Title: The Uncommon Reader
Author: Alan Bennett
Copyright: 2007
Pages: 118
Format: Paperback
Rating: 5/5 stars
Finished: 12-6-08
A surprisingly enjoyable little book, Alan Bennett's The Uncommon Reader is fundamentally a book about books and the power that they can have over our lives.
When the Queen's dogs accidentally wander by way of a mobile library near Buckingham Palace, she feels obligated to check out a book. From there, she is enthralled by books and soon begins to become obsessed with reading, feeling that she has discovered something important to her that she has missed out on over the years. We get to see her journey as she grows as a reader to a most surprising conclusion to the story.
This is the second time that I've read this story, and I loved it just as much as I did the first. Bennett has constructed a great little story, and the ending is perfect. I love his portrayal of the Queen, and both how she deals with her subjects and how she is handled by those around her in her household and government positions. If you've never read this before, I'd highly recommend it. It is a very quick read and worth it. You won't be disappointed.
5 comments:
Only 10 books to go with your goal. You can do it. =)
I know! So, so close. Maybe if I can keep up with these small books, maybe I can make it.
small books are your friends at the end of the year. =)
This is definitely one of my books of the year. I suspect we enjoy it in a rather different way in the UK - a bit more tongue in cheek perhaps, but I don't know anyone who hasn't loved it.
I can imagine that everyone there gets a much different reading experience out of it, but you are right, I don't know anyone here who hasn't loved it.
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