The uncommon reader by Alan Bennett
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