Thanks for all the comments and ratings...very much appreciated!
Thanks for all the comments and ratings...very much appreciated!
Member since:28.10.2008
Reviews:134
If there is one author guaranteed to make me laugh out loud then it has to be Sue Townsend.
She has an uncanny knack of writing books that I enjoy reading so much, that the minute I have finished, I want to start reading it over again!
Adrian Mole was my first introduction to Sue Townsend and her style of writing appealed greatly to me, it was informal, light and reflective or indeed, indicative of 'society' at the time.
Reading the Queen and I was a pleasure from start to finish. it charts the fall and fall of the Royal Family, who are moved to a council estate after a Republican Government takes over. The story is about how the family cope with their new situation (the Queen manages well, Margaret on the other hand fights tooth and nail) and what it does brilliantly is reflect the inner feelings of the Royal family and the notions that we all have about them...Anne gets on with it and falls for a carpet fitter...Diana, dresses for the challenge, Charles turns his garden into an allotment and has 'never looked happier'. The children (all much younger than they are today obviously) quickly adapt to life on the estate and alter their appearence and voices to fit in.... it is very cleverly done.
Sue Townsend is clearly an ardent socialist and there are some great moments in the story, like for example, when the new Prime Minister visits the vaults of jewels and gold underneath Buckingham Palace and the reaction to just what they could all buy.... or when the Queen gets on the bus and joyfully discovers that there is now a flat fare of 15p for all journeys...she, like every other person on low incomes thinks this is a great idea.
The book is light hearted, but also tinged with sadness and I think it reflects upon many inequalities in Britain. I could not help but be touched by the pensioner 'facing up' her empty tins in her cupboard so that her sone would always think she had loads of food.... very cleverly written and added to the story.
Townsend also wants the story to reflect some of her notions for a socialist Britain - new schools, everyone working, fair prices...it is clever and remember, that this was written before the Labour Government!
For those with a keen Townsend eye, when reading this book you will find many similarities to Adrian Mole. Lots of story lines, phrases and features have been borrowed...but as she is such a talented author, I think it is easy to forgive her for this.
Recently, this book was followed up with 'Queen Camilla' and that too adds to this story.
Apparently, the most common dream in Britain is having tea with the Queen, after reading this book not only does that become more likely, but you would also have lots of exciting questions to ask her....expecially about the influence of Crawfie her nurse on her life!
Summary: A must for the ST fan!
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Advantages: It will brighten up your day without a doubt. You'll never look at the Queen mum in the same way again. You can just imagine her in her council bungalow, savings 50ps for the gas meter. Disadvantages: The poor ending. It actually seems as if Townsend had ran out of time at the end and just think of something at the last minute.
Advantages: It will brighten up your day without a doubt. You'll never look at the Queen mum in the same way again. You can just imagine her in her council bungalow, savings 50ps for the gas meter. Disadvantages: The poor ending. It actually seems as if Townsend had ran out of time at the end and just think of something at the last minute.
Jul 31st, 2009
very helpful by (100%):
