The Captive of Kensington Palace - You'll be a captive of the book! (The Captive of Kensington - Jean Plaidy)

Member Name: kitten_y2k

Product:	The Captive of Kensington - Jean Plaidy
Date:	20/05/09 (6 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great plotline and familiar charcters.

Disadvantages: Will make you want to read the other three!

This wasn't the Plaidy book I was originally looking for but the title caught my eye and I was intrigued enough to read the blurb.

This is the first book in a series of four following Victoria's reign and this one looks at her life before her assent to the throne.

This is classed as historical fiction as although Plaidy does base the novel on factual dates and events, her primary focus is on the relationships of those close to Victoria which can only remain to be ficticious.

As the title suggests Plaidy focuses mainly on the relationship between Victoria and her mother, the latter becoming almost her jailer in an attempt to keep her safe from her jealous uncle who wants her dead to clear the way for him to inherit the crown but also as a way for her to hopefully be able to control Victoria when she does become Queen. Her mother's main interest is becoming the power behind the crown and expects to be treated as just as important if not more than Victoria herself.

Plaidy has a brilliant way of weaving a number of other characters into the plot as well; The Baroness Lehzen, Victoria's Governess from childhood plays an important role as Victoria's "Mother" figure, Sir John Conroy, The Comptroller of her mothers household and close personal friend of the Duchess with whom Victoria has an enormous dislike is also a main character.
King William IV and Queen Adelaide are also integral characters and spend their time trying to give Victoria freedom from her Mother and insisting that as heir to the throne that she is allowed to socialise at Buckingham Palace.

The books rrp is £7.99 but you can buy it for £5.99 from Amazon.

It is a captivating book that I found hard to put down resulting in me reading it in one sitting!
Beware though if you do read it you will be compelled to read the others to find out what happens as Plaidy very cleverly finishes the book just as Victoria is told she has become Queen!

Summary: An entertaining read.