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Comments (57)

What did you think about this title?
1 to 25 of 57 items
Feb 13, 2024BookLover4fun rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
“Thus it was that the dawn of sensibility was mistaken for the onset of senility.” In Bennett’s hilarious novella the Queen discovers the joys of reading and becomes so absorbed that she gradually begins to neglect the Monarchy’s de…
Dec 12, 2023jasnadzinic rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
This was a charming little read!
Oct 29, 2022OIPgayle rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
A fun and believably written novella about the late queen's change of life after taking up reading.
Sep 21, 2022pnelson384 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
This is a novella with a premise that the Queen of England takes up reading, and was a really fun romp. She discovers that she has never been encourageed to have an opinion but quite likes it; her staff stumble to figure out what she is…
Sep 02, 2022fred98115 rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
Charming read. A kitchen dishwasher mentors the Queen of England, introducing her to the world of literature and, ultimately, writing.
Dec 10, 2021GrammaRuth rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I loved it. A nice little escape from reality, which I need now and then—especially now.
Nov 28, 2021Urbano rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
A delightful homage to reading and readers.
Nov 02, 2021AureliaReads rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This novella is interesting , whimsical and amusing. A delightful read. There is satire here, but it is so gentle that I imagine Queen Elizabeth herself would be amused. I loved every minute I spent on this whimsical trek to libraries -…
Aug 31, 2021MonicaMullane rated this title 1 out of 5 stars
This novella, The Uncommon Reader is not interesting and not humorous. One reviewer stated this "is Bennett at his best". This will be the only Bennett novel that I read.
Aug 06, 2021Tica77 rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
This book had been on my « For later » shelf for quite some time and I have to say I was disappointed. That the Queen had never really read a book is somewhat improbable and that her first read came from a bookmobile parked outside of…
May 07, 2021rab1953 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
I thought this would be an entertaining light read when I picked it up at a library book sale. It was, and happily it was also a thoughtful look at how reading changes the reader. The Queen, out of curiosity, pops into a library van that…
Jan 19, 2021sarasb rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
The *Uncommon Reader* is one of my favorite books. This is my second reading of the title. Alan Bennett’s writing in this work is skillful and tight. His use of the Queen as a subject is light and humorous. Truly an enjoyable read.
Jun 30, 2019rain_chalice rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Just hilarious, my only complaint was that it ended! I wanted to listen to this all over again, and probably will!
LoganLib_Tahnee
May 24, 2018
This is an amazingly short read that will have you in stitches.
Feb 20, 2018JessicaGma rated this title 2 out of 5 stars
A quick novella where the Queen starts avoiding her duties as she has begun reading with a vengeance. Fun, but I think I liked Mrs Queen Takes the Train better for the humour.
Dec 28, 2017
Our culture is fascinated with all things Royal. This small, light read about Queen Elizabeth II becoming just as fascinated with reading is perfect for fans of the British Royals as well as bibliophiles who love books about books. The…
Apr 20, 2017Sublurbanite rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Adorably written, light read. I flew through it and found it highly entertaining. Strongly recommend.
Mar 05, 2017moirajames rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
a quick light amusing read. Good when life is too serious to have a little pause for a smile.
Feb 17, 2017closedbook rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Funny read, loosely based upon a fictionalized Queen Elizabeth. Quick read and a must for all readers.
Jan 09, 2017brangwinn rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Great story for people who love books. Turning Queen Elizabeth into a bookworm ignoring her other duties makes for a fun short book to read.
Aug 23, 2016IV27HUjg rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
This quirky tale is on my top 10 favorite reads (or audiobooks.) For me it's a bonus that Bennett reads it himself as only AB can. I suppose one is either a fan or not. His humor delights me. Lighten up folks, it's Brit humor.
Jul 10, 2016sandette rated this title 2 out of 5 stars
This is a charming, interesting book with a plot twist and quirky characters- it just wasn't my thing. I had to struggle through most of it since I wasn't very accustomed to the writing style, and I found the plot painfully slow. Still a…
Aug 03, 2015wyenotgo rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
This little book is a lot of fun: droll,tongue-in-cheek English humor at its best. Anyone familiar with Bennett's "The Madness of King George" will likely appreciate this one.
Mar 15, 2015forbesrachel rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
The Queen has seen and done many things. Due to her lofty position, other people are respectful yet distant towards her, and her life revolves around her duty. Then one day, she discovers a bookmobile on the palace grounds, and being…
Cas22
Mar 14, 2015Cas22 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
If you’d like an easy read that will make you laugh then this charming, whimsical novella is worth a look. It tells the story of how the Queen discovers the joy of reading books, albeit somewhat late in life. One day when she is out…