Victoria by Daisy Goodwin, 2016
Inspired by the TV series The Crown about Elizabeth II's early reign, I was looking forward to reading about another young queen, Victoria.
Interesting to find out about her close relationship with Prime Minister Lord Melbourne, fractious relationship with her mother & her mother's advisor Sir John Conway & agreement to marry Prince Albert.
What intrigued me was Victoria's absolute belief in herself, to carry herself as a Queen at the tender age of 18. Sadly, even in my 40s, I wouldn't have the confidence to lead a nation. Something I need to change.
A bit too melodramatic, I would like to read a more serious, fact-based biography about Queen Victoria.
Invincible Summer by Alice Adams, 2016Story of four friends from university and their journey into middle-age. Eva grows up middle class and is intent on becoming financially secure and does so by becoming a trader.
Her best friend Sylvie is the type of girl that has always had it easy as a pretty and a talented artist, while Sylvie's brother Lucien ends up DJ'ing and organizing events, with a lucrative side business dealing drugs.
Benedict follows his love of science and pursues a Ph.D.
After university, Eva, Lucien & Benedict pursue their careers while Sylvie is left behind, struggling as an artist.
Eva achieves the most success but her over-reaching comes crashing down. Benedict impregnates his girlfriend, whom he marries and becomes a young father.
The next wave of life happens during their late thirties to early forties, where mistakes reach the breaking point and everyone struggle to start over.
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