The Uncommon Reader Alan Bennett

A Flavour of the Book: “The Queen hesitated, because to tell the truth, she wasn’t sure. She’d never taken much interest in reading. She read, of course, as one did, but liking books she left to other people. It was a hobby and it was in the nature of her job that she didn’t have hobbies… Hobbies involved preferences and preferences had to be avoided; preferences excluded people. One had no preferences. Her job was to take an interest, not to be interested herself…”

The Authortrek View: This is a charming novella from Alan Bennett. The 'Uncommon Reader', is, of course, the Queen. Alan Bennett's portrait of Her Majesty is quite affectionate, although not uncritical, which is very appropriate, given that the novella explores the Queen's approach to reading seriously for the first time. Her interest is first sparked by her discovery of a visiting library at Buckingham Palace. She pops in, out of curiosity, encountering the lowly palace kitchen worker, Norman. She then borrows a book, out of politeness, as much as anything.

The first tome is heavy going, but this does not deter the Queen from returning to the mobile library. Norman, unlike most people the Queen encounters, seems entirely natural in her presence, and since he seems so well read, the Queen consults him as she embarks on her literary journey. Norman is thus soon promoted. However, other Palace staff are not so eager to encourage the Queen's withdrawal from the real world, as reading begins to disrupt her previously well-oiled routine. Reading allows the Queen to identify with her staff more though, to walk in their shoes. And it also allows her some introspection, which could very well lead her to a momentous decision...

The Uncommon Reader is a gentle read, which does have its witty moments. Given Bennett's history as a dramatist, it may not be too long before Helen Mirren is asked to play Ma'am again...

You can read a resume of the book on our Amazon store below. To find out more about the author, please visit our Alan Bennett page.

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