same but no real harm done either in taking time out to invest in this novel either.
A relatively uneventful but pleasant read, it was farcical in parts and therefore hard to take seriously or even contemplate as plausible in terms of a narrative plot. The need to stretch the imagination so extensively made the novel rather pointless if not harmless overall.
The rivalry, rifts and betrayals of the two sisters could seemingly have occurred just as meaningfully without the backdrop of the Royal Tour.
Light reading with mixed literary elements and features.
I am in no rush to read more by this author or indeed more of the same but no real harm done either in taking time out to invest in this novel either.
March 17, 2021
The story of two rather horrid sisters embarking on the Royal tour as maids. Violet - jealous, stupid and a doormat and Daisie - brash, reckless and violent. Both are so extremely unlikeable and unbelievable that it’s impossible to engage with either of them. The story ambles along and manages to keep your interest but is ultimately forgettable.
January 17, 2025
I really struggled with this book. I could not tell if the writer was trying to recreate history with some fictional accounts combined, or whether this was a complete fantasy. Some moments captured my imagination but I thought it really tailed off in the last quarter of the book and by this point, I was rather keen to finish it.
We follow twins, Daisie and Violet, as they claw their way through the social ranks. Orphans and with barely a penny to their name, they might be sisters by blood but their relationship is terrible. A serious case of “one upmanship” means these narcissistic twins are there for themselves, not caring a jot about the other one. At first I thought it was Violet who took this to the most extreme but, once the women are part of the Royal tour of Australia, Daisie completely ups her game.
For each episode, it is like the twins are trying to outdo each other, especially in terms of notoriety. I quickly grew to despise these protagonists and I was desperately hoping one of them would do something to redeem themselves – but it never happened. As their actions become more extreme, I thought Mackie pushes the realms of reality and I struggled to believe that Daisie would infiltrate the Royal party enough that she makes others address her as a “Lady”, or that the tiara incident would go as smoothly as portrayed. Consequently, I was frustrated that readers were expected to believe that Daisie moves from being a woman’s maid, to someone who gets the best rooms and preferential treatment.
However, I must admit, as much as I hated what Daisie was up to, I cannot deny the secret admiration I had for her lack of scruples. She does not fear any potential consequences and is out for her own gain. It’s a confidence that is equally admirable and destructive although I disliked what she was doing to the Royal family, and hoped she would receive a decent punishment.
An interesting albeit fictional account of the Royal tour of Australia, I enjoyed the actual references to the many stops that the Queen and Prince Philip undertook, as well as the Royal mania that swept through the country. The country at this time was still largely unpopulated and I think the writer vividly portrayed the vastness of it. Yet, the main characters were not pleasant and I was quite relieved to finish this story, especially as it seemed to run out of steam towards the end.
With thanks to Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
We follow twins, Daisie and Violet, as they claw their way through the social ranks. Orphans and with barely a penny to their name, they might be sisters by blood but their relationship is terrible. A serious case of “one upmanship” means these narcissistic twins are there for themselves, not caring a jot about the other one. At first I thought it was Violet who took this to the most extreme but, once the women are part of the Royal tour of Australia, Daisie completely ups her game.
For each episode, it is like the twins are trying to outdo each other, especially in terms of notoriety. I quickly grew to despise these protagonists and I was desperately hoping one of them would do something to redeem themselves – but it never happened. As their actions become more extreme, I thought Mackie pushes the realms of reality and I struggled to believe that Daisie would infiltrate the Royal party enough that she makes others address her as a “Lady”, or that the tiara incident would go as smoothly as portrayed. Consequently, I was frustrated that readers were expected to believe that Daisie moves from being a woman’s maid, to someone who gets the best rooms and preferential treatment.
However, I must admit, as much as I hated what Daisie was up to, I cannot deny the secret admiration I had for her lack of scruples. She does not fear any potential consequences and is out for her own gain. It’s a confidence that is equally admirable and destructive although I disliked what she was doing to the Royal family, and hoped she would receive a decent punishment.
An interesting albeit fictional account of the Royal tour of Australia, I enjoyed the actual references to the many stops that the Queen and Prince Philip undertook, as well as the Royal mania that swept through the country. The country at this time was still largely unpopulated and I think the writer vividly portrayed the vastness of it. Yet, the main characters were not pleasant and I was quite relieved to finish this story, especially as it seemed to run out of steam towards the end.
With thanks to Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2023
Loved the concept and plot of this. And with twins being the main characters, it makes for an interesting set up.
I did fine this all a little.. sad though. And depressing. It was a frustrating read for me and it was just a little bit of a sad dirge. It was filled with misfortune for poor Violet whilst Daisy fortuitously rose in the ranks. But I have to admit, it was quite satisfying at times as it went on and it started to hold me more but it still didn’t get much better.
It picked up a bit further down the line and I was rooting for Violet. Perhaps why I found the beginnings so frustrating as it irked me to watch her slighted. This book should have been called ‘ the series of unfortunate events’ for both of the twins. Seems neither of them could catch a break. I also hated Daisy and she was rather unlikeable with no redeeming throughout. In fact there wasn’t many characters I liked.
I did enjoy the historical feel of it though but it didn’t quite hit me as I thought it might.
I did fine this all a little.. sad though. And depressing. It was a frustrating read for me and it was just a little bit of a sad dirge. It was filled with misfortune for poor Violet whilst Daisy fortuitously rose in the ranks. But I have to admit, it was quite satisfying at times as it went on and it started to hold me more but it still didn’t get much better.
It picked up a bit further down the line and I was rooting for Violet. Perhaps why I found the beginnings so frustrating as it irked me to watch her slighted. This book should have been called ‘ the series of unfortunate events’ for both of the twins. Seems neither of them could catch a break. I also hated Daisy and she was rather unlikeable with no redeeming throughout. In fact there wasn’t many characters I liked.
I did enjoy the historical feel of it though but it didn’t quite hit me as I thought it might.
June 8, 2021
I’m not sure what to say about this book. I don’t think it was meant to be a serious book. It was funny and laughable in some places. It was about sibling rivalries and a whole lot of made up facts. It was a ok read.
June 21, 2022
I love historical fiction books that have to do with the Royals. While this one is about maids on tour with the Queen and her husband, the two women in this book are actually maids to one of the Queen's ladies in waiting. So this is not a story of getting juicy royal tidbits. This is a story of twin sisters who are complete opposites and really do not like each other and then they are stuck together on the 6 month royal tour. Obviously lots of drama happens. I did have to suspend reality while reading this book though. The twins would have been sent home a long time ago with all their shenanigans. The only thing is, by the end, you want to see that the characters grew and changed into better people and we don't get that.
"Bit sad, really, how you can see things after it's all too late."
"It's never too late, Violet. Until it is."
"Bit sad, really, how you can see things after it's all too late."
"It's never too late, Violet. Until it is."
June 15, 2022
The sisters in this book are quite horrid. Hard to find a character you enjoy. The book meanders through a functional tour of the commonwealth shortly after coronation. The book then rapidly tries to squeeze in some endings in the last third of the book which is quite jarring.
February 24, 2021
A flippant, fanciful and delicious story covering the Royal tour of 1954 with the added spice of twin sisters, one naughty and the other nice.
Transplanting the rivalry, bitchiness and loyalty of their relationship into the very formal well planned tour, a contrast that is entertaining and interesting.
Daisie and Violet are maids for the royal entourage and embark on a six month tour. Immediately the contrast in upstairs and downstairs living conditions sets the tone as the girls are shown to their airless room at the bottom of the ship.
Devious and determined Daisie strives to improve her station in life.
Not caring who she has to destroy.
Betrayed by her boyfriend she unleashes her fury and revenge onto Violet during a brief promotion in duties.
A level of bitchiness that made riveting reading.
Anecdotal and interesting facts start each stage of the tour providing a colourful and real element, knowing the temperature and population topical and relevant to the day.
The reaction to the heat, flies and the hoarse Australian accent comical.
I am a huge royalist and this ticked all the boxes for me even though some of the scenarios were so far fetched and not possible, they provided backbone to the plot and I loved it.
I sensed the pride, anticipation and love the populous had for their Queen and loved having the twins in the mix.
A read that shouldn’t be missed.
Transplanting the rivalry, bitchiness and loyalty of their relationship into the very formal well planned tour, a contrast that is entertaining and interesting.
Daisie and Violet are maids for the royal entourage and embark on a six month tour. Immediately the contrast in upstairs and downstairs living conditions sets the tone as the girls are shown to their airless room at the bottom of the ship.
Devious and determined Daisie strives to improve her station in life.
Not caring who she has to destroy.
Betrayed by her boyfriend she unleashes her fury and revenge onto Violet during a brief promotion in duties.
A level of bitchiness that made riveting reading.
Anecdotal and interesting facts start each stage of the tour providing a colourful and real element, knowing the temperature and population topical and relevant to the day.
The reaction to the heat, flies and the hoarse Australian accent comical.
I am a huge royalist and this ticked all the boxes for me even though some of the scenarios were so far fetched and not possible, they provided backbone to the plot and I loved it.
I sensed the pride, anticipation and love the populous had for their Queen and loved having the twins in the mix.
A read that shouldn’t be missed.
May 30, 2022
I couldn’t finish this…..
The book had an interesting plot. Since I’m interested in the queen, I thought I’d learn something.
Not so. Just a story that mostly related to the hatred between two sisters. One a conniving, deceiving, character I wouldn’t wish to meet, the other caught in a trap because she couldn’t tell the truth.
It drones on and on, complete rubbish. Having little to do with the queen.
If you want to read a complete soap opera of hatred and deception, go for it. Horribly disappointed.
The only history here is the Queen’s trip to Australia.
I couldn’t get past the first few horrible blunders, that wouldn��t happen in the wildest imagination of a ten year old.
Take this out of historical fiction and put it in the fantasy category!
Sorry I can’t tell you more, but it was complete fantasy, fighting, bickering, deceiving even the reader with rubbish. Would never happen in a million years.
No one with the characteristics of these two twins would be allowed within her her majesty’s presence, or inner circle. Ever. If I were a child, I might find it interesting, not knowing anything concerning the queen. Sadly just a trashy read. Don’t waste your time.
The book had an interesting plot. Since I’m interested in the queen, I thought I’d learn something.
Not so. Just a story that mostly related to the hatred between two sisters. One a conniving, deceiving, character I wouldn’t wish to meet, the other caught in a trap because she couldn’t tell the truth.
It drones on and on, complete rubbish. Having little to do with the queen.
If you want to read a complete soap opera of hatred and deception, go for it. Horribly disappointed.
The only history here is the Queen’s trip to Australia.
I couldn’t get past the first few horrible blunders, that wouldn��t happen in the wildest imagination of a ten year old.
Take this out of historical fiction and put it in the fantasy category!
Sorry I can’t tell you more, but it was complete fantasy, fighting, bickering, deceiving even the reader with rubbish. Would never happen in a million years.
No one with the characteristics of these two twins would be allowed within her her majesty’s presence, or inner circle. Ever. If I were a child, I might find it interesting, not knowing anything concerning the queen. Sadly just a trashy read. Don’t waste your time.
February 22, 2021
This book was a brilliant read, perfect for fans of the Royals.
Nineteen-year-old identical twins Violet and Daisie Chettle can hardly believe their luck when they are recruited as maids to accompany the Queen’s Lady-in-Waiting on the royal tour to Australia in 1954. It’s just the ticket they need away from cold, grey England and the tension that’s been brewing at home since the loss of their parents.
However, life on board the SS Gothic and indeed in the colony is far from the glamorous adventure they expected, and their relationship becomes even more strained when one twin discovers her sister’s unconscionable act of betrayal.
Violet was always the one who had wanted this job and especially to meet the Queen, I couldn’t help but laugh out loud when Violet finally got to meet her and all that unfolded.
As they tour around Australia, they visit towns and Cities across the country and I chuckled at the books description of Hobart.
I loved Violet and disliked Daisie, there was however such a great dynamic between the two.
I totally recommend this book to all and sundry, this is an excellent debut novel and I look forward to reading what comes next!
Nineteen-year-old identical twins Violet and Daisie Chettle can hardly believe their luck when they are recruited as maids to accompany the Queen’s Lady-in-Waiting on the royal tour to Australia in 1954. It’s just the ticket they need away from cold, grey England and the tension that’s been brewing at home since the loss of their parents.
However, life on board the SS Gothic and indeed in the colony is far from the glamorous adventure they expected, and their relationship becomes even more strained when one twin discovers her sister’s unconscionable act of betrayal.
Violet was always the one who had wanted this job and especially to meet the Queen, I couldn’t help but laugh out loud when Violet finally got to meet her and all that unfolded.
As they tour around Australia, they visit towns and Cities across the country and I chuckled at the books description of Hobart.
I loved Violet and disliked Daisie, there was however such a great dynamic between the two.
I totally recommend this book to all and sundry, this is an excellent debut novel and I look forward to reading what comes next!
April 12, 2022
The Journey after the Crown by Andrew Mackie. Pub Date: April 12, 2022. Rating: 🌟🌟🌟. I have always had a fascination with the Royal family so when I saw this book featured a young Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, I immediately requested it. When I started reading this book, I quickly realized this is a story about twin sisters who are complete opposites that get jobs as maids on the Queen’s tour of Australia in 1954. The Royal family is a background to this story and the novel takes the reader on a journey of what it’s like to be “the help” amidst royalty. I found this story to drag and not have much substance to it. Neither twin sister is super likable which made it hard for me to be invested in the story. Thanks to HQ and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review. @netgalley #hq #thejourneyafterthecrown #bookstagram #bibliophile #bookworm #igreads #netgalley
February 12, 2023
It’s 1954 and Daisy and Violet Cheetle are twins who find themselves working as maids on the Royal Liner SS Gothic, which is being used to transport the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on their royal tour of Australia. While above deck it’s all luxury and glamour below deck is a different story. The two sisters are chalk and cheese, Violet knows her place and has accepted her station in life Daisy, on the other hand has notions of grandeur and exploits her situation to rise well above hers.
The concept of this story is good, but for me the execution fell short of the mark. Neither sister is likeable at all the story is as far fetched as it is possible to be, lacking any real plot. For me it’s a 2⭐️ book at best.
Thanks to #NetGalley for my advanced copy of this story.
The concept of this story is good, but for me the execution fell short of the mark. Neither sister is likeable at all the story is as far fetched as it is possible to be, lacking any real plot. For me it’s a 2⭐️ book at best.
Thanks to #NetGalley for my advanced copy of this story.
June 14, 2022
Although I am a fan of historical fiction related to the British royal family, this novel was not as good as I had hoped. The plot focuses on twins Violet and Daisie, who are very different from each other. They both, however, end up in service positions aboard the Queen’s yacht during a royal tour to Australia. Unfortunately, Violet and Daisie end up involved in several incidents that attract the negative attention of the royals and their entourage. While Violet attempts to maintain acceptable decorum for a maid, Daisie goes above and beyond to capture the attention of those above her station, especially the dashing Prince Phillip. Although the plot is basically okay, many of the characters’ behaviors are somewhat unbelievable for the time period and the characters’ roles.
July 26, 2021
A really disappointing novel and comparisons to The Crown are completely disparate, except perhaps for a few copycat details.
Was it a first draft that didn't get proofread properly? Should it have just stayed an idea in Andrew Mackie's head? Was it meant to be satirical or insulting or funny? I couldn't define it nor could I muster the enthusiasm the hype suggested I would encounter.
Was it a first draft that didn't get proofread properly? Should it have just stayed an idea in Andrew Mackie's head? Was it meant to be satirical or insulting or funny? I couldn't define it nor could I muster the enthusiasm the hype suggested I would encounter.
April 12, 2022
3.5 stars
A slow burner of a read with some great characters. I found the relationship between Daisie and Violet fascinating- identical twins with such different ambitions. The below stairs adventures both on board the Royal ship and in Australia were entertaining and it was interesting to see how both the sisters characters developed and grew over the time of the trip.
A slow burner of a read with some great characters. I found the relationship between Daisie and Violet fascinating- identical twins with such different ambitions. The below stairs adventures both on board the Royal ship and in Australia were entertaining and it was interesting to see how both the sisters characters developed and grew over the time of the trip.
October 4, 2023
Violet and Daisy are twin sisters who, after losing both their parents, find themselves being picked to join HRH Queen Elizabeth's party on her trip to Australia.
The sisters are very alike in appearance but have very different personalities.
The premise is interesting but I didn't find the characters very likeable or the plot very plausible.
The sisters are very alike in appearance but have very different personalities.
The premise is interesting but I didn't find the characters very likeable or the plot very plausible.
April 17, 2022
I liked the historical part but wasn't a fan of the fictional sisters as I found them too unrealistic and a bit underdeveloped.
There's a lot of potential but it wasn't my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
There's a lot of potential but it wasn't my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
April 24, 2022
My thoughts....
Yes, I am one of those 'fans of The Crown' referred to in the book blurb! And whist listening to this book, whenever Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip entered the scene, I did picture the beautiful and talented Claire Foy and the dashing Matt Smith. But enough of my fangirling for now.
I was fortunate to be chosen to receive the ARC of this book in audiobook format and when I applied to it, it was definitely the cover art and the brief description that immediate grabbed my attention. Not knowing that much about the author, Andrew Mackie, I found it interesting to discover that he is Australian, so this story is quite close to home for him. This is also Andrew's debut novel.
As you gathered from the "about the book" blurb, this story is cleverly constructed around The Queen's first visit to various Commonwealth countries in 1954. Whilst this is a true historic event, the vast majority of characters and incidents are fictional. That is what made this such a fun read for me. It is important to note that the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh features as 'fringe' characters only. We meet two identical twin sisters, Violet and Daisy. As often the case with identical twins, they have very different and distinct personalities. Violet is responsible, considerate, hard-working, earnest - while Daisie is pretty much the polar opposite. They are given the opportunity to accompany the royal entourage on the 6-month historic tour, as maids, and here the drama starts.
I found this book humorous, informative and entertaining, true escapism. It times there was some frustration, mainly because I sometimes struggled to like the main characters - but in general, it was a good listen!
As noted earlier, I receive the ARC audiobook version. It is narrated by Australian actress, Lisa McCune and she did a great job! The narration was at a good pace, and her accent(s) were on point. Made for an enjoyable and easy listen.
Thank you to #NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audio book, in exchange for an honest review #TheJourneyAftertheCrown (also titled "The Tour" in some territories)
Pub Date 13 Apr 2022
Yes, I am one of those 'fans of The Crown' referred to in the book blurb! And whist listening to this book, whenever Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip entered the scene, I did picture the beautiful and talented Claire Foy and the dashing Matt Smith. But enough of my fangirling for now.
I was fortunate to be chosen to receive the ARC of this book in audiobook format and when I applied to it, it was definitely the cover art and the brief description that immediate grabbed my attention. Not knowing that much about the author, Andrew Mackie, I found it interesting to discover that he is Australian, so this story is quite close to home for him. This is also Andrew's debut novel.
As you gathered from the "about the book" blurb, this story is cleverly constructed around The Queen's first visit to various Commonwealth countries in 1954. Whilst this is a true historic event, the vast majority of characters and incidents are fictional. That is what made this such a fun read for me. It is important to note that the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh features as 'fringe' characters only. We meet two identical twin sisters, Violet and Daisy. As often the case with identical twins, they have very different and distinct personalities. Violet is responsible, considerate, hard-working, earnest - while Daisie is pretty much the polar opposite. They are given the opportunity to accompany the royal entourage on the 6-month historic tour, as maids, and here the drama starts.
I found this book humorous, informative and entertaining, true escapism. It times there was some frustration, mainly because I sometimes struggled to like the main characters - but in general, it was a good listen!
As noted earlier, I receive the ARC audiobook version. It is narrated by Australian actress, Lisa McCune and she did a great job! The narration was at a good pace, and her accent(s) were on point. Made for an enjoyable and easy listen.
Thank you to #NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audio book, in exchange for an honest review #TheJourneyAftertheCrown (also titled "The Tour" in some territories)
Pub Date 13 Apr 2022
June 9, 2023
So, first things first, and my utmost criterion when assessing the quality of any book I read for enjoyment: was it enjoyable? The answer is most undoubtedly yes. If you like historical novels, saga novels, novels about how messy people's lives are, then this is the book for you. Was a real page turner started it yesterday, finished today.
The plot was compelling, the characters flawed but not so much that they came off as flat. There are many strands of tension that weave to create the narrative, such as Violets pregnancy and her relationship with Jack, Daisie's relationship with Lady Althorp and her flirtations with Prince Philip.
So why do I dock a whole star? Well, firstly I was very disappointed by the fizzle that was Daisie and Lady Althorp's relationship. I was shocked to see bisexual representation (as I am bisexual myself) and was really, really into it, until it crashed out so suddenly. It almost felt slightly out of character for Caroline to drop Daisie like that. I think Daisie knew that there wouldn't be a traditional lesbian relationship, but I felt we could have gone further seeing them carrying out multiple illicit liaisons before Daisie reacted as she did.
The lesbian romance is also not as graphic as the heterosexual romance, which is also a shame (not to say that this book is pornographic, but Mackie spends far more time over each heterosexual liason than he does the lesbian one.)
I also am curious about why a couple times in the first half of the novel, Mackie is so fixated on Violet needing to use the loo. She was not far enough along in pregnancy for incontinence to be an issue, and later on when she is far more pregnant, it is not mentioned!
This novel handles its themes quite well. I was slightly worried it was going to be an uncritical look at the aristocracy, which it certainly was not. The royal control of the media and behaviour of those in the aristocracy was well explored. I liked the exploration of sibling power struggle between the twins (without a scene to really jam it home that it's that which is being discussed.)
All in all, I enjoyed it and would recommend. I always enjoy historical lesbian romances, even when they're not the focal point of the tale.
The plot was compelling, the characters flawed but not so much that they came off as flat. There are many strands of tension that weave to create the narrative, such as Violets pregnancy and her relationship with Jack, Daisie's relationship with Lady Althorp and her flirtations with Prince Philip.
So why do I dock a whole star? Well, firstly I was very disappointed by the fizzle that was Daisie and Lady Althorp's relationship. I was shocked to see bisexual representation (as I am bisexual myself) and was really, really into it, until it crashed out so suddenly. It almost felt slightly out of character for Caroline to drop Daisie like that. I think Daisie knew that there wouldn't be a traditional lesbian relationship, but I felt we could have gone further seeing them carrying out multiple illicit liaisons before Daisie reacted as she did.
The lesbian romance is also not as graphic as the heterosexual romance, which is also a shame (not to say that this book is pornographic, but Mackie spends far more time over each heterosexual liason than he does the lesbian one.)
I also am curious about why a couple times in the first half of the novel, Mackie is so fixated on Violet needing to use the loo. She was not far enough along in pregnancy for incontinence to be an issue, and later on when she is far more pregnant, it is not mentioned!
This novel handles its themes quite well. I was slightly worried it was going to be an uncritical look at the aristocracy, which it certainly was not. The royal control of the media and behaviour of those in the aristocracy was well explored. I liked the exploration of sibling power struggle between the twins (without a scene to really jam it home that it's that which is being discussed.)
All in all, I enjoyed it and would recommend. I always enjoy historical lesbian romances, even when they're not the focal point of the tale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2021
A wickedly entertaining novel about the rifts and rivalries that can be found in every family, Royal or not.Nineteen-year-old identical twins Violet and Daisie Chettle can hardly believe their luck when they are recruited as maids to accompany the Queen’s Lady-in-Waiting on the royal tour to Australia in 1954. It’s just the ticket they need away from cold, grey England and the tension that’s been brewing at home since the loss of their parents.However, life on board the SS Gothic and indeed in the colony is far from the glamorous adventure they expected, and their relationship becomes even more strained when one twin discovers her sister’s unconscionable act of betrayal.As they travel from the bustling streets of Sydney to the remote sheep stations of Dubbo, they try to make the best of it.Diligent Violet is juggling commands from her superiors with the attentions of handsome Aussie driver Jack, while ambitious Daisie seeks love in all the wrong places while clawing her way to top deck.An opportunity to meet their estranged aunt living in the vast outback promises hope for a new future – but have these girls ventured too far from home to ever find their way back?When Queen Elizabeth II sailed into Sydney harbour on 3 February 1954, she practically stopped the nation.At the time, the royal tour of 1954 was the single biggest event ever planned in Australia.It was organised in the days before email, facsimile and mobile telephones.Official printed programs stated that all those responsible for an event were to synchronise their watches with the A.B.C. time signals at 9am each day. During the Queen’s eight-week tour of Australia, the only glitch was an outbreak of poliomyelitis in Western Australia, which saw the Prime Minister, Robert Menzies, intervene to insist that the royal party sleep on SS Gothic and eat only food prepared on the ship.The royals visited 57 towns and cities during the 58 days they spent in Australia.Queen Elizabeth’s days varied from the cultural to the civic,and constitutional.The crowds were tumultuous, the press was effusive in its praise and every street the royals paraded along was festooned with decorations.
August 25, 2023
I thought this was a historical fiction novel where I would learn something about Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip's tour of the Commonwealth: Australia, New Zealand etc. in 1954. Instead it was a ridiculous story about twin sisters with the royal tour as a backdrop.
The twins get hired on as maids to the Lady in Waiting and this story is all about their terrible relationship. For example one slept with the other one's "boyfriend" and got pregnant.
There were just too many things that happened that were just nonsense:
1. I know there are rumours that Prince Phillip had affairs. I doubt he would flirt with a maid right in front of Queen Elizabeth
2. The way the Lady in Waiting was dismissed was unbelievable. Even if her inclings were true, she would have been more careful on a royal tour.
3. There is no way that even if a Lady in Waiting was dismissed that a maid would be appointed in the interim because she threatened the person in charge. Ladies in Waiting are high ranking members of the nobility as they are in close personal contact with the Queen.
4. I sincerely doubt if Prince Phillip walked into their private chambers and found a maid asleep in their bed wearing Elizabeth's clothes that he would be totally fine with it and just flirt with her.
5. Reporters are not going to interview a maid and then print that she stated her and Prince Phillip were in love. As it was stated in the afterward, there is evidence that the Queen and Prince Phillip had a huge fight that was recorded by a television crew. The crew immediately went to the palace and exposed their film because in 1954 you didn't report that kind of thing.
Take my advice and don't waste your time with this one - not if you value any kind of accuracy in historical fiction.
The twins get hired on as maids to the Lady in Waiting and this story is all about their terrible relationship. For example one slept with the other one's "boyfriend" and got pregnant.
There were just too many things that happened that were just nonsense:
1. I know there are rumours that Prince Phillip had affairs. I doubt he would flirt with a maid right in front of Queen Elizabeth
2. The way the Lady in Waiting was dismissed was unbelievable. Even if her inclings were true, she would have been more careful on a royal tour.
3. There is no way that even if a Lady in Waiting was dismissed that a maid would be appointed in the interim because she threatened the person in charge. Ladies in Waiting are high ranking members of the nobility as they are in close personal contact with the Queen.
4. I sincerely doubt if Prince Phillip walked into their private chambers and found a maid asleep in their bed wearing Elizabeth's clothes that he would be totally fine with it and just flirt with her.
5. Reporters are not going to interview a maid and then print that she stated her and Prince Phillip were in love. As it was stated in the afterward, there is evidence that the Queen and Prince Phillip had a huge fight that was recorded by a television crew. The crew immediately went to the palace and exposed their film because in 1954 you didn't report that kind of thing.
Take my advice and don't waste your time with this one - not if you value any kind of accuracy in historical fiction.
December 8, 2022
A fictional story set amidst the real 1954 Royal Tour of the Commonwealth. Appx 75% of the Australian population turned out to see the royals, but what went on behind the scenes remains tightly held. Author Andrew Mackie was inspired by one candid dramatic moment between the Queen and Prince Philip in regional Victoria, which was witnessed by some nearby press. His idea was to drop feuding twin sisters into the tour, behind the scenes, with their havoc overflowing, occasionally even into the public domain.
Daisy and Violet Chettle are left destitute after their parents died in quick succession so they find work as maids in a manor house. However, only Violet has the constitution for hard work and humility. Daisy instead prefers to social climb and feed her ego by charming men - in stark contrast to Violet's awkwardness. It's a recipe bound for hilarity and disaster when they find themselves accompanying the royal party on a six month international tour.
The incidents and staff depicted are funny, witty and occasionally cringeworthy. Overall, this fictional account of life on tour, within the context of the British class system, 1950s values and their early experience of Australian culture, is pleasant light entertainment. Read if you're up for pomp, ceremony and catastrophe!
Daisy and Violet Chettle are left destitute after their parents died in quick succession so they find work as maids in a manor house. However, only Violet has the constitution for hard work and humility. Daisy instead prefers to social climb and feed her ego by charming men - in stark contrast to Violet's awkwardness. It's a recipe bound for hilarity and disaster when they find themselves accompanying the royal party on a six month international tour.
The incidents and staff depicted are funny, witty and occasionally cringeworthy. Overall, this fictional account of life on tour, within the context of the British class system, 1950s values and their early experience of Australian culture, is pleasant light entertainment. Read if you're up for pomp, ceremony and catastrophe!
Read
February 17, 2021With a fabulous cover and equally fabulous tagline, I was instantly drawn to this novel by debut author Andrew Mackie, and I’m pleased to report, it was just as entertaining as promised. Centred around Queen Elizabeth’s royal tour of Australia in 1954, this fictional tale had me laughing and eagerly awaiting the next calamity caused by maids, Violet and Daisie Chettle.
Starting in England, the story follows the ship voyage to Australia and the culture shock as the royal entourage does a hot lap around the country. Behind the scenes of the pomp and ceremony, the feuding twins find themselves in hot water time and time again, with missing jewels, romances, scandalous ambition and a long-lost aunt.
Mackie does a fantastic job of weaving real events, locations and fun facts into his amusing and witty novel. His background in film production also adds a richness to the descriptions and dialogue, making it an excellent choice for a big-screen conversion.
The Tour is out this month with Penguin Random House in paperback, eBook and audiobook. Thanks to Penguin for the review and giveaway copies.
Starting in England, the story follows the ship voyage to Australia and the culture shock as the royal entourage does a hot lap around the country. Behind the scenes of the pomp and ceremony, the feuding twins find themselves in hot water time and time again, with missing jewels, romances, scandalous ambition and a long-lost aunt.
Mackie does a fantastic job of weaving real events, locations and fun facts into his amusing and witty novel. His background in film production also adds a richness to the descriptions and dialogue, making it an excellent choice for a big-screen conversion.
The Tour is out this month with Penguin Random House in paperback, eBook and audiobook. Thanks to Penguin for the review and giveaway copies.
August 30, 2022
I am interested in all things royal, so I was excited to read the novel The Journey After the Crown by Andrew Mackie. Although I realize that this is a fictional account of Queen Elizabeth’s Grand Tour of the Commonwealth months after her coronation, I did enjoy most of the book.
The novel focuses on twins who are employed as maids on a trip to Britain's colonies. Their rivalry between the two sisters is the basis of the novel. One sister is a quiet person and the other loves to make mischief wherever she goes.
Although the novel was entertaining, I wasn’t into the story as much as I thought I would. I had conflicting ideas about the duties of each of the girls. It was not easy to like some of the characters in the book. I know that this was a fictional account, but something was lacking in the description of the royals’ actions. I was disappointed in this book.
I received a Kindle copy of this book from NetGalley.com in return for my honest review.
The novel focuses on twins who are employed as maids on a trip to Britain's colonies. Their rivalry between the two sisters is the basis of the novel. One sister is a quiet person and the other loves to make mischief wherever she goes.
Although the novel was entertaining, I wasn’t into the story as much as I thought I would. I had conflicting ideas about the duties of each of the girls. It was not easy to like some of the characters in the book. I know that this was a fictional account, but something was lacking in the description of the royals’ actions. I was disappointed in this book.
I received a Kindle copy of this book from NetGalley.com in return for my honest review.
June 27, 2022
After losing both parents, twins Violet and Daisy are desperate to find work. Through a series of events, they end up serving on the Queen's official tour of Australia. As glamorous as this sounds, the reality is far from it! This is quite a slow paced book but it gives a tantalizing glimpse into life behind the scenes, how everyone answers to someone, even those that seem so high ranking to a lowly maid like Violet. I found Daisy so incredibly frustrating, it was hard to really get into the book when I disliked one of the main characters so much. The was an interesting author's note at the end, about how the idea for the book first came to her. It's amazing how a whole book can come from one scene.
January 31, 2023
This was a cracking good read and I was gripped from beginning to end. Australian readers in particular will appreciate its humour, pathos and depictions of landscape and characters. A story that has a lot to say about class, the way we treat each other and just how universal and common place the intricacies of human relationships really are. The optimistic view that it’s the generational inheritance of choices, rather than genetics, that have the most impact and how they can resolve themselves I found very relatable. Most families would have similar stories of just how much history can repeat. A satisfying ending for the characters too, which is rare these days. In short a bloody good yarn and I greatly enjoyed the mischievous frolick. There is more to this one than meets the eye!
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