Hardback or paperback? Hardback
Synopsis Liza, a rich girl fallen on hard times, takes a job as a maid for Princess Victoria. She finds herself in the midst of palace intrigue, as Victoria's mother and an adviser work to try to keep power out of the princess's hands.
Evaluation The setting is fascinating and well-drawn. Because Liza is a lady's maid, we get to see what Victorian life is for both a princess and servants. The voices of the characters feel authentic but are not unduly difficult to read, although at least one character speaks in dialect. It's a bit slow in spots, but has a very satisfying climax and resolution.
Edginess Factor Mild. There's an out-of-wedlock pregnancy, references to rape, and a suicide.
Bonus Factors Historical fiction from an unusual period; the palace intrigue is based on real events; realistically-drawn characters from a variety of classes/ economic levels
Universal Themes Coming of age, overcoming adversity
Anti-Bonus Factors Everyone is white. This book will hold little or no interest for boys.
Will they like it? Bright girls and girls interested in historical fiction will like it. There's a romantic subplot that will hold girls' interest. The slow parts in the middle (and the length) mean that less avid readers will probably not like it as much.
Recommendation This would be a great book club book for the right group. Probably not worth buying in hardback, though.
Synopsis Liza, a rich girl fallen on hard times, takes a job as a maid for Princess Victoria. She finds herself in the midst of palace intrigue, as Victoria's mother and an adviser work to try to keep power out of the princess's hands.
Evaluation The setting is fascinating and well-drawn. Because Liza is a lady's maid, we get to see what Victorian life is for both a princess and servants. The voices of the characters feel authentic but are not unduly difficult to read, although at least one character speaks in dialect. It's a bit slow in spots, but has a very satisfying climax and resolution.
Edginess Factor Mild. There's an out-of-wedlock pregnancy, references to rape, and a suicide.
Bonus Factors Historical fiction from an unusual period; the palace intrigue is based on real events; realistically-drawn characters from a variety of classes/ economic levels
Universal Themes Coming of age, overcoming adversity
Anti-Bonus Factors Everyone is white. This book will hold little or no interest for boys.
Will they like it? Bright girls and girls interested in historical fiction will like it. There's a romantic subplot that will hold girls' interest. The slow parts in the middle (and the length) mean that less avid readers will probably not like it as much.
Recommendation This would be a great book club book for the right group. Probably not worth buying in hardback, though.
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