If you’re like me and are still in a post-“Downton Abbey” funk brought on by the gut-wrenching series finale, you may have heard about the recent ITV and PBS Masterpiece program “Victoria,” based on the bestselling novel by Daisy Goodwin, which appears in many ways to serve as a capable, well-crafted “Downton” successor.

My friends have been raving about the lavish costumes, brilliant set designs, charming acting and enthralling story of “Victoria.” In fact, it seems to touch on all of my favorite aspects of television. British drama set in the Victorian era, check. A haunting and amazing main title theme sung by the Mediaeval Baebes, check. Jenna Coleman from “Doctor Who” playing the titular character, a million checks.

As a massive steampunk and urban fantasy fan, the Victoria I typically read about is not the conventional variety, either appearing as an undead creature of the night or a human-mechanical hybrid. Since it was high time I gave “Victoria” a chance, I decided to break out of my narrative wheelhouse and read some historical fiction with no runic magic systems, supernatural beings, or fog-ridden streets in sight.

“Victoria” by Daisy Goodwin is a coming-of-age story that chronicles Queen Victoria’s ascent to the British throne and the first two years of her reign. Most of the narrative centers on familial drama and the unique series of events that led to her becoming queen, Victoria learning to navigate a bloodthirsty political environment with the aid of her faithful Prime Minister Lord Melbourne, her internal conflicts when it comes to balancing the responsibilities of a monarch, her own personal feelings on matters of state, and how her search for love fits into the equation. Told from Victoria’s perspective, the book brings history to life in an invigorating way. Goodwin even referenced Victoria’s personal diaries when writing the book.

I knew that “Victoria” was a match made in book heaven because I was invested from the introductory pages. I read very few books that hook me from the start, and I’ve read plenty that don’t get interesting even when you reach the concluding sentence. Goodwin doesn’t overwhelm readers with titles, government intricacies and minute historical details, but instead provides enough context to understand character predicaments without overwhelming her audience.

As readers, we’re allowed to experience the world through the mind of Victoria, who was sheltered by her mother from the world, due to the Kensington System, as a tactic to make her dependent on her relatives for advice on all matters. When Victoria learns to navigate new territory, we gain an understanding of the world in which she lives, absorbing information like a proverbial sponge. Goodwin employs this writing tactic in a brilliant fashion because it means readers aren’t bombarded with complex contexts and instead can experience the book as if they actually live in the world.

I appreciate how Goodwin focuses her narrative more on the people, their interpersonal relationships, and the omnipresent political intrigue of British life at that time rather than writing a story more akin to a biographical work. I’m the kind of person whose brain shuts down during information overload. Even my history book in high school functioned better as a napping pillow than a vessel for dispensing important information about the past. For me, historical fiction succeeds when it is able to effectively transport readers into the mindset of the characters, thus allowing them to see the past through the eyes of someone who lived during the time, which is an aspect this book exemplifies.

I’m sure that every reader will relate to characters differently, but I found Victoria to be such a captivating heroine. Even though those around her believe her to be unfit to rule due to the prevailing misogynistic attitude coupled with political jealousy from those who wish to rule in her stead, Victoria stands her ground against all the 19th-century haters while trying to be the best monarch for her people. She is frequently minimized by those around her and yet stays true to herself even in the face of difficult choices.

Although mistakes are made along the way, Victoria learns from them while continuing to move forward to face the new challenges of the day. Whether or not this is a modernist take on a character of the past or an accurate depiction of the true Victoria remains to be seen, but I like to think that Victoria is more akin to Goodwin’s positive and enthralling portrayal.

Overall, “Victoria” is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time, and I’m looking forward to reading more titles within the historical fiction genre along with seeing how ITV brings the book to life. Now, excuse me while I go binge watch this series and love every moment of it.

— Fisher Adwell is an information services assistant at the Lawrence Public Library.