The Uncommon Reader

by Alan Bennett
The Uncommon Reader cover
Good Books rating 4.38
Literary Fiction
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Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99
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Technical
  • ID: 3414
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2026-02-22
  • ISBN: 9783150197622
  • Published: 2009-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

The Uncommon Reader is a delightful novella that explores the transformative power of literature. The story begins when the Queen, while walking her corgis, stumbles upon a mobile library and borrows a book. What starts as a casual pastime soon becomes an all-consuming passion, leading her to question the rigid structure of her life and the expectations placed upon her. /n/n As the Queen delves deeper into the world of books, she finds herself drawn to the works of writers like Iris Murdoch and Kazuo Ishiguro. Her newfound love for reading not only provides her with a sense of escape but also challenges her preconceived notions about the world. The novella is a charming and thought-provoking exploration of the ways in which literature can shape our lives and perspectives.

Reviews
MotherBookerBlog · 2021-02-22
charming 4.00

The novella is a wildly amusing and charming story that captures the joy of being captivated by the written word. It offers a delightful and humorous take on the power of literature.

The reviewer finds the novella to be wildly amusing and charming, highlighting its ability to capture the enchantment of reading. They appreciate the humorous and insightful exploration of the power of literature to transform and captivate. The story's light-hearted approach makes it an enjoyable and thought-provoking read, celebrating the joy of getting lost in a good book. The reviewer admires Bennett's skill in blending humor with a deeper appreciation for the written word.

Quick quotes

    Bennett's novella is a wildly amusing and charming story about what it is to be captivated by the written word.

    The book imagines what would happen if the Queen, at her advanced age, were to discover the joys of reading.

    This Uncommon Reader is a tongue in cheek novella which will make you chuckle with it's insight into life behind the palace walls.

Gilmore Guide to Books · Catherine · 2018-11-12
delightful 4.50

There is much to love about this novella, with its dry British wit and subtle poking of fun at the monarchy. It is a delightful and humorous exploration of the transformative power of reading.

The reviewer, Catherine, finds much to love in this novella, particularly the dry British wit and the subtle humor directed at the monarchy. She appreciates the story's exploration of the transformative power of reading, finding it both delightful and thought-provoking. The reviewer admires Bennett's ability to blend humor with a deeper appreciation for literature, making the novella an enjoyable and insightful read. The story's unique perspective on the monarchy adds an extra layer of enjoyment.

Quick quotes

    There is much to love about this novella.

    Bennett embodies dry, British wit in every character, all while poking not-so-subtle fun at the monarchy.

    The Uncommon Reader is a tongue in cheek novella which will make you chuckle with it's insight into life behind the palace walls.

The Guardian · 2012-05-29
audacious 4.50

The novella is a bold and irreverent piece that would have been dangerous in a different era. It cleverly blends humor with a serious exploration of reading and royalty.

The reviewer highlights the audacious nature of the novella, noting that it would have been considered treasonous in a different time. They appreciate the clever blend of humor and serious themes, particularly the exploration of reading as a transformative experience. The story's irreverence towards the monarchy adds a layer of intrigue and wit, making it a unique and engaging read. The reviewer admires Bennett's ability to tackle serious subjects with a light-hearted touch, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    The Uncommon Reader is a piece of audacious lèse majesté which, in an earlier age, would have put its author's head on a spike.

    It is a gloriously funny and subversive little book about a serious subject.

    The book imagines what would happen if the Queen, at her advanced age, were to discover the joys of reading.

Foxed Quarterly · 2007-10-30
delightful 4.50

The book is a delightful and humorous exploration of the power of literature, offering a unique perspective on the monarchy through wit and charm.

This novella is a charming and witty exploration of the transformative power of literature. The story cleverly uses the monarchy as a backdrop to delve into the profound impact reading can have on an individual. The humor and insight make it a delightful read that invites reflection on the role of books in our lives. The reviewer appreciates the clever blend of comedy and depth, making it a standout piece.

Quick quotes

    A gloriously funny and subversive little book about a serious subject.

    The Uncommon Reader is a wildly amusing and charming story about what it is to be captivated by the written word.

    It paints a clear picture of the gap between The Queen and us mere mortals.

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