The Uncommon Reader: A Novella
by Alan Bennett
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Book Reviews of The Uncommon Reader: A Novella
Book Review: A Social Commentary That's Both Fun and Educational
Summary: 5 Stars
Let's get one thing clear: Bennett is funny. The Uncommon Reader is one of those novels that is intended to both tell a satisfying story and make biting commentary on society. Conceiving what would happen should the Queen pick up reading as a heavy habit after her dogs came across a non-permanent, moving library and she felt obliged to borrow a book, Bennett shows how the activity has become both uncommon and in some cases vilified.
Poking fun at the absurd extremes to which the general population takes its neglect for books, and literature in general, The Uncommon Reader makes you think about why it is that reading is considered an eccentric activity, when it should in fact be considered commonplace. Telling a valid story and doing so with quite the funny satirical flair, Bennett has made some book.
Book Review: One should read this novella.
Summary: 4 Stars
The Uncommon Reader is a lighthearted and winsome little novella, a pleasant break from the heavier tomes of capital 'L' Literature, but no less smart for it. In his fictional scenario, Alan Bennett follows what might happen if Queen Elizabeth II went to fetch her corgis out of a traveling library and, to be polite, checked out a book. And then found that she actually quite enjoyed reading. And then began to take less pleasure in her queenly duties because of this newfound hobby. The novella shows an internal development spurred by reading and compellingly notes that one who reads begins to see others in a more empathetic way. While part of the fun of this novella is playing with the idea of the Queen as a fictional character, book fans will also enjoy The Uncommon Reader's many allusions to other texts.Book Review: A fun, quick read
Summary: 4 Stars
Books change us, and in this novella, Bennett imagines how books would change the Queen of England, if she were to start reading for pleasure. She reacts like the rest of us did when we started reading a lot: she questions everyone she meets about what they're reading, and she starts making up excuses to leave functions early or skip them altogether to read. The only problem is that more people are watching the Queen than are generally watching us. Her visitors don't know what to do with this new conversation topic, and her staff becomes increasingly uncomfortable with it. This book isn't deep or meaningful or meant to be taken very seriously, and some of it is probably a little unrealistic, but it was a quick, charming read.Book Review: Humorous but with a serious message
Summary: 5 Stars
Bennett drags the reader in by a series of humorous incidents as the Queen moves from a non-reader to accomplished literary critic or even writer.
Rushing out to stop the royal dogs barking at the portable library the Queen borrows a book and it opens a new world for her. Incidents such as these at the Palace with the dogs , Prince Philip ( who says " Are you all right old dear ?') And the Prime Minister and others make for short entertaining very humorous tale.
However as the story develops a more serious message on the value of reading and literature is included. Something of interest to all readers.
An innovative, humorous and thoughly enjoying novella . I strongly recommend it
Book Review: Charming, and very funny.
Summary: 5 Stars
In this short hilarious novella, Bennett imagines a scenario where, following some errant Corgis, the Queen discovers the mobile library parked in the grounds of Buckingham Palace and feels obliged to borrow a book, out of courtesy. One book leads to another (as books will tend to do), and before long, Elizabeth has developed a serious reading habit. The consequences are far-reaching, and very funny.
Within this framework, Bennett provides an incisive (and entertaining) exploration of the power of reading. Despite being one of the planet's most-traveled inhabitants, her majesty's horizons are broadened in ways she could not have imagined.
A satisfying, highly entertaining, read.