The Uncommon Reader Audiobook on Audio CD, buy now from AudioGO

It was the corgis' fault. When they strayed through the grounds of Buckingham Palace, the Queen discovered the City of Westminster travelling library. The Queen has never had much time for reading - pleasure's always come second place to duty - 'though now that one is here I suppose one ought to borrow a book'. She is about to discover the joys of literature, albeit late in life. One book leads to another and the Queen is soon engrossed in the delights of reading. However, this uncommon reader creates an uncommon problem. The royal household dislikes the Queen's new interest; it makes them uneasy. Books are devices that ignite the imagination. And devices like that are likely to explode. Alan Bennett reads his new story about HM the Queen's all-consuming new interest, as heard on BBC Radio 4. This exclusive and extended edition is twice as long as originally broadcast.

Described as ‘one good thing to come out of the Jubilee’, Alan Bennett’s complete and unabridged narration of ‘The Uncommon Reader’ addresses a most royal subject: Queen Elizabeth II.

The plot opens when the gracious Queen inadvertently stumbles across the City of Westminster’s travelling library whilst trying to herd her wandering corgis. Intrigued, she tentatively ventures into the world of literature, selecting an Ivy Compton-Burnett title from the shelves of the mobile collection.

New to the pursuit of reading (duty has always come before pleasure), the Queen is soon engrossed as she borrows one book after the other. However, not all are pleased by the crown-bearers new hobby, regarding reading as a dangerous stimulant of the imagination. What kind of wild and subversive ideals could enter the mind of this regal uncommon reader - and what are the implications for the country over which she reigns?

‘The Uncommon Reader’ poses a hilarious and charming scenario, distinguished by the gentle wit and irony that characterise the work of the nationally adored Alan Bennett. Now yours to own on CD audiobook, this gem of a tale, first broadcast on BBC Radio 4, is sure to bring a glowing smile to listeners of all ages.