2024 the best of too short review

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(as of Dec 14, 2024 09:03:13 UTC - Details)

From one of England’s most celebrated writers, a funny and superbly observed novella about the Queen of England and the subversive power of reading

When her corgis stray into a mobile library parked near Buckingham Palace, the Queen feels duty-bound to borrow a book. Discovering the joy of reading widely (from J. R. Ackerley, Jean Genet, and Ivy Compton-Burnett to the classics) and intelligently, she finds that her view of the world changes dramatically. Abetted in her newfound obsession by Norman, a young man from the royal kitchens, the Queen comes to question the prescribed order of the world and loses patience with the routines of her role as monarch. Her new passion for reading initially alarms the palace staff and soon leads to surprising and very funny consequences for the country at large.

With the poignant and mischievous wit of The History Boys, England’s best-loved author Alan Bennett revels in the power of literature to change even the most uncommon reader’s life.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Picador (December 27, 2022)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 128 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 125090773X
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250907738
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.46 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.6 x 0.35 x 7.05 inches
Reviewer: Laulau
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: The Uncommon Reader
Review: Having just completed a character study unit with my fifth graders, it was quite enjoyable and fun contemplating Her Royal Majesty as a reader. So, it was with this mindset, "The Uncommon Reader" was read and through which each character was viewed.Truly touching, was the manner in which Alan Bennett captured the true souls of readers - those who find themselves transported by the words of others and allowing themselves and their ideals, to be questioned and reshaped. Opening the book with the Queen having dinner with the president of France and engaging in a conversation about Jean Genet, the author, was truly funny! The squirming feeling of being unread, was really hysterical to me, as this has been a recent reaction from several people recently in my company.Bennet's writing style was truly appreciated. He possesses the ability to allow a reader to enter into a scene, both emotionally and visually. This adds richness, depth and another dimension to the text. An example of this is Her Majesty awkwardly entering the traveling library and hastily taking any book so as to immediately depart. Bennett revealed his true writer's craft, making me, the reader, feel absolutely uncomfortable in the Queen's presence, as were Mr. Hutchings, Norman Seakins and the Queen herself.The Queen's nature was richly revealed (although I don't know if it's accurate, given I don't read much of her), as she dutifully returns to the van to return her book. Mr. Hutchings is pleasantly surprised that Her Majesty completed her dry read "one finishes what's on one's plate. That's always been my philosophy." So funny! Shortly thereafter, the Queen is tickled to find she can keep the book, as the traveling library is downsizing. I noticed the Queen didn't respond as jubilantly when she received a Wedgewood vase from a dealer (p.88). Here, the reader witnesses the Queen, evolving into a devoted reader. From this point on, we witness the Queen laughing aloud at what she reads, making excuses to engage in a book and surrounding herself with other readers, namely Norman. The Queen's growing passion for reading continues as she questions her secretary, driver, her equerries, the prime minister and anyone else who comes into her presence.I felt really sad for the Queen when her love of reading was being squashed by Sir Kevin and others. Particularly sad, but humorous was the Westminster trip, hiding a book under the cushion, only to return and find it having been blown up. Her comeback line was priceless, "A book is a device to ignite the imagination." I also got a real kick out of the last ditch effort to have Sir Claude discourage the Queen from reading. The whole scene of Sir Kevin visiting with Sir Claude had me laughing aloud, and then Sir Claude's visit to Her Majesty .... ohh, so very funny!I really enjoyed the book! Found it fresh, thoughtful, humourous and just enjoyable. I will definitely reread this book often, because it is such a delight!

Reviewer: J. Lesley
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: How would you answer if Her Majesty asked what books you are reading?
Review: This novella may be only 120 pages long but it is packed with all the intriguing situations you might expect from a much longer novel. As I began reading I couldn't help but wonder what I would have done if I had found myself in Mr. Hutchings place. There he was, doing what he did every Wednesday in his City of Westminster mobile library van parked outside the kitchen entrance to the palace. Obviously he never expected to look up and find Her Majesty in his part of the universe. And Norman. Norman was perhaps the most interesting character in the entire book for me. Would I have been as nonchalant about becoming the advisor for Her Majesty in her new adventures in reading? I think not.I thoroughly enjoyed this book because I am one of those Americans who has a deep respect for the English monarchy. Not so much each individual, but the monarchy as an institution. Over here, a political dynasty is considered venerable if it lasts 100 years. To observe an institution such as the monarchy which has survived in spite of all the problems which have occurred within it is just completely amazing to me. I liked Mr Bennett's portrayal of The Queen. He was neither too kind nor too unkind. His balance was wonderful and, in the end, believable. His social commentary on how an older person must be suffering from a form of dementia if they begin to deviate from their previous norm hit quite close to home for someone who has just turned 65. I loved it when Her Majesty demonstrated that not only did she still have "it", she was willing to use "it" to prove who was still the boss.This lovely little book was, for me, warm and witty and clever and charming. I sincerely appreciate the fact that someone enjoyed it enough to recommend that I read it. Now I'm doing you that same favor. Please read and laugh and enjoy the story. I was a little worried about how Mr Bennett was going to end it, but I think he did just fine.

Reviewer: Margarita RM
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Esta novela corta me encantó. Se me hace excelente lectura como para la playa. Hubo momentos que me reí a carcajadas y me imaginaba perfectamente a la reina Isabel II descubriendo libros y autores.

Reviewer: RM
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Good

Reviewer: Miriam
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: El libro es sencillo y rápido de leer, no se hace pesado y es entretenido. Lo compré de segunda mano y la calidad es excelente, viene impecable. El servicio de atención al cliente ha sido muy atento desde el momento del pedido y he quedado muy satisfecha.

Reviewer: Gregory B Wilson
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: This an entertaining, sweet and surprisingly intelligent satire on the premise that Queen Elizabeth discovers the joy of reading books only late in life. Well written. Highly recommended. A short read.

Reviewer: Tokyo 101
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: A tiny treasure, that is what this book is. Superbly written, I found myself smiling and nodding and laughing out loud.A quick read with an unexpected ending....