Serving Victoria by Kate Hubbard

Queen Victoria was a woman after whom an entire age was named, as well as a style. She presided over a great empire - one upon which the sun never set, as they said. Famously quoted as "we are not amused". Subject of the movie, Mrs. Brown.

So what was it like for those in her household? This book gives readers some taste of that.

The book kept my interest, but I was still a little disappointed. If I had been the editor, I would have gotten the author to provide more context and tie the chapters together a little better. It got a bit dry at times.

As other reviewers have noted, life at court seemed pretty monotonous - I'd say almost sad. The Queen was quite selfish in some ways, yet gracious in others. She seemed to live more like a symbol and less like a person -  and less than an engaged ruler in most respects. The rulers just before her were all too human. She went to the other extreme in some senses.

Not everyone will like this book. I thought it was OK overall. Had hoped for more.