Reviews

A book of two halves for me - really delighted with the first part, the second half coming across as somewhat too laborious to deliver its punchline - which is hard to believe for any of her subjects ;-) Funny yes, but too fond of stereotypes for my taste.

My version - BBC edition audiobook read by the author

trin's review against another edition

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4.0

Kind of adorably awesome RPF in which the Queen discovers reading, and thus discovers herself. This is a delightful little cupcake of a book. I guess I can see how some people could find it twee, but I think Bennett make the humor just sharp enough to keep things sweet but not saccharine. And I can’t help be enchanted by the idea that books and reading really might be this transformative.

emeraldgarnet's review against another edition

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4.0

A witty read.

strawberrymivvy's review against another edition

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lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? N/A
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

A light-hearted Alan Bennett tale of what might have happened had the Queen come across the mobile library and felt an obligation to check out a book.

She becomes addicted to reading, having never had the chance in her 50 years on the throne, and standards start to slip... eventually she realises the importance of fulfilling her duties so she puts her books aside - only to wonder if she does in fact have a duty to write instead.

Some witty observations and musings on how her family and staff might treat her, an easy and quick read for a fan of the royal family and books, with a fun ending

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