The Uncommon Reader

by Alan Bennett
The Uncommon Reader cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Literary Fiction
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Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99
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Technical
  • ID: 3414
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • Published: 2007-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In 'The Uncommon Reader,' Alan Bennett presents a charming and subversive story about the Queen of England's unexpected journey into the world of literature. After stumbling upon a traveling library, Her Majesty becomes engrossed in a variety of books, from Hardy to Proust, which begins to interfere with her royal duties. The novel explores the transformative power of reading and the consequences of a newfound passion. /n/n Written by one of Britain's most celebrated writers, this novella is a witty and insightful exploration of the impact of literature on even the most unexpected of readers. The story is a celebration of reading and a gentle critique of the royal establishment, all wrapped up in Bennett's signature humor and sharp observation.

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.

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