The uncommon reader by Alan Bennett

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Faber and Faber, 2007.
(Age Secondary to adult) The uncommon reader, by the delightful Alan Bennett is filled with glorious asides by the Queen, little passing barbs at the royal family, the government and its civil service, The uncommon reader is a hoot. Bennett has cast his acerbic eye towards Buckingham Palace, where the Queen spies a van at the back of the kitchens. Investigating, because the corgi is causing a stir, and one doesn't want another person bitten by the royal dog, she finds the City of Westminster traveling library, and it opens a new world of reading for her. So much so that the equerries are concerned that she is neglecting her public duties.

A wonderful read for anyone with a few hours to spare, The uncommon reader will make you laugh out loud. The twists taken by the story are wholly believable, and the championing of reading as an activity for all is sterling Alan Bennett. There should be a copy in every library.
Fran Knight

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