Instant Digital Gift Cards 💌
Christmas Gift Guide Gift Guide
Christmas Delivery Delivery
Store Hours Store Hours
Gift Cards Gift Cards

Today: Evening Express delivery & Picks Ups open

The Uncommon Reader

Alan Bennett's classic story about the Queen
By Alan Bennett
0.0 (0 reviews)
3.73 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating. ( 58,766 ratings, 8,781 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett is a delightful novella about the Queen's unexpected journey into the world of reading. When she stumbles across a mobile library parked at the palace, her newfound love for books opens up surprising perspectives and challenges her traditional duties. This charming tale explores the transformative power of literature and its impact on personal growth.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2499
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 3-4 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this delightful novella if you're fond of witty and humorous tales that explore the transformative power of literature. It's an enchanting story that appeals to those who appreciate the nuances of character development, particularly with a curious twist involving a very notable figure. If you're interested in how reading can open new worlds and perspectives, this engaging narrative might speak to you.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The Uncommon Reader

The bestselling classic reissued for the Queen's 95th birthday.

The bestselling classic reissued for the Queen's 95th birthday

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

What would happen if the Queen became a reader of taste and discernment rather than of Dick Francis? The answer is a perfect story.

The Uncommon Reader is none other than HM the Queen, who drifts accidentally into reading when her corgis stray into a mobile library parked at Buckingham Palace. She reads widely (JR Ackerley, Jean Genet, Ivy Compton Burnett, and the classics) and intelligently. Her reading naturally changes her worldview and her relationship with people like the oleaginous prime minister and his repellent advisers.

She comes to question the prescribed order of the world and loses patience with much that she has to do. In short, her reading is subversive. The consequence is, of course, surprising, mildly shocking, and very funny.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Alan Bennett's The Uncommon Reader is praised for its heartfelt yet humorous narrative, offering reflections on old age and a life seemingly wasted. The book is celebrated as a beautifully crafted satire on British culture, with witty and valuable dialogue. It's described as light, witty, and warm, making it an excellent choice for a gift. The novel is also noted for Bennett's extraordinary skill, with many considering it a subversive and insightful piece of fiction.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781788168069

Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 25 March 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Profile Books Ltd

Edition: Main

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 10.0mm

Width: 110.0mm

Height: 176.0mm

Weight: 100g

Pages: 128

Collections

Alan Bennett Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction

About the Author

Alan Bennett is one of the UK's most celebrated literary figures. He is the author of Untold Stories [9780571228317], and numerous works of fiction including Smut [9781846685255]. His play The History Boys was the National Theatre's most successful production ever. His latest book is an addition to his acclaimed Talking Heads, Two Besides.

Also by Alan Bennett

View all

More from General Fiction

View all

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 80,000 books and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.