I'm guessing many here read "Uncommon Reader"?

[MsAmerica]

I'd read it long ago, but was delighted to find a cheap hardcover, and have been happily rereading it.

A nice fantasy about Queen Elizabeth and the transformative power of reading. And very amusing.

(Damn, I'm trying to copy a link, but can't.)

Yes, it's lovely . . . so funny and rather poignant now!

I've read that and enjoyed it a lot, despite not being keen on the monarchy. I recall it as having a lot of gentle humour and digs at a few authors too.

Thanks. Just got the audiobook. Love to have a book on when I'm doing chores.

Yes it's quite cute. I also really liked The Clothes They Stood Up In which had a very similar feel - by the time he got to 'Smut' my Victorian lady sensibility couldn't quite enjoy it

It's a lovely book. My go-to recommendation for anyone that wants a lovely light read.

I've just read this, agree it's a lovely read and made me want to read Ivy Compton-Burnett (the first author the Queen reads from the mobile library).

I haven't. Not keen on AB's books, prefer his TV dramas/plays.

Me, too! I'm hoping to look into Ivy Compton-Burnett in the near future.

And, coincidentally, when I re-read now, I had recently been reading Nancy Mitford, which was the author that set QE2 on her reading path.

Funny, @ShrubRose, I have never, never had the slightest interested in trying an audiobook ... but in this one case, I'm suddenly curious.

I liked it. It was a pleasant distraction whilst doing chores! I'll be interested to hear how you get on with it if you do try it.

Oh, no! Damned with faint praise. Telling me something is a pleasant distraction is not the way to pull me in.

:(