Customer Reviews
By the uncommon writer - By: Mick Read, 01 Dec 2008 
Alan Bennett has discovered a latent royalist tendency with this little gem, Her Majesty being portrayed as,in this one respect at least - a reader, nay devourer of books, whatever next - just like us. It won't do, can't be allowed actually. I chuckled & chortled & laughed out loud & was cheering every successful subterfuge. It's a book that makes you feel good.
Very funny and entertaining - By: PhilosopherKing, 20 Nov 2008 A very humorous & entertaining story about the Queen & one of her servants revolving around the Queen's growing addiction to English literature.
Although the situation is preposterous, Bennett has a way of drawing one into the story & it starts to seem plausible.
Alan Bennett made some of the works of literature sound so interesting that I ended up ordering some books that I hadn't previously read.
Lovely - By: anonymous, 12 Nov 2008 A delicious little book; a lovely satire with a satisfying twist - I don't want to give too much away, but this is an absolute delight.
Another macaroon, anyone? - By: Bill, 11 Nov 2008 
Clockingin at 120 pages of large type (less than 60 minutes' reading, not the two hours or more that others have suggested), `The Uncommon Reader' can scarcely be described as a novella, let alone a novel. Yet its simple theme is too thin for even a short story: Her Madge picks up a book & finds One enjoys reading.
Perhaps it might summon a wry smile when read on Radio 4in Alan Bennett's dry monotone, but on the page his unadorned prose falls flat. Bennett is known for his social observations, his deft characterisation & his sharp ear for dialogue, but all are surprisingly thin on the ground here.
It's odd that a book which claims that reading can change your life, should itself be so unnecessary. Unlike Proust's memorable madeleine cake, which Bennet himself unwisely evokes, `The Uncommon Reader' is more of a puffed-up meringue: inoffensive & insubstantial. Within hours you'll scarcely remember eating it.
Simply wonderful. - By: Marmalade the Book Magpie, 10 Nov 2008 Reading this little book was a wonderful way to spend an evening. It's a joy to read & one would love to imagine her majesty reading it herself & laughing out loud.
Everyone should read this tiny book, as once read; the story will never be forgotten.
Thank you Alan Bennett, you really cheered me up.
