Her Little Majesty

The Life of Queen Victoria

By: Carolly Erickson

Narrated by: Nelson Runger

Length: 12 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's Summary

Her Little Majesty is a fresh and fascinating portrait of the diminutive monarch who ruled the vast British empire for over 60 years. Award-winning biographer and historian, Carolly Erickson, transports you behind the walls of Buckingham Palace to introduce you to the quirky, loveable Queen Victoria—revealed only to her closest associates. Emotionally deprived, inadequately educated, and socially isolated for much of her life, young Victoria felt ill-prepared to ascend the throne. But the 19-year-old queen met her coronation day with outward dignity and confidence—then went home to bathe her pet dog. Even though her frequent temper tantrums and neurotic obsessions would have critics repeatedly fearing for her sanity, she became a powerful ruler, relentlessly leading her country through devastating wars and sweeping political reform. Carolly Erickson draws on diaries, letters, and historical documents to pen this dramatic account of England’s popular matriarch and the turbulent era that carries her name. Narrator Nelson Runger will hold you enthralled as the glory and the adversities of the Victorian age unfold.

©1997 Carolly Erickson (P)1997 Recorded Books, LLC

Very Historical

Would you listen to Her Little Majesty again? Why?

I found this very interesting, of course, I enjoy a good historical bio. I could really see the writing on the wall and felt like I was there, a fly on the wall so to speak. I couldn't stop listening!

What did you like best about this story?

The way I could imagine being there.

Which character – as performed by Nelson Runger – was your favorite?

Her little royal queen

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The death of her children.

An ok historical biography

This book was ok. I guess I expected more drama. It was a little dry.

Disappointing after Josephine.

I listened to Josephine by Carolly Erickson, narrated by S, Patricia Bailey. When I was really young I wrote an essay about Napoleon but because there wasn't internet like today I only had access to Encyclopedias and whatever the library had so the report was limited to his political and military career. When I started listening to Josephine I had no idea she had married Napoleon. It was quite interesting and because of this I thought that this, too, would be an interesting story as well.

Based on the synopsis, Victoria seemed like she was going to be quite a character but unlike the previous story, it seems Carolly Erickson focused primarily on those AROUND Victoria rather than Victoria. All you need to know about Victoria can be read in the synopsis as that is about as much as they talk about her or at least thats as much as I could pick up on when I was able to focus on the droning of Nelson Runger who's monotone voice felt like I was being put under hypnosis.

If you need something to lull you to sleep, listen to this audiobook. Generally I listen to audibles at work so this was a very bad audiobook to have purchased which also irritates me as Josephine was FREE and Her Little Majesty actually cost me a credit.

Of every credit I've ever used on this website over the last 12 years, this is by far the most regrettable.

Informative, but the narration made it boring

I learned a lot more about Victoria, and her life, which is what I was going for but at points I found myself being put to sleep by the narration

Different and weird.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Well spent but irritating as history keeps bouncing around in this tome.

What was most disappointing about Carolly Erickson’s story?

The Queen was not a person well liked. I've not heard of her to be that childish.
A grudge must be held by Erickson.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Awful accents and snide sounding. Intended snide was most likely planned to the dislike of The Queen.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No. Most books to movie attempts are horrible.

Compelling and Informative

Carrolly Erickson is no Alison Weir, but this was still a solid read.

I would have appreciated it if the reader, Nelson Runger, made it clearer when he was reading quoted material. Then again, maybe there just weren't as many quotes in this book as I expected.

Surprisingly enjoyable; excellent narrator

Carolly Erickson doesn't write intensely detailed political history; it's personal history and this is what you get with this book. But this book is quite interesting and the narrator is excellent (as Mr. Runger always is - e.g., listen to his reading of "Endurance" and you will be hooked on him forever).

The author doesn't seem to respect Queen Victoria

I did enjoy the book. However, I found that the author was quite down on Queen Victoria. The letters and diaries from Queen Victoria were extremely interesting. Recommend at 1.25 speed for author is very ,very slow.