The Queen has never had much time for reading but when she discovers a mobile library parked behind Buckingham Palace and decides to borrow a book, a whole new world is suddenly opened to her. With the help of her new friend Norman she reads one book after another and discovers that she has a real passion for literature. Unfortunately, not everyone shares her enthusiasm – and some people are prepared to do whatever it takes to stop Her Majesty from reading.
I have a feeling I’m one of the last people in the world to read this book (as usual) but I’m so glad I finally got round to it. Alan Bennett is one of my sister’s favourite writers and as we have such different reading tastes I never thought I would like him too. I’ve never been more pleased to have been proved wrong! This is a lovely, light-hearted, whimsical story that still contains a lot of witty observations, profound insights and wisdom.
In The Uncommon Reader, Bennett takes a humorous look at what it’s like to be the Queen and the pressure she’s under to conform to other people’s expectations. She is portrayed as an endearing character discovering the joys of reading for the first time and who just wants to be left alone with her books! It was interesting to watch the Queen progress as a reader, from being initially overwhelmed by the number of books available and relying on Norman to choose titles for her, to being able to make her own choices and develop her own tastes. Eventually, her reading begins to change the way she approaches her public duties and the way she views herself and the world around her.
There are some very funny moments, such as when the Queen perfects the art of waving from the royal carriage while holding a book in her other hand below the level of the window, and when one of her books is exploded because security think it’s a bomb.
Being a bookworm myself, I loved Bennett’s insights into the philosophy of reading and on almost every page there were quotes that every book lover will be able to identify with. I’ll leave you with a few of them…
‘I think of literature’, she wrote, ‘as a vast country to the far borders of which I am journeying but cannot possibly reach. And I have started too late. I will never catch up.’
‘Can there be any greater pleasure’, she confided in her neighbour, the Canadian minister for overseas trade, ‘than to come across an author one enjoys and then to find they have written not just one book or two, but at least a dozen?’
‘Books are wonderful, aren’t they?’ she said to the vice-chancellor, who concurred.
‘At the risk of sounding like a piece of steak,’ she said, ‘they tenderise one.’
She Reads Novels 
I loved this book! I’d forgotten how delightful it was. I think I may have to go back and reread it again. I want to write down all the books the Queen read — I’m sure I’ll have to add some of hers to my TBR list.
I’m sure I’ll want to reread it sometime in the future too – I loved it!
I’m glad to hear it was good! I’m one of those people who haven’t read it – for some reason it’s always slipping my mind!
It had been slipping my mind too, despite all the reviews I’ve seen over the last year or two. I’m glad I’ve read it at last!
Nope, you’re not the last person to read this book – I haven’t either. In fact, I had no idea what it was about and had no desire to find out until now (some books just stay completely off my radar for some reason). I am really curious now, especially as it’s about books and reading. Ahh, another one for Mt.TBR.
Books often seem to somehow stay off my radar too, even when they are obviously very popular! I’m glad I could bring this one to your attention, because I think you would like it. 🙂
I just read this last month and felt I was one of the last to read it-I enjoyed the book a really lot-great review on your part
Thanks, Mel. I’m glad you enjoyed it too!
This is one of my favorite humorous reads! Thanks for reminding me of it – I love the quotes you posted.
Those were some of my favourites, but really I could have quoted the whole book because there were great quotes on every page!
Don’t you worry, I have still not read it. I have read great reviews and your review adds up to the fact that I will definitely love this book as well. It is on my wishlist…
It seems there are more people who haven’t read it than I thought! I hope you love it too if you decide to read it.
I don’t think I’ve seen a bad review yet among book lovers. I thought it was funny and charming.
Yes, most of the reviews are very positive. I think most book lovers will appreciate all the witty insights into reading.
Let me comfort you, you are not the last person (or blogger) to read this, because I still have to! 🙂
Thanks, Iris. Sometimes I feel embarrassed because it seems that I’m always reading books a couple of years after everybody else!
How funny. I just finished reading a review of this (audio) book on by Teresa on Shelf Love and the very next blog I clicked on was yours with your review of the book. I don’t mind reading two in a row because this is easily one of my favorite books of all time.
What a coincidence, Thomas! I’m glad you didn’t mind seeing the same book reviewed twice in a row! I would like to hear the audio version of this sometime – I think it would probably be fun to listen to.
I have this book and every time I see someone review it I chastise myself for not having read it yet. *sigh*
I had the book for a long time too before I got around to reading it. I just didn’t really expect to enjoy it, so it was a nice surprise!
I read this only earlier this year and I was surprised at how GOOD it was! I remember it was the rage a few years ago so I ignored it. I laughed all through it when I read it and it’s such a nice little tribute to the idea of reading too which is typically regarded as ‘passive’.
It surprised me too, Mae! I wasn’t expecting it to be so funny and insightful.