The Uncommon Reader

A gift from my mom, The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett is something that I wouldn't have chosen myself. For one, it's very short; only 121 pages...a novella really. Also, it's written with the Queen of England as protagonist, and so it would not have grabbed my attention.  That said, my mom suggested that I'd really get a kick out of it, so I gave it a shot! I am pleased to report that it was a bit of fun!

Quite by accident, Queen Elizabeth stumbles upon a travelling library on the grounds of Buckingham Palace. She goes inside the van, and chooses a book to read. Admittedly, she hasn't read anything for years. Although her choice is a tough slog, she does opt for another book after a week, and discovers the passion of reading.

Comically, her love of reading overtakes her Royal Duties, and she becomes quite delinquent and uninterested in her scheduled obligations. There is one passage in which she relies on Prince Philip to wave from the Carriage to the "cripples", because she's too busy with a good book!

With her new found passion, the Royal staff become increasingly concerned that her performance as Queen is slipping, and they do everything that they can to intercept her reading, and discourage her hobby. This angers the Queen and she begins to see the ignorance that surrounds her--especially the ignorance of the Prime Minister and other elected officials.

Author Alan Bennett

While this is an entertaining comedy, it does make the serious statement that reading can change your perspective on life. At the culmination of the novel, the Queen declares that she is going to write a book about her reflections on life, and her analysis of her times. Through books, she has been led to writing.

There are lots of witty recommendations for Alan Bennett's novel. These primarily come from the British press. I wonder whether some of it's "brilliance" is lost on this Canadian reader. It is a short, easy read that made me chuckle in places.  I wouldn't call it "A perfectly formed book." as does the Daily Mail. I wonder if the Queen of England has read it? What would she think of such a book? I'm sure I'll never know!