Prisoners in the Palace by Michaela MacColl

What Valentine's Day would be complete without a review of a love story?

Prisoners in the Palace: How Victoria Became Queen with the Help of Her Maid, a Reporter, and a Scoundrel by Michaela MacColl.
Chronicle Books, 2010
352 pages
9780811873000

Liza is a newly-made orphan and her parents have left her nothing. What was supposed to be a banner year with her introduction to London society has quickly amounted to nothing. In order to make a living, she accepts a position as a maid for the Princess Victoria, the future Queen of England. Though it's humiliating to be a servant, Liza quickly realizes that she can use the position to her advantage. The princess is purposely being kept a prisoner in her own palace and her mother, the Duchess of Kent, and the comptroller are scheming to keep her there and put themselves in power. Liza and the Princess must find a way to defeat the plans and prove Victoria would make a worthy Queen.

Judging by the cover...: The picture above doesn't do it justice. No one would make fun of you for reading this in public. Feminine yet intellectual (not to mention shiny!).

Favorite Elements:

• A Princess - It's every girl's dream to be a princess (well, maybe not every girl, but most I know), and while Victoria's life isn't ideal, she gets to dance all night at balls and wears gorgeous dresses. Not to mention she's on first name terms with the King and Queen of England (her uncle and aunt).
• Below Stairs - I love reading about England's privileged society, but I find what goes on in the servants' areas much more fascinating. These are the people who keep the household running, rain or shine, and don't get nearly enough credit.
• Inside Boy Jones - A scoundrel who speaks a quaint thieves' language? Yes! I won't give away where he lives, but it's certainly giving me ideas.

Overall (out of 5): 4.5
I don't usually pick up historical fiction concerning anything before 1900, but I'm glad I listened to the reviews. This book contains enough intrigue and romance to last me a long time! Although Liza was a fictional character, her point of view felt very authentic, and the author never underestimated the reader's intelligence by explaining customs and practices of the times. Princess Victoria, her mother, and John Conroy were real people and the drama behind Victoria's ascent to the crown is only slightly exaggerated. MacColl included the historical background for the book at the end, and I appreciated it mostly because it's almost impossible for me to keep track of who is married/related to who, and the author does a good job of spelling it out.

Recommendation: The romance, typical of the times, is subtle but exciting, so if you're hesitant about that aspect, please don't be. If you're a fan of historical fiction and Great Britain, I would suggest you check this out.