#anna kirwan

[pancreasnostalgia]

Victoria: May Blossom of Britannia, by Anna Kirwan. Starting the diary at age nine, Victoria is the youngest protagonist in The Royal Diaries and all its related series, with the exception of My America (where all the protagonists are that young).

The last time I read this diary I thought that there was too much use of underlining and abbreviation, making Victoria sound very excitable. Though her being so young, that isn’t necessarily far-fetched. Since then I have learned a lot more about Victoria’s early years and now it does seem more realistic. I also recognized a lot of the background characters this time.

The historical note is slightly outdated as Elizabeth II’s reign has now surpassed Victoria’s in length.

The science nerd in me is upset that while many notable Victorians were mentioned by name, John Snow was not, though Kirwan mentioned one of the things he was known for.

Goodreads star rating: 4/5

[pancreasnostalgia]

Lady of Palenque: Flower of Bacal, by Anna Kirwan. I took Spanish for all seven years of my secondary education and learned a lot about the Aztec empire, but little about the other early civilizations of what is now Latin America, including the Mayans.

The story is a bit hard to follow because there are so many characters and most have long names or titles, like hers. So I am not surprised that they called her “Lady” on the cover. Though Palenque and Bacal are two names for the same area, so it’s a little redundant.

Small note- the neon pink used for the cover is very bright IRL so those with photosensitivity might not want to look at it too long.

Goodreads star rating: 2/5

[myhikari21things]

Read of Victoria May Blossom of Britannia by Anna Kirwan (2001) (213pgs)

[shrilata]

Book Review: “Portraits: of Shadows and Flowers” by Anna Kirwan

I had picked up this book sometime between 2006 and 2007 during a ‘Book Fair’ organized in my school. And throughout the years this book found its place among a pile of such miserably abandoned novels being antiqued by the never ending dust until recently I dug the book out accidentally and pondered over my indifference towards it. I glanced at the rest of the books with equal contemplation and decided to see the end of all those books.

Going through the first few chapters, I realized that as a 6th grader back in 2006, I could never have understood this book in all its essence. Even now, it was quite a task to tame my mind to capture an interest in Historical Fiction. What led to the birth of true curiosity was the fact that this book was molded to give the painting “Laurel and the Girl” by Winslow Homer circa 1879 a history.

The book’s plot is mediocre at its best. It entails Miss Aurelia Sandborn’s discovery of her family post a shipwreck which disconnects the teenager from her parents. Sadly, the synopsis itself is a spoiler. That’s all there is to it except for a tiny and negligible plot twist. Luckily, my uncanny abandonment throughout the years has been the sole driver for me to finish the book. But in case you indulge in Historical Fictions, do place this book on your list. It will surely take you on a safe, companionable and quiet journey. And the next time you ever happen to revisit the 1879 painting, you are sure to undergo a rather sweet train of thought.

[openingfiction]

This book was not given to me, nor did I buy it with my own pocket money.

Anna Kirwan, The Royal Diaries: Victoria, May Blossom of Britannia