By the uncommon writer, 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 and chortled and laughed out loud and was cheering every successful subterfuge. It's a book that makes you feel good.

Very funny and entertaining, 20 Nov 2008
A very humorous and entertaining story about the Queen and 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 and 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, 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?, 11 Nov 2008
Clocking in 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 and finds One enjoys reading.

Perhaps it might summon a wry smile when read on Radio 4 in Alan Bennett's dry monotone, but on the page his unadorned prose falls flat. Bennett is known for his social observations, his deft characterisation and 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 and insubstantial. Within hours you'll scarcely remember eating it.

Simply wonderful., 10 Nov 2008
Reading this little book was a wonderful way to spend an evening. It's a joy to read and one would love to imagine her majesty reading it herself and 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.

By the uncommon writer, 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 and chortled and laughed out loud and was cheering every successful subterfuge. It's a book that makes you feel good.

Very funny and entertaining, 20 Nov 2008
A very humorous and entertaining story about the Queen and 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 and 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, 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?, 11 Nov 2008
Clocking in 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 and finds One enjoys reading.

Perhaps it might summon a wry smile when read on Radio 4 in Alan Bennett's dry monotone, but on the page his unadorned prose falls flat. Bennett is known for his social observations, his deft characterisation and 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 and insubstantial. Within hours you'll scarcely remember eating it.

Simply wonderful., 10 Nov 2008
Reading this little book was a wonderful way to spend an evening. It's a joy to read and one would love to imagine her majesty reading it herself and 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.

By the uncommon writer, 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 and chortled and laughed out loud and was cheering every successful subterfuge. It's a book that makes you feel good.

Very funny and entertaining, 20 Nov 2008
A very humorous and entertaining story about the Queen and 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 and 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, 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?, 11 Nov 2008
Clocking in 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 and finds One enjoys reading.

Perhaps it might summon a wry smile when read on Radio 4 in Alan Bennett's dry monotone, but on the page his unadorned prose falls flat. Bennett is known for his social observations, his deft characterisation and 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 and insubstantial. Within hours you'll scarcely remember eating it.

Simply wonderful., 10 Nov 2008
Reading this little book was a wonderful way to spend an evening. It's a joy to read and one would love to imagine her majesty reading it herself and 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.

By the uncommon writer, 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 and chortled and laughed out loud and was cheering every successful subterfuge. It's a book that makes you feel good.

Very funny and entertaining, 20 Nov 2008
A very humorous and entertaining story about the Queen and 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 and 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, 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?, 11 Nov 2008
Clocking in 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 and finds One enjoys reading.

Perhaps it might summon a wry smile when read on Radio 4 in Alan Bennett's dry monotone, but on the page his unadorned prose falls flat. Bennett is known for his social observations, his deft characterisation and 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 and insubstantial. Within hours you'll scarcely remember eating it.

Simply wonderful., 10 Nov 2008
Reading this little book was a wonderful way to spend an evening. It's a joy to read and one would love to imagine her majesty reading it herself and 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.

By the uncommon writer, 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 and chortled and laughed out loud and was cheering every successful subterfuge. It's a book that makes you feel good.

Very funny and entertaining, 20 Nov 2008
A very humorous and entertaining story about the Queen and 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 and 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, 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?, 11 Nov 2008
Clocking in 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 and finds One enjoys reading.

Perhaps it might summon a wry smile when read on Radio 4 in Alan Bennett's dry monotone, but on the page his unadorned prose falls flat. Bennett is known for his social observations, his deft characterisation and 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 and insubstantial. Within hours you'll scarcely remember eating it.

Simply wonderful., 10 Nov 2008
Reading this little book was a wonderful way to spend an evening. It's a joy to read and one would love to imagine her majesty reading it herself and 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.

Classic Bennett....., 09 Apr 2007
3 of Alan Bennett`s short plays including 2 of his favourite leading ladies , Dame Thora and Patricia Routledge. I had read the first two before , the third , a dialogue between himself and Dame Judi Dench was a stranger to me . This collection is classic Bennett at it`s very best -- a joy to listen to . Hopefully more of his early works will find their way onto disc soon.

By the uncommon writer, 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 and chortled and laughed out loud and was cheering every successful subterfuge. It's a book that makes you feel good.

Very funny and entertaining, 20 Nov 2008
A very humorous and entertaining story about the Queen and 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 and 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, 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?, 11 Nov 2008
Clocking in 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 and finds One enjoys reading.

Perhaps it might summon a wry smile when read on Radio 4 in Alan Bennett's dry monotone, but on the page his unadorned prose falls flat. Bennett is known for his social observations, his deft characterisation and 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 and insubstantial. Within hours you'll scarcely remember eating it.

Simply wonderful., 10 Nov 2008
Reading this little book was a wonderful way to spend an evening. It's a joy to read and one would love to imagine her majesty reading it herself and 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.

By the uncommon writer, 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 and chortled and laughed out loud and was cheering every successful subterfuge. It's a book that makes you feel good.

Very funny and entertaining, 20 Nov 2008
A very humorous and entertaining story about the Queen and 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 and 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, 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?, 11 Nov 2008
Clocking in 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 and finds One enjoys reading.

Perhaps it might summon a wry smile when read on Radio 4 in Alan Bennett's dry monotone, but on the page his unadorned prose falls flat. Bennett is known for his social observations, his deft characterisation and 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 and insubstantial. Within hours you'll scarcely remember eating it.

Simply wonderful., 10 Nov 2008
Reading this little book was a wonderful way to spend an evening. It's a joy to read and one would love to imagine her majesty reading it herself and 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.

Classic Bennett....., 09 Apr 2007
3 of Alan Bennett`s short plays including 2 of his favourite leading ladies , Dame Thora and Patricia Routledge. I had read the first two before , the third , a dialogue between himself and Dame Judi Dench was a stranger to me . This collection is classic Bennett at it`s very best -- a joy to listen to . Hopefully more of his early works will find their way onto disc soon.

By the uncommon writer, 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 and chortled and laughed out loud and was cheering every successful subterfuge. It's a book that makes you feel good.

Very funny and entertaining, 20 Nov 2008
A very humorous and entertaining story about the Queen and 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 and 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, 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?, 11 Nov 2008
Clocking in 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 and finds One enjoys reading.

Perhaps it might summon a wry smile when read on Radio 4 in Alan Bennett's dry monotone, but on the page his unadorned prose falls flat. Bennett is known for his social observations, his deft characterisation and 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 and insubstantial. Within hours you'll scarcely remember eating it.

Simply wonderful., 10 Nov 2008
Reading this little book was a wonderful way to spend an evening. It's a joy to read and one would love to imagine her majesty reading it herself and 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.

Alan Bennett's award-winning series of six television monologues, Talking Heads, may have been first aired in 1988, but over a decade later it is still impossible to read these deeply moving and affectionate scripts without hearing the voices of the actors who played them. Maggie Smith as the alcoholic vicar's wife finding a semblance of happiness in an affair with an Indian shop owner, Patricia Routledge as the poisonous neighbour, Julie Walters as the over-the-hill dolly bird auditioning for a porn film and of course Thora Hird as Doris, the old lady alone in her home having fallen and broken her hip. All great performances and all made possible by Bennett's wonderfully observant and poignant scripts. Bennett rightly notes in his introduction to the pieces that, maybe apart from Doris, his narrators are artless in that they "don't quite know what they are saying and are telling a story to the meaning of which they are not entirely privy". But through their artlessnes they reveal more about Britain today and the stresses and strains placed upon ordinary people, than any number of docu-soaps that now claim to show us real life. --Nick Wroe

By the uncommon writer, 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 and chortled and laughed out loud and was cheering every successful subterfuge. It's a book that makes you feel good.

Very funny and entertaining, 20 Nov 2008
A very humorous and entertaining story about the Queen and 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 and 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, 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?, 11 Nov 2008
Clocking in 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 and finds One enjoys reading.

Perhaps it might summon a wry smile when read on Radio 4 in Alan Bennett's dry monotone, but on the page his unadorned prose falls flat. Bennett is known for his social observations, his deft characterisation and 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 and insubstantial. Within hours you'll scarcely remember eating it.

Simply wonderful., 10 Nov 2008
Reading this little book was a wonderful way to spend an evening. It's a joy to read and one would love to imagine her majesty reading it herself and 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.

By the uncommon writer, 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 and chortled and laughed out loud and was cheering every successful subterfuge. It's a book that makes you feel good.

Very funny and entertaining, 20 Nov 2008
A very humorous and entertaining story about the Queen and 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 and 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, 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?, 11 Nov 2008
Clocking in 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 and finds One enjoys reading.

Perhaps it might summon a wry smile when read on Radio 4 in Alan Bennett's dry monotone, but on the page his unadorned prose falls flat. Bennett is known for his social observations, his deft characterisation and 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 and insubstantial. Within hours you'll scarcely remember eating it.

Simply wonderful., 10 Nov 2008
Reading this little book was a wonderful way to spend an evening. It's a joy to read and one would love to imagine her majesty reading it herself and 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.

Classic Bennett....., 09 Apr 2007
3 of Alan Bennett`s short plays including 2 of his favourite leading ladies , Dame Thora and Patricia Routledge. I had read the first two before , the third , a dialogue between himself and Dame Judi Dench was a stranger to me . This collection is classic Bennett at it`s very best -- a joy to listen to . Hopefully more of his early works will find their way onto disc soon.

By the uncommon writer, 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 and chortled and laughed out loud and was cheering every successful subterfuge. It's a book that makes you feel good.

Very funny and entertaining, 20 Nov 2008
A very humorous and entertaining story about the Queen and 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 and 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, 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?, 11 Nov 2008
Clocking in 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 and finds One enjoys reading.

Perhaps it might summon a wry smile when read on Radio 4 in Alan Bennett's dry monotone, but on the page his unadorned prose falls flat. Bennett is known for his social observations, his deft characterisation and 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 and insubstantial. Within hours you'll scarcely remember eating it.

Simply wonderful., 10 Nov 2008
Reading this little book was a wonderful way to spend an evening. It's a joy to read and one would love to imagine her majesty reading it herself and 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.

Genius, 14 Dec 2007
I am a fan of talking books, and I would describe many of the ones that I have heard as good, entertaining, thought provoking even. But this collection of stories stands so far above everything else that I have listened to that I can't see them ever being eclipsed. They are that very rare thing in literature - something that is brilliant, complex, moving - but absolutely not worthy, or 'difficult'. How many of us have struggled through a Booker prize winner because we 'ought to', when really it was too much like hard work? These stories are just so entertaining. You very quickly forget that they are monologues because the scenes and other characters are so real that you can see and hear them as if you were watching a full-cast production. You will be able to come back to them again and again because they are so rich with detail, and so beautifully written, and spoken, that they will always be fresh. If you are considering whether or not to buy these, then consider no longer. This is a cast iron guaruntee that tou will love them - and I don't say that very often, if at all.

Try this, and be surprised, 13 Nov 2006
Some twenty years ago, mr. van Broekhoven, who taught us english, told us one day to be sure and watch a television programme called "Talking Heads" which would be shown on the BBC that same evening.
I loved it, right from the start. I was spellbound by the quality of the acting and by the words, especially by Alan Bennett's ability to put the right words in a character's mouth. He fashioned these truly moving stories out of little else but the dreary everyday life of ordinary people.
"Talking Heads" started me off on Alan Bennett and I've read a lot of his other work since, which I've also enjoyed very much.
Bennett writes with elegance, understatement and with uncanny empathy. He succeeds in really making these people come to life. One can't help but be moved by what these people tell us and you end up sympathising with them, pitying them, hoping they'll be alright, hoping it'll all work out for them. You end up sympathising with nasty small-minded people like Miss Ruddick, who is a poisoned pen-letter writer, with sad people like Graham, a man in his forties who lives with his mum, with a gullible, naïve half-wit like Lesley: a bit-part actress or "extra" who unwittingly, but unrelentingly cheerful and chirpy, ends up doing a cheap German nookie film, you even end up sympathising, awkward though it is, with a pedophile.
Yet there are no tricks, no ploys being used to achieve this, to draw upon emotions. It's just ordinary people telling their stories, revealing much about themselves, even those thing they would not want to reveal to a stranger. Reading this reminded me of a familiar experience: one feels as if being on a train, or in a waiting room. There is only one other person there and this person starts talking to you. You nod and smile politely, listen with half an ear, try and hide behind a paper or a book, but they just keep on talking, not even expecting a reply, just being glad of the chance to talk.

The form and the words are brilliantly chosen. There is so much in the little, throwaway remarks, in the seemingly unimportant. Much sadness, and loss and so much loneliness, sand painful self-awareness (or the absence thereof), much comedy, too, although these 13 people do not mean to tell a funny story. What they do, in fact, is to tell us the story of their lives (even if they do not really mean to) in little more than 30 minutes. Unwittingly they open cupboards and one or more skeletons fall out, as happens in all our lives.
Also, each of these stories has one or more wicked twists, which work marvellously: your perception of the story and of the person telling it is suddenly being tilted as the story sort of hits a bump. And after it's been given this jolt, nothing is quite the same.

I'll bugger off now but not after making 3 appeals:
1. Do not be put off by the fact that these are monologues, do not be put off by the fact that it's all about very ordinary people and do not be put off by the fact that all kinds of people about whose judgment is suspect (like teachers, critics, or indeed amazon-book reviewers) keep on telling you this is Literature, and great stuff. Just give this book a try. You will be amazed by the quality, the sensitivity and the common sense of the writing. You will probably end up as I did: recommending it to others.
2. Mr. Bennett: I know it's a bore being asked this, but could you find it in your heart to write some more of these wonderful monologues, to celebrate 20 years of "talking heads"?
3. BBC: bring them back!! Show them again, all thirteen of them, and do so every year, please.



Second chances are a good thing..., 19 Sep 2006
I too had to study the Bennett monologues at `A' level, and found it hard work - in fact, I came out of the whole ordeal with a great disliking for Bennetts work. However, I recently found myself with some time to spare and so I decided I'd perhaps give the monologues a second chance. I'm glad I did. Second time around I found the tales of each of the characters to be highly enjoyable. The characters were extremely well drawn and likable - be it the naive actress Lesley in `Her Big Chance' comparing the differences of a German director of an adult film to Polanski, or the rather sad character of Graham, dependent on his mother and horrified when she starts to have a life without him. Personally, I liked the story told by Miss Ruddock, that of someone obviously in need of attention and trying so hard to get it.

Bennett has captured perfectly the nature and personality of the simple characters in each of his stories and manages to recount each tale in both a humorous and touching way. The stories leave you caring for each of the main figures, each broken in some way and most of them blind to the fact.

Once again, I can only say how glad I am to have revisited this work and offer my apologies to the author for missing the point in the first place!


review of talking heads, 25 Jun 2005
Having to study Alan Bennet's talking heads for A-level, I can honestly say that it was an arduous task. It was near on impossible to write one thousand words on this travesty, as there is just no substance to his work. Bennet presents us with six characters. The format is the same with each, (except possibly Celia and Violet), there's some bizzare macabre secret that comes to be revealed, Wilfred is a peadophile, Marjory's Husband is a murderer etc. Wow, big deal. Bennet plays with appearance and deception. *STOP THE PRESSES!* I have grown up exposed to ardent praise of Bennet from my parents, who were born some time after the war. When I lived at home, Bennet truly was a sanctimonious icon of british drama, and regarded as a genius of his day. Maybe I'm young and just 'unaware', but I really can't see what all the fuss is about, and I really can't see Bennet's 'genius'. He achieves nothing new here, and Im just glad my A-levels are over. Avoid this at all costs.

Observational Genius!, 15 Nov 2002
Breathtaking is a word so often used to describe an offering from any artist, but this truly is. From simply observing the different and sometimes darkest side of human nature you find yourself completely engrosed and almost personally attatched to each charachter. His ability to exploit humor, and then drift into sadness and frustration without even seeming to step aside is superb. Within afew lines, even as early as the preliminary "setting", the personal effect his writing has takes you instantly into the situation and leaves you unable to exit until the sometimes bitter,sometimes hilarous, but always intriguing end. Each charachter seems genuinely real, the ordinary lives turning out as anything but. Of all this writers brilliant work this is unboubtedly the best (although "The Lady In The Van" is also worth a look, as is "Telling tales"...)to name but afew.
Amust for any fan of literature.

Life imitates art in The Lady in the Van, the story of the itinerant Miss Shepherd, who lived in a van in Alan Bennett's driveway from the early1970s until her death in 1989. It is doubtful that Bennett could have made up the eccentric Miss Shepherd if he tried, but his poignant, funny but unsentimental account of their strange relationship is akin to his best fictional screen writing.

Bennett concedes that "One seldom was able to do her a good turn without some thoughts of strangulation", but as the plastic bags build up, the years pass by and Miss Shepherd moves into Bennett's driveway, a relationship is established which defines a certain moment in late 20th-century London life which has probably gone forever. The dissenting, liberal, middle-class world of Bennett and his peers comes into hilarious but also telling collision with the world of Miss Shepherd: "there was a gap between our social position and our social obligations. It was in this gap that Miss Shepherd (in her van) was able to live".

Bennett recounts Miss Shepherd's bizarre escapades in his inimitable style, from her letter to the Argentinean Embassy at the height of the Falklands War, to her attempts to stand for Parliament and wangle an electric wheelchair out of the Social Services. Beautifully observed, The Lady in the Van is as notable for Bennett's attempts to uncover the enigmatic history of Miss Shepherd, as it is for its amusing account of her eccentric escapades. --Jerry Brotton

By the uncommon writer, 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 and chortled and laughed out loud and was cheering every successful subterfuge. It's a book that makes you feel good.

Very funny and entertaining, 20 Nov 2008
A very humorous and entertaining story about the Queen and 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 and 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, 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?, 11 Nov 2008
Clocking in 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 and finds One enjoys reading.

Perhaps it might summon a wry smile when read on Radio 4 in Alan Bennett's dry monotone, but on the page his unadorned prose falls flat. Bennett is known for his social observations, his deft characterisation and 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 and insubstantial. Within hours you'll scarcely remember eating it.

Simply wonderful., 10 Nov 2008
Reading this little book was a wonderful way to spend an evening. It's a joy to read and one would love to imagine her majesty reading it herself and 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.

By the uncommon writer, 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 and chortled and laughed out loud and was cheering every successful subterfuge. It's a book that makes you feel good.

Very funny and entertaining, 20 Nov 2008
A very humorous and entertaining story about the Queen and 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 and 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, 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?, 11 Nov 2008
Clocking in 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 and finds One enjoys reading.

Perhaps it might summon a wry smile when read on Radio 4 in Alan Bennett's dry monotone, but on the page his unadorned prose falls flat. Bennett is known for his social observations, his deft characterisation and 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 and insubstantial. Within hours you'll scarcely remember eating it.

Simply wonderful., 10 Nov 2008
Reading this little book was a wonderful way to spend an evening. It's a joy to read and one would love to imagine her majesty reading it herself and 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.

Classic Bennett....., 09 Apr 2007
3 of Alan Bennett`s short plays including 2 of his favourite leading ladies , Dame Thora and Patricia Routledge. I had read the first two before , the third , a dialogue between himself and Dame Judi Dench was a stranger to me . This collection is classic Bennett at it`s very best -- a joy to listen to . Hopefully more of his early works will find their way onto disc soon.

By the uncommon writer, 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 and chortled and laughed out loud and was cheering every successful subterfuge. It's a book that makes you feel good.

Very funny and entertaining, 20 Nov 2008
A very humorous and entertaining story about the Queen and 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 and 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, 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?, 11 Nov 2008
Clocking in 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 and finds One enjoys reading.

Perhaps it might summon a wry smile when read on Radio 4 in Alan Bennett's dry monotone, but on the page his unadorned prose falls flat. Bennett is known for his social observations, his deft characterisation and 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 and insubstantial. Within hours you'll scarcely remember eating it.

Simply wonderful., 10 Nov 2008
Reading this little book was a wonderful way to spend an evening. It's a joy to read and one would love to imagine her majesty reading it herself and 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.

Genius, 14 Dec 2007
I am a fan of talking books, and I would describe many of the ones that I have heard as good, entertaining, thought provoking even. But this collection of stories stands so far above everything else that I have listened to that I can't see them ever being eclipsed. They are that very rare thing in literature - something that is brilliant, complex, moving - but absolutely not worthy, or 'difficult'. How many of us have struggled through a Booker prize winner because we 'ought to', when really it was too much like hard work? These stories are just so entertaining. You very quickly forget that they are monologues because the scenes and other characters are so real that you can see and hear them as if you were watching a full-cast production. You will be able to come back to them again and again because they are so rich with detail, and so beautifully written, and spoken, that they will always be fresh. If you are considering whether or not to buy these, then consider no longer. This is a cast iron guaruntee that tou will love them - and I don't say that very often, if at all.

Try this, and be surprised, 13 Nov 2006
Some twenty years ago, mr. van Broekhoven, who taught us english, told us one day to be sure and watch a television programme called "Talking Heads" which would be shown on the BBC that same evening.
I loved it, right from the start. I was spellbound by the quality of the acting and by the words, especially by Alan Bennett's ability to put the right words in a character's mouth. He fashioned these truly moving stories out of little else but the dreary everyday life of ordinary people.
"Talking Heads" started me off on Alan Bennett and I've read a lot of his other work since, which I've also enjoyed very much.
Bennett writes with elegance, understatement and with uncanny empathy. He succeeds in really making these people come to life. One can't help but be moved by what these people tell us and you end up sympathising with them, pitying them, hoping they'll be alright, hoping it'll all work out for them. You end up sympathising with nasty small-minded people like Miss Ruddick, who is a poisoned pen-letter writer, with sad people like Graham, a man in his forties who lives with his mum, with a gullible, naïve half-wit like Lesley: a bit-part actress or "extra" who unwittingly, but unrelentingly cheerful and chirpy, ends up doing a cheap German nookie film, you even end up sympathising, awkward though it is, with a pedophile.
Yet there are no tricks, no ploys being used to achieve this, to draw upon emotions. It's just ordinary people telling their stories, revealing much about themselves, even those thing they would not want to reveal to a stranger. Reading this reminded me of a familiar experience: one feels as if being on a train, or in a waiting room. There is only one other person there and this person starts talking to you. You nod and smile politely, listen with half an ear, try and hide behind a paper or a book, but they just keep on talking, not even expecting a reply, just being glad of the chance to talk.

The form and the words are brilliantly chosen. There is so much in the little, throwaway remarks, in the seemingly unimportant. Much sadness, and loss and so much loneliness, sand painful self-awareness (or the absence thereof), much comedy, too, although these 13 people do not mean to tell a funny story. What they do, in fact, is to tell us the story of their lives (even if they do not really mean to) in little more than 30 minutes. Unwittingly they open cupboards and one or more skeletons fall out, as happens in all our lives.
Also, each of these stories has one or more wicked twists, which work marvellously: your perception of the story and of the person telling it is suddenly being tilted as the story sort of hits a bump. And after it's been given this jolt, nothing is quite the same.

I'll bugger off now but not after making 3 appeals:
1. Do not be put off by the fact that these are monologues, do not be put off by the fact that it's all about very ordinary people and do not be put off by the fact that all kinds of people about whose judgment is suspect (like teachers, critics, or indeed amazon-book reviewers) keep on telling you this is Literature, and great stuff. Just give this book a try. You will be amazed by the quality, the sensitivity and the common sense of the writing. You will probably end up as I did: recommending it to others.
2. Mr. Bennett: I know it's a bore being asked this, but could you find it in your heart to write some more of these wonderful monologues, to celebrate 20 years of "talking heads"?
3. BBC: bring them back!! Show them again, all thirteen of them, and do so every year, please.



Second chances are a good thing..., 19 Sep 2006
I too had to study the Bennett monologues at `A' level, and found it hard work - in fact, I came out of the whole ordeal with a great disliking for Bennetts work. However, I recently found myself with some time to spare and so I decided I'd perhaps give the monologues a second chance. I'm glad I did. Second time around I found the tales of each of the characters to be highly enjoyable. The characters were extremely well drawn and likable - be it the naive actress Lesley in `Her Big Chance' comparing the differences of a German director of an adult film to Polanski, or the rather sad character of Graham, dependent on his mother and horrified when she starts to have a life without him. Personally, I liked the story told by Miss Ruddock, that of someone obviously in need of attention and trying so hard to get it.

Bennett has captured perfectly the nature and personality of the simple characters in each of his stories and manages to recount each tale in both a humorous and touching way. The stories leave you caring for each of the main figures, each broken in some way and most of them blind to the fact.

Once again, I can only say how glad I am to have revisited this work and offer my apologies to the author for missing the point in the first place!


review of talking heads, 25 Jun 2005
Having to study Alan Bennet's talking heads for A-level, I can honestly say that it was an arduous task. It was near on impossible to write one thousand words on this travesty, as there is just no substance to his work. Bennet presents us with six characters. The format is the same with each, (except possibly Celia and Violet), there's some bizzare macabre secret that comes to be revealed, Wilfred is a peadophile, Marjory's Husband is a murderer etc. Wow, big deal. Bennet plays with appearance and deception. *STOP THE PRESSES!* I have grown up exposed to ardent praise of Bennet from my parents, who were born some time after the war. When I lived at home, Bennet truly was a sanctimonious icon of british drama, and regarded as a genius of his day. Maybe I'm young and just 'unaware', but I really can't see what all the fuss is about, and I really can't see Bennet's 'genius'. He achieves nothing new here, and Im just glad my A-levels are over. Avoid this at all costs.

Observational Genius!, 15 Nov 2002
Breathtaking is a word so often used to describe an offering from any artist, but this truly is. From simply observing the different and sometimes darkest side of human nature you find yourself completely engrosed and almost personally attatched to each charachter. His ability to exploit humor, and then drift into sadness and frustration without even seeming to step aside is superb. Within afew lines, even as early as the preliminary "setting", the personal effect his writing has takes you instantly into the situation and leaves you unable to exit until the sometimes bitter,sometimes hilarous, but always intriguing end. Each charachter seems genuinely real, the ordinary lives turning out as anything but. Of all this writers brilliant work this is unboubtedly the best (although "The Lady In The Van" is also worth a look, as is "Telling tales"...)to name but afew.
Amust for any fan of literature.

An amazing work of non-fiction, 16 Nov 2008
'The Lady in the Van' is a completely true story. In the 1970's and 1980's outside Alan Bennett's own house in Camden an old lady (Miss Shepherd) lived in a Van in the street. After a time she could no longer stay on the street. Amazingly Bennett allowed her to move her Van into his garden and there she remained until she died.

This is a remarkable story, and its one of the funniest yet moving pieces of writing that I have ever read. Bennett is a marvellous observer of people and his humanity shines through. Miss Shephard's living conditions were frankly disgusting (just think of the smell) and this would be enough to put most people off having any contact with her at all.

Bennett here has written one of the finest works of moving and poignant non-fiction I know of.


What fun!, 23 Oct 2008
What a fun read. It had me giggling away for several hours. Alan Bennett is of course a fine writer and this is a very funny recount of his relationship with the distressed gentlewoman who camped at the bottom of his garden (you couldn't make it up). A book everyone should read -- possibly.

entertaing read, 09 Aug 2007
Very amusing little book coupled with Bennett's talent for pathos and humour. The story is so well expressed you can almost smell the stench of the tramp occupied van. Excellent read. Recommended.



Both funny and sad, 16 Aug 2005
The story of how Mr Shepherd ended up in Alan Bennett's drive, and how she lived her life their until her eventual death, is both funny, and also in parts sad. Although very short, this book is well worth it, and highly recommended.

Miss Shepard Desert Fox, 02 Aug 2001
For fifteen years this arch Tory lived in a van in Bennets driveway. We must laugh at the rubbing on of Bells whiskey, the fright Bennett got when he thought she was going to camp on his Yorkshire doorstep. We must wonder what went on in Miss Shepard's mind as she talked of "this land" and "her pencils". During this time Bennett realises that Miss Shepard is not to different from the rest of us as she too has all the usless items for living that we never use. We must pause as she nears the end of her life. And at the end you feel he quite liked her and she him. I know I did. She may be in an unmarked Islington grave but she is remembered.

By the uncommon writer, 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 and chortled and laughed out loud and was cheering every successful subterfuge. It's a book that makes you feel good.

Very funny and entertaining, 20 Nov 2008
A very humorous and entertaining story about the Queen and 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 and 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, 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?, 11 Nov 2008
Clocking in 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 and finds One enjoys reading.

Perhaps it might summon a wry smile when read on Radio 4 in Alan Bennett's dry monotone, but on the page his unadorned prose falls flat. Bennett is known for his social observations, his deft characterisation and 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 and insubstantial. Within hours you'll scarcely remember eating it.

Simply wonderful., 10 Nov 2008
Reading this little book was a wonderful way to spend an evening. It's a joy to read and one would love to imagine her majesty reading it herself and 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.

By the uncommon writer, 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 and chortled and laughed out loud and was cheering every successful subterfuge. It's a book that makes you feel good.

Very funny and entertaining, 20 Nov 2008
A very humorous and entertaining story about the Queen and 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 and 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, 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?, 11 Nov 2008
Clocking in 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 and finds One enjoys reading.

Perhaps it might summon a wry smile when read on Radio 4 in Alan Bennett's dry monotone, but on the page his unadorned prose falls flat. Bennett is known for his social observations, his deft characterisation and 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 and insubstantial. Within hours you'll scarcely remember eating it.

Simply wonderful., 10 Nov 2008
Reading this little book was a wonderful way to spend an evening. It's a joy to read and one would love to imagine her majesty reading it herself and 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.

Classic Bennett....., 09 Apr 2007
3 of Alan Bennett`s short plays including 2 of his favourite leading ladies , Dame Thora and Patricia Routledge. I had read the first two before , the third , a dialogue between himself and Dame Judi Dench was a stranger to me . This collection is classic Bennett at it`s very best -- a joy to listen to . Hopefully more of his early works will find their way onto disc soon.

By the uncommon writer, 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 and chortled and laughed out loud and was cheering every successful subterfuge. It's a book that makes you feel good.

Very funny and entertaining, 20 Nov 2008
A very humorous and entertaining story about the Queen and 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 and 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, 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?, 11 Nov 2008
Clocking in 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 and finds One enjoys reading.

Perhaps it might summon a wry smile when read on Radio 4 in Alan Bennett's dry monotone, but on the page his unadorned prose falls flat. Bennett is known for his social observations, his deft characterisation and 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 and insubstantial. Within hours you'll scarcely remember eating it.

Simply wonderful., 10 Nov 2008
Reading this little book was a wonderful way to spend an evening. It's a joy to read and one would love to imagine her majesty reading it herself and 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.

Genius, 14 Dec 2007
I am a fan of talking books, and I would describe many of the ones that I have heard as good, entertaining, thought provoking even. But this collection of stories stands so far above everything else that I have listened to that I can't see them ever being eclipsed. They are that very rare thing in literature - something that is brilliant, complex, moving - but absolutely not worthy, or 'difficult'. How many of us have struggled through a Booker prize winner because we 'ought to', when really it was too much like hard work? These stories are just so entertaining. You very quickly forget that they are monologues because the scenes and other characters are so real that you can see and hear them as if you were watching a full-cast production. You will be able to come back to them again and again because they are so rich with detail, and so beautifully written, and spoken, that they will always be fresh. If you are considering whether or not to buy these, then consider no longer. This is a cast iron guaruntee that tou will love them - and I don't say that very often, if at all.

Try this, and be surprised, 13 Nov 2006
Some twenty years ago, mr. van Broekhoven, who taught us english, told us one day to be sure and watch a television programme called "Talking Heads" which would be shown on the BBC that same evening.
I loved it, right from the start. I was spellbound by the quality of the acting and by the words, especially by Alan Bennett's ability to put the right words in a character's mouth. He fashioned these truly moving stories out of little else but the dreary everyday life of ordinary people.
"Talking Heads" started me off on Alan Bennett and I've read a lot of his other work since, which I've also enjoyed very much.
Bennett writes with elegance, understatement and with uncanny empathy. He succeeds in really making these people come to life. One can't help but be moved by what these people tell us and you end up sympathising with them, pitying them, hoping they'll be alright, hoping it'll all work out for them. You end up sympathising with nasty small-minded people like Miss Ruddick, who is a poisoned pen-letter writer, with sad people like Graham, a man in his forties who lives with his mum, with a gullible, naïve half-wit like Lesley: a bit-part actress or "extra" who unwittingly, but unrelentingly cheerful and chirpy, ends up doing a cheap German nookie film, you even end up sympathising, awkward though it is, with a pedophile.
Yet there are no tricks, no ploys being used to achieve this, to draw upon emotions. It's just ordinary people telling their stories, revealing much about themselves, even those thing they would not want to reveal to a stranger. Reading this reminded me of a familiar experience: one feels as if being on a train, or in a waiting room. There is only one other person there and this person starts talking to you. You nod and smile politely, listen with half an ear, try and hide behind a paper or a book, but they just keep on talking, not even expecting a reply, just being glad of the chance to talk.

The form and the words are brilliantly chosen. There is so much in the little, throwaway remarks, in the seemingly unimportant. Much sadness, and loss and so much loneliness, sand painful self-awareness (or the absence thereof), much comedy, too, although these 13 people do not mean to tell a funny story. What they do, in fact, is to tell us the story of their lives (even if they do not really mean to) in little more than 30 minutes. Unwittingly they open cupboards and one or more skeletons fall out, as happens in all our lives.
Also, each of these stories has one or more wicked twists, which work marvellously: your perception of the story and of the person telling it is suddenly being tilted as the story sort of hits a bump. And after it's been given this jolt, nothing is quite the same.

I'll bugger off now but not after making 3 appeals:
1. Do not be put off by the fact that these are monologues, do not be put off by the fact that it's all about very ordinary people and do not be put off by the fact that all kinds of people about whose judgment is suspect (like teachers, critics, or indeed amazon-book reviewers) keep on telling you this is Literature, and great stuff. Just give this book a try. You will be amazed by the quality, the sensitivity and the common sense of the writing. You will probably end up as I did: recommending it to others.
2. Mr. Bennett: I know it's a bore being asked this, but could you find it in your heart to write some more of these wonderful monologues, to celebrate 20 years of "talking heads"?
3. BBC: bring them back!! Show them again, all thirteen of them, and do so every year, please.



Second chances are a good thing..., 19 Sep 2006
I too had to study the Bennett monologues at `A' level, and found it hard work - in fact, I came out of the whole ordeal with a great disliking for Bennetts work. However, I recently found myself with some time to spare and so I decided I'd perhaps give the monologues a second chance. I'm glad I did. Second time around I found the tales of each of the characters to be highly enjoyable. The characters were extremely well drawn and likable - be it the naive actress Lesley in `Her Big Chance' comparing the differences of a German director of an adult film to Polanski, or the rather sad character of Graham, dependent on his mother and horrified when she starts to have a life without him. Personally, I liked the story told by Miss Ruddock, that of someone obviously in need of attention and trying so hard to get it.

Bennett has captured perfectly the nature and personality of the simple characters in each of his stories and manages to recount each tale in both a humorous and touching way. The stories leave you caring for each of the main figures, each broken in some way and most of them blind to the fact.

Once again, I can only say how glad I am to have revisited this work and offer my apologies to the author for missing the point in the first place!


review of talking heads, 25 Jun 2005
Having to study Alan Bennet's talking heads for A-level, I can honestly say that it was an arduous task. It was near on impossible to write one thousand words on this travesty, as there is just no substance to his work. Bennet presents us with six characters. The format is the same with each, (except possibly Celia and Violet), there's some bizzare macabre secret that comes to be revealed, Wilfred is a peadophile, Marjory's Husband is a murderer etc. Wow, big deal. Bennet plays with appearance and deception. *STOP THE PRESSES!* I have grown up exposed to ardent praise of Bennet from my parents, who were born some time after the war. When I lived at home, Bennet truly was a sanctimonious icon of british drama, and regarded as a genius of his day. Maybe I'm young and just 'unaware', but I really can't see what all the fuss is about, and I really can't see Bennet's 'genius'. He achieves nothing new here, and Im just glad my A-levels are over. Avoid this at all costs.

Observational Genius!, 15 Nov 2002
Breathtaking is a word so often used to describe an offering from any artist, but this truly is. From simply observing the different and sometimes darkest side of human nature you find yourself completely engrosed and almost personally attatched to each charachter. His ability to exploit humor, and then drift into sadness and frustration without even seeming to step aside is superb. Within afew lines, even as early as the preliminary "setting", the personal effect his writing has takes you instantly into the situation and leaves you unable to exit until the sometimes bitter,sometimes hilarous, but always intriguing end. Each charachter seems genuinely real, the ordinary lives turning out as anything but. Of all this writers brilliant work this is unboubtedly the best (although "The Lady In The Van" is also worth a look, as is "Telling tales"...)to name but afew.
Amust for any fan of literature.

An amazing work of non-fiction, 16 Nov 2008
'The Lady in the Van' is a completely true story. In the 1970's and 1980's outside Alan Bennett's own house in Camden an old lady (Miss Shepherd) lived in a Van in the street. After a time she could no longer stay on the street. Amazingly Bennett allowed her to move her Van into his garden and there she remained until she died.

This is a remarkable story, and its one of the funniest yet moving pieces of writing that I have ever read. Bennett is a marvellous observer of people and his humanity shines through. Miss Shephard's living conditions were frankly disgusting (just think of the smell) and this would be enough to put most people off having any contact with her at all.

Bennett here has written one of the finest works of moving and poignant non-fiction I know of.


What fun!, 23 Oct 2008
What a fun read. It had me giggling away for several hours. Alan Bennett is of course a fine writer and this is a very funny recount of his relationship with the distressed gentlewoman who camped at the bottom of his garden (you couldn't make it up). A book everyone should read -- possibly.

entertaing read, 09 Aug 2007
Very amusing little book coupled with Bennett's talent for pathos and humour. The story is so well expressed you can almost smell the stench of the tramp occupied van. Excellent read. Recommended.



Both funny and sad, 16 Aug 2005
The story of how Mr Shepherd ended up in Alan Bennett's drive, and how she lived her life their until her eventual death, is both funny, and also in parts sad. Although very short, this book is well worth it, and highly recommended.

Miss Shepard Desert Fox, 02 Aug 2001
For fifteen years this arch Tory lived in a van in Bennets driveway. We must laugh at the rubbing on of Bells whiskey, the fright Bennett got when he thought she was going to camp on his Yorkshire doorstep. We must wonder what went on in Miss Shepard's mind as she talked of "this land" and "her pencils". During this time Bennett realises that Miss Shepard is not to different from the rest of us as she too has all the usless items for living that we never use. We must pause as she nears the end of her life. And at the end you feel he quite liked her and she him. I know I did. She may be in an unmarked Islington grave but she is remembered.

Nice book, shame about the typeface , 12 Mar 2008
It may seem a minor point but no reputable publisher should be allowed to get away with print this small - it's about half the size of 'Writing Home' and severely marred my reading pleasure. Given the likely average age of the readership for a book like this you'd think Bennett in particular would insist on something big enough for his Gran to read. Why do they do it? Profit? Laziness? It certainly shows contempt for the reading public, but then I forget, this is Faber & Faber so that is to be expected. 'Bit small, eh? Well, screw up your eyes and be grateful - it's high art is that'.

Humour and insight, 30 Jul 2007
Alan Bennett is one of the great cornerstones of the arts in Britain and to read an autobiography is always going to be interesting and informative. His achievement is all the greater coming from such a humble background and it must have been all the more difficult for him mixing with contemporaries who were mainly upper class ex public school types, and you do detect a hint of bitterness. He does however go into great detail about his family and upbringing leaving no secrets unrevealed. As with all the other sections of the book it's recalled with great insight and humour. Being such a stalwart of English literature I felt compelled to read it and I wasn't disappointed, despite it's huge size. I just wish he would accept the knighthood he richly deserves.

Laughter in the Confessional, 07 Mar 2007
If you know Alan Bennett's work through his plays or have enjoyed the memorable collection Writing Home in the 1990's, you might wonder what this current anthology has in store. Well the short answer is that it is the same only different. The customary Bennett humanity, acute observation, keen intelligence and wry humour are much in evidence in the diaries from 1996-2004 included here, and in several of the shorter book reviews and essays. However, it has to be said that this volume like the second set of Talking Heads takes on a much darker hue focussing on issues that the writer has only alluded to before. The first long piece is a detailed account of the mental illness suffered by his mother and aunt and pulls no punches in its depictions of the institutions they attended or the impact this had on the wider family and how their conditions indirectly led to the discovery of a family secret. Similarly, recent years have seen A.B becoming more relaxed about his sexuality and this comes over in the article Written on the Body and contented accounts of domestic bliss with partner Rupert. Then there is an increasing anger in his comments on social and political matters especially his bitter denunciation of the Iraq war. Finally there is his perceptive account of facing a life threatening battle with cancer where the title is instructive of his attitude- An Average Rock Bun. Yet even as the content becomes more hard-edged, the quality of the prose remains as pleasing as ever: Bennett remains the master of the telling phrase, his deployment of vocabulary always apposite. Consequently, we are offered a rounded portrait of this famously secretive man far more illuminating than Alexander Game's empty biography of a few years ago. Above all you will be delighted to know, Bennett is as funny as ever whether he is talking to the local coal merchant: `you're not a patch on your dad' or commenting on the men who changed a tyre in ten minutes: `I feel I want to ask them home so they can take charge of my life'. The key to the genius of Bennett is that so often you smile in recognition at the truth of his observations having seen similar yourself, only he expresses them twice as fluently and with three times the humour.

One of the best books I have read, 30 Jan 2007
I was hooked from the first page on this book which is brilliantly written, amazingly honest - almost too honest - and the sort of book that you think about on the way to work.

At times the subject matter of the book verges on the mundane but he has such a way of bringing characters to life in your mind that you would happily read about them watching the grass grow!


You won't regret it, but..., 14 Dec 2006
'Untold Stories' was the first book I have read by Alan Bennett, the seemingly ubiquitous Christmas billboard advertising prompting me to make the purchase that I would otherwise have missed. Similarly I have (rather shamefully, in retrospect) neglected to see any of his plays or read any of his other books. Given the heavy advertising budget gone into the publication of this book (by two publishing houses, I note, therefore perhaps double the budget?), I imagined that much of the content in the book would appeal to all generations. Unfortunately, being 50 odd years his junior, I found a lot of the writing 'beyond me' as it were, as so often happens with more senior writers (towards the end of the book Bennett confesses that he does not know how to use the internet, a handicap that to me seems incomprehensible in this day and age, given my lifestyle). To a reader that is unfamiliar with his work, a lot of this book can be disregarded: who wants to read about the background of a play when one has not seen or read the play that is being described? Similarly, myself not a particular aficionado of art, his narrative on paintings was tedious and dreary at times; indeed there were moments I felt that I was ploughing through the text, impatient to reach the last pages. I noted that the front cover of the book there is a rave review quoted from Nigel Slater. It is no surprise, perhaps, that 'Toast' (Slater's autobiography) was similarly complimented in Bennett's diaries, a conicidence that seems somewhat more than accidental.

Despite these substantial complaints, however, I do not regret reading this mammoth autobiography. Bennett's writing is truly a pleasure to read, and his relentless dislike of the press (and in particular Mr. Murdoch, which is duly mentioned several times throughout) is intensely satisfying: I suppose we do have something in common, after all. The closing pages of 'Untold Stories' (the title piece and in my opinion, the best section of this book) does not fail to touch and his narrative detailing the perils of living with cancer and his experience of being 'queer bashed' in Italy shed light on topics that are too often left unstated.

By the uncommon writer, 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 and chortled and laughed out loud and was cheering every successful subterfuge. It's a book that makes you feel good.

Very funny and entertaining, 20 Nov 2008
A very humorous and entertaining story about the Queen and 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 and 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, 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?, 11 Nov 2008
Clocking in 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 and finds One enjoys reading.

Perhaps it might summon a wry smile when read on Radio 4 in Alan Bennett's dry monotone, but on the page his unadorned prose falls flat. Bennett is known for his social observations, his deft characterisation and 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 and insubstantial. Within hours you'll scarcely remember eating it.

Simply wonderful., 10 Nov 2008
Reading this little book was a wonderful way to spend an evening. It's a joy to read and one would love to imagine her majesty reading it herself and 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.

By the uncommon writer, 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 and chortled and laughed out loud and was cheering every successful subterfuge. It's a book that makes you feel good.

Very funny and entertaining, 20 Nov 2008
A very humorous and entertaining story about the Queen and 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 and 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, 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?, 11 Nov 2008
Clocking in 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 and finds One enjoys reading.

Perhaps it might summon a wry smile when read on Radio 4 in Alan Bennett's dry monotone, but on the page his unadorned prose falls flat. Bennett is known for his social observations, his deft characterisation and 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 and insubstantial. Within hours you'll scarcely remember eating it.

Simply wonderful., 10 Nov 2008
Reading this little book was a wonderful way to spend an evening. It's a joy to read and one would love to imagine her majesty reading it herself and 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.

Classic Bennett....., 09 Apr 2007
3 of Alan Bennett`s short plays including 2 of his favourite leading ladies , Dame Thora and Patricia Routledge. I had read the first two before , the third , a dialogue between himself and Dame Judi Dench was a stranger to me . This collection is classic Bennett at it`s very best -- a joy to listen to . Hopefully more of his early works will find their way onto disc soon.

By the uncommon writer, 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 and chortled and laughed out loud and was cheering every successful subterfuge. It's a book that makes you feel good.

Very funny and entertaining, 20 Nov 2008
A very humorous and entertaining story about the Queen and 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 and 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, 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?, 11 Nov 2008
Clocking in 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 and finds One enjoys reading.

Perhaps it might summon a wry smile when read on Radio 4 in Alan Bennett's dry monotone, but on the page his unadorned prose falls flat. Bennett is known for his social observations, his deft characterisation and 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 and insubstantial. Within hours you'll scarcely remember eating it.

Simply wonderful., 10 Nov 2008
Reading this little book was a wonderful way to spend an evening. It's a joy to read and one would love to imagine her majesty reading it herself and 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.

Genius, 14 Dec 2007
I am a fan of talking books, and I would describe many of the ones that I have heard as good, entertaining, thought provoking even. But this collection of stories stands so far above everything else that I have listened to that I can't see them ever being eclipsed. They are that very rare thing in literature - something that is brilliant, complex, moving - but absolutely not worthy, or 'difficult'. How many of us have struggled through a Booker prize winner because we 'ought to', when really it was too much like hard work? These stories are just so entertaining. You very quickly forget that they are monologues because the scenes and other characters are so real that you can see and hear them as if you were watching a full-cast production. You will be able to come back to them again and again because they are so rich with detail, and so beautifully written, and spoken, that they will always be fresh. If you are considering whether or not to buy these, then consider no longer. This is a cast iron guaruntee that tou will love them - and I don't say that very often, if at all.

Try this, and be surprised, 13 Nov 2006
Some twenty years ago, mr. van Broekhoven, who taught us english, told us one day to be sure and watch a television programme called "Talking Heads" which would be shown on the BBC that same evening.
I loved it, right from the start. I was spellbound by the quality of the acting and by the words, especially by Alan Bennett's ability to put the right words in a character's mouth. He fashioned these truly moving stories out of little else but the dreary everyday life of ordinary people.
"Talking Heads" started me off on Alan Bennett and I've read a lot of his other work since, which I've also enjoyed very much.
Bennett writes with elegance, understatement and with uncanny empathy. He succeeds in really making these people come to life. One can't help but be moved by what these people tell us and you end up sympathising with them, pitying them, hoping they'll be alright, hoping it'll all work out f