Queen Victoria: A Life of Contradictions

In this brief yet thorough work, bestselling biographer Dennison (The Last Princess) examines the life of Britain’s longest reigning and arguably best-known royal. The contradictions in Victoria’s life are plentiful, particularly how her own emotional personality clashed with the accepted norms of the era she ruled and which bears her name. As Dennison notes, “Her education had been shaped by precepts which would become a mania as the century advanced: ‘the importance of regulating the passions, securing morality and establishing a sound religion.’ ” He also focuses heavily on the queen’s relationship with her husband, Prince Albert. Through the pair’s combined history, Dennison constructs a remarkable portrait of the queen. Victoria was enamored with Albert from the moment they met, but she was a stubborn woman and initially kept him out of her decision making. Albert proved himself resourceful, however, eventually mentoring his wife during political and military affairs, and she mourned his death the last 40 years of her life. Despite the book’s brevity, it may take readers some time to grow accustomed to Dennison’s language; his syntax and diction can prove frustrating at first, though he does find his rhythm. Readers’ confidence in Dennison will also grow as he illuminates the tribulations in the royal life of “the Grandmama of Europe.” (July)