Prisoners in the Palace: How Princess Victoria Became Queen with the Help of Her Maid, a Reporter, and a Scoundrel

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Courtesy of Mother Daughter Book Club com, November 10, 2010 (view all comments by Courtesy of Mother Daughter Book Club com)
Before Victoria became Queen of England, she was merely Princess Victoria, controlled by her mother, the king’s sister-in-law, and a powerful advisor, Sir John Conroy. Victoria lived in near isolation in Kensington Palace, unaware of much news of the times.

Into this world steps the fictional character of Liza, newly hired as a maid to Victoria after her well-to-do parents died and left her penniless. Previously Liza had maids of her own, now she must adjust to being one. She also takes it upon herself to befriend the princess and spy for her, ferreting out the intrigues going on among Victoria’s family and advisors.

Prisoners in the Palace by Michaela MacColl is rich, historical fiction. The story shows another side of Victoria, that of a vulnerable girl whose future was anything but certain. If not for her own strength of character she could have become a puppet ruler, controlled by her mother and Sir Conroy. Historical entries from Victoria’s diaries are interspersed throughout to reflect her state of mind following well-documented events.

Liza is a strong character and ally for Victoria. Through her eyes we see the London that existed outside of palace life. Life was precarious for many, especially women and children, who had few resources or avenues to improve their lives.

MacColl flawlessly weaves historical details into the story of these two young girls, Victoria and Liza. I don’t usually think of historical fiction novels as page-turners, but I had a hard time putting Prisoners in the Palace down once I started reading it. One chapter flows into the next smoothly, and even though readers know that eventually Victoria becomes queen, the story of how she gets there is anything but predictable.

Mother-daughter book clubs can talk about Victoria’s difficult relationship with her mother, living conditions for women and children of the times, the rise of broadsheets to communicate news and how that compares to today’s media and more. It’s classified as young adult, but even 12 year olds who are interested in historical fiction should be happy reading it. I highly recommend it.

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onebookshy, October 31, 2010 (view all comments by onebookshy)
I enjoy historical fiction and this book is a lovely addition to the this genre as well as that of young adult reading. It is listed as an appropriate book for ages 12 and up. I think young readers and adults alike will find this a very satisfying look into Queen Victoria's young life.

Liza is mercilessly thrust into the life of a servant after being catered to and pampered her entire existence. She is 16 years old and doesn't know how to undress herself! When she lucks into a position as a maid to Princess Victoria at the run-down Kensington Palace, she must learn to do everything for her lady that she was used to having done for herself.

There are several colorful characters that are introduced in the telling of the tale. Several are people that you instinctively dislike such as Victoria's mother, the Duchess and her ally, Sir John. The author writes their personalities in such a way that you can't help but root against them in favor of Liza and the Princess. In contrast, Will and Inside Boy are two of the supporting cast that you immediately like.

I always enjoy when an author incorporates real people and real events into a fictional story. It gives these historical figures a much more human appeal and a reality to them. Ms. MacColl wove fiction and fact into a lovely tale of two young ladies in different circumstances who are thrown together to make their way as they can.

I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this debut author.

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Product Details

ISBN:

9780811873000

Author:

Maccoll, Michaela

Publisher:

Chronicle Books (CA)

Author:

MacColl, Michaela

Subject:

Historical - Europe

Subject:

Children s-Historical Fiction-Europe

Publication Date:

20101031

Binding:

Hardcover

Language:

English

Illustrations:

Y

Pages:

304

Age Level:

12-22