Read-Alikes for Victoria on PBS Masterpiece
With Victoria on PBS Masterpiece nearing its final episode this season, many may be looking for books that read similarly to the fascinating story of Queen Victoria. Below you will find books that are all set in England and focus on a queen of England or ladies of royal descent as the main protagonists. While these books vary in their tone and pace, they offer narratives that are strongly character driven and richly detailed, bringing a particular period of English history to life.
"Victoria," by Daisy Goodwin
Read the inspiration for the show on PBS Masterpiece. Drawing on Victoria's own diaries, Daisy Goodwin brings us the brilliantly imagined life of a young woman about to make her mark on her nation--and the world.
"Elizabeth I," by Margaret George
This is a story of two women of fierce intellect and desire, Elizabeth who is trying to protect her country and throne, and Lettice Knollys who is trying to regain power and position for her family. Their rivalry, and its ensuing drama, soon involves everyone close to Elizabeth.
"Sisters of Treason," by Elizabeth Fremantle
A gripping historical novel about two sisters who tread as dangerously close to the crown as their tragic sister, Lady Jane Grey, who preceded Mary I and was executed after just nine days on the throne. Freemantle brings these young women to life in a spellbinding Tudor tale of love and politics.
"The Taming of the Queen," by Philippa Gregory
This book reimagines the story of Henry VIII's sixth wife, Kateryn Parr, who after being forced to marry the king struggles against dangerous adversaries to observe her own faith and promote religious reforms.
"The Lady in the Tower," by Jean Plaidy
One of history’s most complex and alluring women, Anne Boleyn, comes to life in this classic novel by the legendary Jean Plaidy. This is a compelling narrative of Anne's story, from her upbringing to her imprisonement in the Tower of London.
"Katherine of Aragon, The True Queen," by Alison Weir
In this captivating and richly detailed novel, the first in a dramatic new six-book series about each of King Henry VIII’s wives, bestselling author and acclaimed historian Alison Weir brings to life the tumultuous tale of Katherine of Aragon, Henry’s first, devoted, and “true” queen.
"Lady of the English," by Elizabeth Chadwick
Written with vivid detail and great historical accuracy, this book is a captivating historical novel of Medieval England. Chadwick offers a well-crafted story of Henry I's daughter, his widow, and their alliance and perseverance as they fight for the rightful heir to the crown.
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