The Uncommon Reader: A Novella
by Alan Bennett
|
List Price: Our Price: $4.94 You Save: $7.06 (59%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $1.49 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of The Uncommon Reader: A Novella
Book Review: An Uncommon Voice from a brilliant author's voice
Summary: 5 Stars
Alan Bennett is one prolific and talented writer. From Beyond the Fringe (with Pete, Duds and Dr. Miller back in the `60s) to such stage hits as The Madness of King George III and The History Boys and movies such as Prick Up Your Ears and A Private Function and the current London smash The Habit of Art, he continues to surpass himself. An Uncommon Reader has just caught up with us, and we'll never be the same. Some books change your way of looking at the world; some change your life. Not only does this novella do both and more, it'll make you smile, laugh, giggle, guffaw and maybe even chortle. It tells the story of Queen Elizabeth II, who blames her dogs entirely for what transpires in the 120 pages. The book is not terribly full of action or incident, yet in a way it's more about discovery than thousands of geography books, and more about what we are obligated to do for happiness than can be believed. It's a book that teaches us we are never too old or too blasé to be shocked by a queen.
Book Review: Enjoyable but cute
Summary: 4 Stars
This little book is a gem, and a fantastic read for those interested in reading. I could not help but think what a wonderful way to encourage people to read.
Queen Elizabeth II is "the uncommon reader" of the title. It was not so unsual for me to think that the actual queen does read books, but she must be pressured for time in her reading with the schedule she keeps.
In this book the Queen makes reading the most important thing in her life, and her regular duties are put somewhat on the back burner. In a sense, reading changes the Queen's whole life in demeanor and thought process.
The irony of the book is the Queen who is not a commoner taking part in one of the most common of activities which is reading. What I took from this is an encouragement for everyone to read. In other words, if the Queen can do it, then you can as well.
I thought all in all the book was very cute. I would definitely recommend to biblophiles and those interested in the British monarchy.
Book Review: A
Summary: 5 Stars
Bennett's sweet satire of politics and the British monarchy is also a surprising love letter to reading and the pursuit of knowledge. What is sometimes a comedy of manners is also a well-written, beautiful little book about finding happiness late in life in unexpected places. Filled with bon mots and gentle humor, Bennett masterfully weaves inticing plot with brilliant characterizations that bounce off of the page. In fact, the characters are drawn so well, that it is hard to believe the book is a slim 120 pages - the author is dead-on with his observations, and the bit of a surprise ending is right on the mark. There is little to criticize: the only hindrance to the novella's success is the strange fact that everyone the Queen encounters has never heard of famous writers such as Proust and Hardy. Aside from this, Bennett has crafted a divine, delicious romp that opens wide windows of thought that transcend the plot. There is more to take away from The Uncommon Reader than meets the eye.Book Review: A delightful change of pace for a thriller reader
Summary: 4 Stars
The dogs started barking as they ran towards the bookmobile. The Queen was surprised and walked over and out of courtesy checks out a book. From here Mr. Bennett's novella describes how the Queen starts neglecting her royal duties as her outlook is expanded as she reads more and more books. Of course not everyone is pleased with all her reading and using underhanded methods, they cause books to be displaced and even secretly shipped her amanuensis to East Anglia.
This literary work of art, only 120 pages, is gracefully written and raises the curtain to allow light to shine on what the restricted life of a monarch must be like. The Queen quickly learned to hide books under cushions and other places; even how to keep a book lower than the carriage window so she could read as she waved while riding to parliament.
I recommend this heart warming and humorous read for all.
Author al-Qaeda Strikes Again
Book Review: Absolutely Wonderful
Summary: 5 Stars
Amusing and thought-provoking, with a wicked twist at the end. What happens when Her Majesty (accidentally) discovers reading? Of course, she has always read - Cabinet documents and the like - but not books! Reading (in fact having any hobby) represents preference and her advisers are dead against that. Not to speak of the difficulty they now have of keeping to schedules, and orchestrating those meet and greets. It used to be so easy - she would ask people where they came from, how long it took and how they travelled - now, she is quizzing them on Genet and Proust and all sorts of things - and lending books!
The character of the Queen is a delight - smart, witty, sharply observant, and quite ruthless in her charming subtle way...
Alan Bennett's writing style is a work of art - each word, each character is perfect. Very easy to read, but full of depth and thought.