The Uncommon Reader: A Novella
by Alan Bennett
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Book Summary Information
Author: Alan BennettEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2007-09-18
ISBN: 0374280967
Number of pages: 128
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Book Reviews of The Uncommon Reader: A Novella
Book Review: Delight in reading, even the Queen does now!
Summary: 4 Stars
Oh, such a fabulous premise for a book: Walking her corgis one night the Queen stumbles upon a mobile library. Not wanting to seem rude she borrows a book, and then another. Soon she has been bitten by the bug and finds herself reading whenever she gets a moment. She becomes adroit at reading in the car while waving with her free hand and seems to be neglecting her once impeccably performed duties. She reads capriciously and diversely, everything from Proust to Vikram Seth and soon the seditious world of literature has her questioning her life and the political world around her.
This is a devilishly funny book, an absolute joy for any lover of reading who wonders what the world would be like if more people in power read for themselves. In his portrayal of the Queen, Alan Bennett has traversed a minefield skilfully and created a character who is both eminently believable and endearingly lovable. If the Queen lives vicariously then this delightful portrayal of her joyous rebellion could even persuade her to take up reading in reality!
There is absolutely nothing to dislike in this humorous and well conceived novella. It is a short and enjoyable read, crammed with little anecdotes and facts which will be of interest to anyone fascinated by the world of books. Indeed, if you have already fallen for the vast world of literature then you will be rubbing your hands with glee at this celebration of reading in all its forms.
I cannot think of a better way to spend a couple of hours than devouring The Uncommon Reader. It is a book which everyone should read.
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