The Uncommon Reader: A Novella

Alan Bennett

"Alan Bennett is one of the greatest comic writers alive, and "The Uncommon Reader" is Bennett at his best--touching, thoughtful, hilarious, and exquisite in its observations."--Helen Fielding, author of "Bridget Jones's Diary""In "The Uncommon Reader", Bennett poses a delicious and very funny what-if . . . a delightful little book that unfolds into a witty meditation on the subversive pleasures of reading. . . . Mr. Bennett has written a captivating fairy tale . . . a tale that showcases its author's customary elan and keen but humane wit."--Michiko Kakutani, "The New York Times""Hilarious and stunning . . . The conceit offered here by Mr. Bennett, the beloved British author and dramatist, is that a woman of power can find and love the power in books. It is a simple equation and one that yields deep rewards. In what is a surprising and surprisingly touching novella, Mr. Bennett shows us why books matter to the queen, his "uncommon reader" and why they matter so much to the rest of us."--Carol Herman, "The Washington Times"

"Hilarious and pointed . . . "The Uncommon Reader" is a political and literary satire. But it's also a lovely lesson in the redemptive and subversive power of reading and how one book can lead to another and another and another. . . . But most of all, "The Uncommon Reader" is a lot of fun to read."--Bob Minzesheimer, "USA"" Today"

"One of the most subtly ingratiating prose stylists of our time . . . charming enough and wise enough that you will certainly want to keep it around for rereading--unless you decided to share it with friends."--Michael Dirda, "The Washington Post"

"Clever and entertaining . . . "The Uncommon Reader" is a celebration of both reading and its counterpart, independent thinking."--Maud Newton, "Los Angeles"" Times"