Book Review: Victoria's Daughters

by Jerrold M. Packard

 

 

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A Partial Synopsis from Bas Bleu:  Queen Victoria bore four sons, but it's her five daughters who are of interest here. They lived privileged lives yet were "married off" politically all over Europe and faced the kind of family turmoil and intrigue we associate with soap-opera sagas

 

My Thoughts:  Wow!  Did I learn a lot about European history!  The book begins with Victoria's marriage to Albert.  As each child is born into the palace, it is interesting to consider the low state of medicine in the early nineteenth century.  Child bearing was quite dangerous, even for the Queen of England.  They had four sons and five daughters.  Their nine children would fill their hearts as well as their castle.  Queen Victoria would later arrange each marriage as a strategic political move.  These nine descendants can be found in the family trees of monarchs across Europe and Russia.  The author references several letters written between the five daughters and their mother.  It is absolutely fascinating how the sisters interact not only with the royal family, their new husbands, but with their subjects as well.  As the girls have their children, once again, Queen Victoria actively participates in carefully arranged marriages.  The influence of Queen Victoria and her direct lineage is astounding. 

So, if you like books about drama, castles, politics, history, parenting or even war (whew!) this book just might be for you!  I loved it!

What are you reading?

;-)  -Marci