The Uncommon Reader: A Novella
by Alan Bennett
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Book Summary Information
Author: Alan BennettEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Format: Deckle Edge
Published: 2008-09-30
ISBN: 0312427646
Number of pages: 120
Publisher: Picador
Book Reviews of The Uncommon Reader: A Novella
Book Review: "Once upon a time ...
Summary: 5 Stars
"It was the dogs' fault."
The Queen (aka "One") met Norman Seakins and books in a van parked near the garbage bins.
One "read of course, as one did, but liking books was something she left to other people."
One is thorough: "Books, bread and butter, mashed potato - one finishes what's on one's plate."
Norman becomes her amanuensis (and more); he "was unaffected by her because she seemed so ancient, her royalty obliterated by her seniority."
Except with Norman, One is unable to discuss books:
The President of France "looked wildly about for his minister of culture."
Her driver "opened the glove compartment and took out his copy of the `Sun'."
Asked what they were reading: "To this very few of Her Majesty's loyal subjects had a ready answer (though one did try: `The Bible?')."
Her staff: "I'm afraid Her Majesty is getting to be what is known as a handful."
Or One is disinclined: "Harry Potter, but to this the Queen (who had no time for fantasy) invariably said briskly, `Yes. One is saving that for a rainy day.'"
Even authors "she found were best met on the pages of their books."
So the Queen decides to join her ancestors and relatives - Henry VIII on heresy, Victoria with Leaves from a Highland Journal, the Duke of Windsor with A King's Story - and become an author herself.
To the consternation of her ministers -- the Queen has a "terrible sense of duty" -- she announces "One must not talk about it or it will never get done."
And they all lived interestingly ever after.
Robert C. Ross 2008
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