Victoria by Daisy Goodwin | Rating: ★★★★★

“I was so happy … before.’ 

‘I find that happiness can always be recollected in tranquillity, Ma’am,’ said Melbourne. 

Victoria put her hands down and looked up at him, her pale blue eyes searching his face. ‘You were happy too?’

When Melbourne spoke, it was in the voice not of the urbane Prime Minister, but of a man of advancing years who is facing the loss of the only thing that is still capable of bringing him joy. ‘You know I was, Ma’am."

 I'll be honest--I wasn't sure I'd like Victoria despite my love of both that era in history and historical fiction. This is, of course, due to the delightful prose that Daisy Goodwin takes on, weaving both a solid narration with as much accuracy as you could hope for in modern fiction.

You don't have to be a history buff to get into this one. Although it is a fictional telling of one royal reality, the tone is smart and indulgent; sweet and utterly compelling. Further, it's a tale of coming of age in a very unique circumstance.
Nowhere in the novel is there an ounce of disrespect to one of history's Queens--like all good historical novels, liberties will be taken, but because of the resources and thoughtful nature in which Goodwill tells a story we never once feel offended by the way she is portrayed.

It is, without a doubt, respectful.

Then--there's the romance. Victoria is not an overly romantic read though it does pose several key elements to any classic lovestory. This never seems overbearing and instead echoes of the past in a fresh way.

Overall, this is a beautifully written novel that is a breeze to read. Absolutely stunning.