Description

Book Synopsis

From one of England's most celebrated writers, a funny and superbly observed novella about the Queen of England and the subversive power of reading

When her corgis stray into a mobile library parked near Buckingham Palace, the Queen feels duty-bound to borrow a book. Discovering the joy of reading widely (from J. R. Ackerley, Jean Genet, and Ivy Compton-Burnett to the classics) and intelligently, she finds that her view of the world changes dramatically. Abetted in her newfound obsession by Norman, a young man from the royal kitchens, the Queen comes to question the prescribed order of the world and loses patience with the routines of her role as monarch. Her new passion for reading initially alarms the palace staff and soon leads to surprising and very funny consequences for the country at large.

With the poignant and mischievous wit of The History Boys, England's best-loved author Alan Bennett revels in the power of literature to change even the most u

The Uncommon Reader

    Product form

    A Paperback / softback by Alan Bennett

    £14.40

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £16.00 – you save £1.60 (10%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Wed 23 Sep 2026.

    10 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett

      Book details

      Publisher Picador USA
      Published 27 December 2022
      ISBN-13 9781250907738
      978-1250907738
      ISBN-10 125090773X
      Also in:
      Books by Alan Bennett

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      From one of England's most celebrated writers, a funny and superbly observed novella about the Queen of England and the subversive power of reading

      When her corgis stray into a mobile library parked near Buckingham Palace, the Queen feels duty-bound to borrow a book. Discovering the joy of reading widely (from J. R. Ackerley, Jean Genet, and Ivy Compton-Burnett to the classics) and intelligently, she finds that her view of the world changes dramatically. Abetted in her newfound obsession by Norman, a young man from the royal kitchens, the Queen comes to question the prescribed order of the world and loses patience with the routines of her role as monarch. Her new passion for reading initially alarms the palace staff and soon leads to surprising and very funny consequences for the country at large.

      With the poignant and mischievous wit of The History Boys, England's best-loved author Alan Bennett revels in the power of literature to change even the most u

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account