Not Amused by Jailor Mother (The Captive of Kensington - Jean Plaidy)

Member Name: luckyarchers

Product:	The Captive of Kensington - Jean Plaidy
Date:	06/05/09 (367 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: First in a great 4 book series about Queen Victoria.

Disadvantages: Not quite as interesting as third book in series.

*** The Author ***

I have enjoyed all four books in Jean Plaidy's Victoria series, which I think is the best that I have read so far from her historical novels.

This is the pen name that Eleanor Burford used when writing her historical novels. This prolific writer used other pseudonyms for different styles of books. These included Victoria Holt, Elbur Ford, Kathleen Kellow, Ellalice Tate, Anna Percival and Philippa Carr


*** The Captive of Kensington ***

Out of over a hundred historical fiction books written by Jean Plaidy, few monarchs have warranted more than one book, in her opinion. However, despite skimming over most of the wide-ranging historical events of the time, the author still writes more about Queen Victoria and her family than any other monarch, with the exception of Henry VIII.

Although the series does contain some historical background, there is only enough to help the reader understand Victoria the person, and her relationships with the people who were the most important influences on her.

This first book, THE CAPTVE OF KENSINGTON, deals primarily with her poor relationship with her mother, which contrasts sharply with the strong affection between her and her Governess. Victoria is a captive in Kensington Palace in the sense that her domineering mother is very restrictive about outings and people she is allowed to meet.

If her mother had allowed her to spend more time with her uncle King William IV and his family, she would have had a broader experience of life to draw on, but Mama didn't like their morals. I will leave readers to decide whether they think Mama really had superior values to King William, and whether the bickering with him is justifiable.

The author also shows how Uncle Leopold, her mother's brother, is the main father figure to her in her younger years. (Her real father died when she was a baby.) The respect she has for Uncle Leopold's opinion later affects her choice of husband, which leads on to her children and grandchildren being spread throughout many of the royal families of Europe.

Sinister ambitious characters include her mother's "friend" Sir John Conroy, plus Victoria's uncle and aunt the Duke of Cumberland and his wife. Rumours of murder make Mama fear for Victoria's life.

The great characterisation, together with the lack of repetitive story-telling which has been a minor niggle for me in most of her other series of books, make this and the rest of her books about Victoria, five star reads for me.

I will summarise the other books in the Victoria series in case one part of her story is more important to you than the others.


*** The Other 3 Books in the Queen Victoria Series ***

The second book, THE QUEEN AND LORD M, illuminates her relationship with Lord Melborne, who was the Prime Minister when she first came to the throne, and guided her through territory unfamiliar to the teenage queen.

The third book, THE QUEEN'S HUSBAND, shows the love and power struggle between her and her husband, and is probably the one that most readers will find the most fascinating, as I did.

The fourth book, THE WIDOW OF WINDSOR shows a sad widow Queen, despite her Empire being at its peak. Her most appreciated servant John Brown lightens Victoria's mood and therefore the storyline though. The fact that her many offspring are now spread across the royal families of Europe can be both a cause for concern, when there is trouble, and joy when they find happiness in their new roles.


*** Comparisons with Other Series by Jean Plaidy ***

Jean Plaidy was obviously extremely fascinated by Victoria Saxe-Coburg, and this comes through in her detailed and compelling writing of her life. The only other monarch in her 100+ historical fiction books that vies for so much attention from her is Henry VIII. Though her books in which he features, incorporate much more about wider life in those times. In contrast, most of her writings in this series are directly about Victoria.

I have read all of her British Plantagenet and Tudor books, plus the French Revolution series. I enjoyed all of these and they would average four stars each from me, but I appreciate the Victoria series the best so far.

There is only one of Jean Plaidy's books that I couldn't get into. I started to read the first book in the Medici series but didn't get very far. Although written in English, the manner of the speech was foreign to me. Also it may have be a disadvantage not knowing a bit of background to the characters. Maybe despite my first boring impression of this series, I will give it another go, if nothing more demanding of my attention is available.


*** Recommendation ***

This series is primarily about Victoria and her large family. Readers principally wanting to know about major events in Britain and the wider world should look elsewhere. Perhaps books about political or armed services leaders might be more relevant to them.

Although I think all of the four books in the Queen Victoria series are equally well written, the most entertaining for me was the third one, because of the subject matter at the author's disposal. So if you only have the time to read one of these books go straight to The Queen's Husband. (This is the book most relevant to the time portrayed in the recent film release The Young Victoria.)

For those who have the time, as well as the inclination, to read all four books in Jean Plaidy's Queen Victoria series, start at the beginning with The Captive of Kensington and follow with the other books in order. I hope those that do read them all, enjoy them as much as me.




Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Arrow Books Ltd (2 Oct 2008)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0099513528
ISBN-13: 978-0099513520
RRP: £7.99

Summary: The life of Victoria, before she became Queen.