REVIEW: Prisoners in the Palace by Michaela MacColl

Description

London, 1838. Sixteen-year-old Liza's dreams of her society debut are dashed when her parents are killed in an accident. Penniless, she accepts the position of lady's maid to young Princess Victoria and steps unwittingly into the gossipy intrigue of the servant's world below-stairs as well as the trickery above. Is it possible that her changing circumstances may offer Liza the chance to determine her own fate, find true love, and secure the throne for her future queen?

Meticulously based on newly discovered information, this riveting novel is as rich in historical detail as Catherine, Called Birdy, and as sizzling with intrigue as The Luxe.

About the Author

Michaela MacColl studied multi-disciplinary history at Vassar College and Yale University, which turns out to be the perfect degree for writing historical fiction. She lives with her husband, two daughters, and three extremely large cats in Connecticut. This is her first book.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books; 1 edition (October 13, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811873005
• ISBN-13: 978-0811873000

SOURCE: PUBLISHER

MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

This is a well conceived historical fiction for young adults that many adults will want to read as well.   Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres and the Victoria Era probably my favorite.  Elizabeth is orphaned and left with nothing but an education, she has no choice but to work as a lady's maid.  Her fortunes take a turn when she lands a position with Princess Victoria during her teen years.  There is a lot of court intrigue with Elizabeth taking part in solving mysterious intrigues and befriending Victoria.

I loved how I was drawn in be the wealth of fact woven into the fiction of the story.  It was so believable that you could just feel yourself inside Kensington Palace and it is nice to see Victoria portrayed as full of joy and life instead of her later years.  I think this is best suited for those over 12 years old since there is some visits to unsavory parts of London.  More, please!




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