Victoria by Daisy Goodwin
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 10:49 AM
“i am referred to as Alexandrina Victoria. But i do not like the name Alexandrina. From now on i wish to be called Victoria.”
Daisy Goodwin’s book on Queen Victoria was a pleasure to read from the first page to the last. It was very informative describing the history during Victoria’s reign. Her depiction of the characters was strong and made the reader feel that each moment could happen in the way she has told the story.
The theme, beyond the historical facts, is the development of a young woman, still, a teenager when she becomes queen, from an insecure girl to a more confident young woman, determined to resist the influence of her mother’s advisor. She makes mistakes; interferes with the government when she prefers to hold on to “Lord M” as prime minister; she’s often ridiculed by so-called friends and family behind her back, of course. Guided and advised mostly by Melbourne, who sees her perceptiveness and rather a fine mind, she grows in maturity.
I have always been fascinated by the story of Queen Victoria. She is a woman who ruled over a vast empire and influenced world events on a massive scale. So much of history from that period through to today have her fingerprints on them. Her legacy was as a powerful monarch who tried to make the world better. However, the parts that fascinate me the most are her familial connections. She was a woman with a powerful passion and connections with other people. Victoria’s love and loyalty to Albert is the stuff of a very dramatic fairytale. Her relationship with her children and their children is also layered with powerful emotion. What a complex person she was and how lucky we are to have so much historical information about her.
I loved this Intimate look into Queen Victoria’s early life. This was a period of change and growth for her. The reader is privileged to accompany her on this amazing journey. It is undoubtedly worth the read, and I cannot more highly recommend it to others.
We remember the Queen, but how about getting to know the girl that became that Queen?
The very human view on Queen Victoria’s early reign, her rise to the throne, her relationship with Lord Melbourne, the courtship of Prince Albert and eventual marriage to him. For fans of all things royal or someone looking for a good read on a historical character and a woman who defined an age.
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 9:43 AM
The Luxe by Anna Godbersen
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 9:03 AM
“I've always believed in savoring the moments. In the end, they are the only things we'll have.”
There’s scandal, secrets, mystery, and jealousy all tied in with the major theme of romance. The characters all have choices to make as to the directions that their lives will take, much of that direction already picked out for them by their families because of their place in society. The book begins with a death and then takes you back to what leads up to that event. The author has written a story within the reach of the period - 1899, New York. Each chapter starts with a posting of some sort, whether it’s a page from a gossip rag, a book of manners, or the newspaper. This sets the events of the chapter and was a very smart idea.
Elizabeth is the perfect 1800s upper society Manhattan girl. She’s elegant and poised and could have any man she wants. Henry Schoonmaker is the man everyone wants, but he is always into trouble and just can’t seem to stay with a girl for any length of time. When Elizabeth and Henry are thrust into a relationship together to save one’s family finances and the other’s reputation. They soon become the most prestigious couple in Manhattan, but are of them truly happy? Some people aren’t so impressed by this star couple, especially Elizabeth’s best friend Penelope, who thought that she was going to marry Henry. Penelope is a girl used to getting what she wants, and she will not let Henry get away from her. It’s just not Penelope that is making life difficult for Elizabeth, it is also the fact that Elizabeth can’t seem to decide on whether to save her family or follow her heart. So many secrets are hidden throughout upper-class Manhattan and are just waiting to be heard. The Luxe is a truly seductive and classy novel, with plenty of gossips to fulfill any girl’s desires!
The characters are really what make The Luxe so great. I related to Diana the most because she is introverted and imaginative, but I felt all the characters were well developed.
Anna Godbersen’s writing is beautiful and transports you to 1899. Her descriptions made me feel like I was immersed in turn-of-the-century New York with her characters.
This novel had everything I like, romance, drama, scandal, backstabbing friends, murder, and mystery. The book always had me in anticipation of what would occur next. It completely pulled me into the story I did not even realize how far along I was! I fell in love with the characters and the plot, definitely one of my new favorite books, very well written.
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 9:31 AM
The Secret History: A Novel of Empress Theodora by Stephanie Thornton
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 10:53 AM
“Love suffers long and is kind. Love does not parade itself, is not arrogant or rude, does not seek its own, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
This book was extremely well written and well researched, with lots of colorful and accurate historical detail, but the most gripping part of the book was the painting of the characters themselves. It made me fall completely in love with Theodora and Justinian and their story.
The book begins with Theodora as a young girl on the day of her father’s death. It is a story of survival in a cruel and often brutal time in history. Theodora does what she must live, although not all her decisions are good ones. She becomes an actress and a prostitute, bears two children out of wedlock, and travels much of the ancient world before she figures out who she is and what she wants, and that is when Justinian walks into her life.
The author relates the story of a woman who had to rise above many life challenges and the consequences of many decisions she made that not only changed her life but the outcome of history. Easy and enjoyable reading, especially her character development and smooth transition into a variety of subplots.
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 9:06 AM
Book Wrap Up November
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 11:05 AM
1. The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley (✬✬✬✬)
The Rose Garden is a fantastic novel about love and what it means to be happy. It also reminds us that home is not always a place with four walls and a roof, it's about the feeling you have once you find it.2. White Heart by Sherry Jones (✬✬✬✬)
Jones doesn't elicit the reader's sympathy by portraying a vulnerable or demure widow. Rather, she sparks their curiosity, painting a dynamic, pragmatic, and feisty woman who puts aside her personal needs and desires out of devotion for both her country and her son. It is a beautiful and intriguing characterization placed against an equally alluring backdrop.
3. Illuminations by Mary Sharratt (✬✬✬✬)
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel story of Hildegard von Bingen’s faith journey! It was apparent throughout that the author did her research on the practices of the time, both within the Church and without. This is a wonderful read for anyone interested in historical fiction, the lives of saints, and, of course, Hildegard of Bingen!
4. Love Amid The Ashes by Mesu Andrews (✬✬✬✬)
I am a huge fan of biblical fiction, and this book did not disappoint me. Although I am familiar with the few verses in the bible about each character involved in this story, I was very intrigued by how the author combined them to merge various stories into one thread. The final product included some twists and turns that took me by surprise.
