Nelson, Michael - Queen Victoria And The Discovery Of The Riviera
Enjoyment might depend on how much one knows about Queen Victoria or how much one is into that period. Especially for those who know more from films.
Highland companion John Brown only accompanied her on a few French trips before his death. More controversial was her munshi attendant, Abdul Karim. In the film, he was resented owing to his skin. The book shines light on many more improprieties which antagonized the staff.
Victoria’s children, nieces, relations, kings, queens, tsars, whatnot make up the sweeping parade, along with global events.
I was familiar with the Dreyfuss Affair, and later when President Faure appears, I knew he would die soon enough owing to … bedroom activities.
Victoria stayed at numerous towns along the Riviera. Those and the citizens are well described. Also, her dining habits, how she traveled, and the costs per trip.
Masses of footnotes at the back, which I seldom dipped into. I read a chapter a day, then went back to whatever novel or short stories I was working on. Very little of the fin de siècle is evident.
As with all things pertaining to the Queen, much was redacted or burned by her daughter.