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Queuing for the Queen
A warm and uplifting novel about a British Indian mother and daughter and their journey across 24 hours queuing to see the Queen lying in state.
One queue. 250,000 people. Twenty-four life-changing hours.
A young boy wearing a cereal box crown, impatiently dragging his mother behind him. A friendly man in a khaki raincoat, talking about his beloved Leeds United to anyone who will listen. An elderly woman who has lived her life alongside the Queen, and is just hoping she’ll make it to the end of the queue to say goodbye. And among them, a British Indian mother and daughter, driven apart by their differences, embarking on a pilgrimage which neither of them yet know will change their lives forever.
Full of secrets and surprises, this uplifting novel celebrates not only the remarkable woman who defined an era and a country, but also the diverse and unique people she served for so long.
One queue. 250,000 people. Twenty-four life-changing hours.
A young boy wearing a cereal box crown, impatiently dragging his mother behind him. A friendly man in a khaki raincoat, talking about his beloved Leeds United to anyone who will listen. An elderly woman who has lived her life alongside the Queen, and is just hoping she’ll make it to the end of the queue to say goodbye. And among them, a British Indian mother and daughter, driven apart by their differences, embarking on a pilgrimage which neither of them yet know will change their lives forever.
Full of secrets and surprises, this uplifting novel celebrates not only the remarkable woman who defined an era and a country, but also the diverse and unique people she served for so long.
- GenresFiction
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2023
42 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
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July 6, 2023I have not read this, but just in case my UK friends are interested, or really anyone interested in a story about Queen Elizabeth ~ it's out in paperback today 7/6/23 ➡ Amazon UK
It's a debut with a pretty good rating so far.
PS ~ I'm on the blog tour, which is why I'm letting you know.
It's a debut with a pretty good rating so far.
PS ~ I'm on the blog tour, which is why I'm letting you know.
July 11, 2023
We pretty much all know where we were when we heard The Queen had died and we then all pretty much remember following the Queue as many of our fellow humans decided to go and pay respect,often waiting in line 24 hours or more…probably we all knew someone who went and possibly all of us at least had more than a passing fancy to go and join the queue ourselves…
This book joins a Mum and her daughter as they battle fatigue,hunger and themselves and what happens and who they meet whilst on this epic journey,it was never not going to be good…there is too much material relating to it not to be an emotive,warm,memory jerking read for everyone but what it did as well as this was take the reader on a journey through cultural difference,forbidden love, rejection and family feuds to name but a few things the book tackled and got to say tackled well
It was great to read a book mainly based on my street and area and it felt so real,so visceral at times I did have to check it was fiction and not an actual account.I do wonder how much of it was based on the authors experiences then and in her past
Very moving, exceptionally readable and a massive memory of a time we all lived through,thoroughly enjoyable
This book joins a Mum and her daughter as they battle fatigue,hunger and themselves and what happens and who they meet whilst on this epic journey,it was never not going to be good…there is too much material relating to it not to be an emotive,warm,memory jerking read for everyone but what it did as well as this was take the reader on a journey through cultural difference,forbidden love, rejection and family feuds to name but a few things the book tackled and got to say tackled well
It was great to read a book mainly based on my street and area and it felt so real,so visceral at times I did have to check it was fiction and not an actual account.I do wonder how much of it was based on the authors experiences then and in her past
Very moving, exceptionally readable and a massive memory of a time we all lived through,thoroughly enjoyable
May 23, 2023
This was such an interesting read! It was so engaging and at times frustrating and I wanted to yell like Tania! But Rani's story unfolds so beautifully that by the end, she is every bit as wonderful and thoughtful a character as you could possibly hope for. I loved watching her grow and change and adapt.
Also, I absolutely adored all the side characters they meet along the way. This was a lovely book and I will definitely be looking for more by the author!
Also, I absolutely adored all the side characters they meet along the way. This was a lovely book and I will definitely be looking for more by the author!
May 1, 2023
Oh everyone is going to love this book! What a great read, especially reliving such a recent experience, now I never joined "The Queue" but the stories that came out of it were enjoyable.
I enjoyed the characters, all very diverse and fitting for the world we are in and I enjoyed the layout of the book, an easy Sunday afternoon read for sure.
My first ever wish on Netgalley and it was granted! Thank you Netgalley and the author for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the characters, all very diverse and fitting for the world we are in and I enjoyed the layout of the book, an easy Sunday afternoon read for sure.
My first ever wish on Netgalley and it was granted! Thank you Netgalley and the author for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2023
In 2022, Queen Elizabeth II of England passed away at the age of 96. Her life, reign and death meant many different things for many different people around the world, and this was never more evident than in the media circus that followed. What was unexpected, was the thousands of people willing to wait queue for over 24 hours for the chance to pay respects at her coffin.
Rani, a Gujarati Indian woman who emigrated to London as a young child, and her adult daughter Tania, whose father is white, are in this queue together. The people the meet, the stories they hear, and the way the Queen has affected each of their lives is explored delicately in this book that is far more than a nod to the monarchy.
Thank you to Author Swéta Rana, @headofzeus and @netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. It's publishing today and it was an incredibly poignant read after England's King Charles III was crowned just days ago.
I appreciated the characters we met of different ages, cultures and sexual orientation. This wasn't an 'I love the Queen' book; many different angles were explored and I really appreciated this fact. I especially loved the dual perspective of Rani vs Tania and the glimpses we got into Rani's traditional Gujarati upbringing. This was such a positive take on love; between family, friends, community and country. I would happily read it again!
Rani, a Gujarati Indian woman who emigrated to London as a young child, and her adult daughter Tania, whose father is white, are in this queue together. The people the meet, the stories they hear, and the way the Queen has affected each of their lives is explored delicately in this book that is far more than a nod to the monarchy.
Thank you to Author Swéta Rana, @headofzeus and @netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. It's publishing today and it was an incredibly poignant read after England's King Charles III was crowned just days ago.
I appreciated the characters we met of different ages, cultures and sexual orientation. This wasn't an 'I love the Queen' book; many different angles were explored and I really appreciated this fact. I especially loved the dual perspective of Rani vs Tania and the glimpses we got into Rani's traditional Gujarati upbringing. This was such a positive take on love; between family, friends, community and country. I would happily read it again!
October 2, 2024
no but why was this so lovely🥺🥺🥺 made me feel a bit teary at times but wow this was such a good concept and it definitely succeeded! selflessness, love, devotion, family & a drag queen livestream (?) GAH beautiful
April 3, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
When I first saw this, I was a little concerned about how respectful it would be. I'm a huge royal family fan, and like most, admired the late Queen, and I supposed I was worried that by using her death and funeral for entertainment would be insensitive. But it didn't feel like that. It's clear that Swéta has some love for the Royals, or at least the Queen, to be able to write with so much passion.
I do have some questions thought. From what I know about the publishing industry, the time between signing with a publisher and it coming out can be as long as 1-2 years. Now, the Queen died in September 2022, which, at time of writing this review, was 7 months ago. So, my question is this: did Swéta write this prior to the event and just got lucky that it matched? Did she write a similar story prior to the event and then make changes after the Queen died? Or did she write it in just a few months and it was fast tracked through to be timely?
Whilst it is a fiction book, it does bring back memories of that sad time. I didn't go to see her in state myself, but I followed it online, watched it on the news, and diligently sat in silence when her children and grandchildren stood vigil. It's hard to believe it's been 7 months. Sometimes it feels like it was years ago, and sometimes just yesterday. It was a very sad, but not unexpected, time in British history and I became even more of a royalist in those few weeks. There was this warmth and sense of community about it all. Where else in the world would strangers voluntarily queue for 24 hours to stand for 30 seconds in front of a coffin to say goodbye to someone they didn't know? It seemed jolly, even in the circumstances. And I think this book showed that within the first few chapters. This sense of strangers becoming friends.
I liked that the main protagonist has an Indian background with an Indian-born mother. The chapters alternate between the queue in London, and the protagonist's mother's childhood in India, and it was interesting to read about what the Queen meant to people who are often seen as "outsiders". Those who weren't necessarily born in the UK and therefore didn't necessarily see the royals as that important. It's proof that she wasn't just the Queen of the UK, but was admired around the world.
I liked that the in-between chapters that are set in the past are written backwards. So they start at around 60 years ago when the mother was a child, and then end just a short time before the queue. This gives more context to the present scenes and more understanding as to the characters' relationship and emotions.
It is a very easy book to read. I read it in a matter of hours. It flows well, has great description, and just rolls off the page.
What I will say, is don't go in expecting a really full-on action-packed story. Not much actually happens. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. I read this just after I'd finished an intense war story, and this gave me what I wanted: happiness, joyfulness, hopefulness, and togetherness. It's a gentle story about the people in the queue. It's more about conversation and memory and emotion than it is about action. It is the epitome of a feel-good book.
When I first saw this, I was a little concerned about how respectful it would be. I'm a huge royal family fan, and like most, admired the late Queen, and I supposed I was worried that by using her death and funeral for entertainment would be insensitive. But it didn't feel like that. It's clear that Swéta has some love for the Royals, or at least the Queen, to be able to write with so much passion.
I do have some questions thought. From what I know about the publishing industry, the time between signing with a publisher and it coming out can be as long as 1-2 years. Now, the Queen died in September 2022, which, at time of writing this review, was 7 months ago. So, my question is this: did Swéta write this prior to the event and just got lucky that it matched? Did she write a similar story prior to the event and then make changes after the Queen died? Or did she write it in just a few months and it was fast tracked through to be timely?
Whilst it is a fiction book, it does bring back memories of that sad time. I didn't go to see her in state myself, but I followed it online, watched it on the news, and diligently sat in silence when her children and grandchildren stood vigil. It's hard to believe it's been 7 months. Sometimes it feels like it was years ago, and sometimes just yesterday. It was a very sad, but not unexpected, time in British history and I became even more of a royalist in those few weeks. There was this warmth and sense of community about it all. Where else in the world would strangers voluntarily queue for 24 hours to stand for 30 seconds in front of a coffin to say goodbye to someone they didn't know? It seemed jolly, even in the circumstances. And I think this book showed that within the first few chapters. This sense of strangers becoming friends.
I liked that the main protagonist has an Indian background with an Indian-born mother. The chapters alternate between the queue in London, and the protagonist's mother's childhood in India, and it was interesting to read about what the Queen meant to people who are often seen as "outsiders". Those who weren't necessarily born in the UK and therefore didn't necessarily see the royals as that important. It's proof that she wasn't just the Queen of the UK, but was admired around the world.
I liked that the in-between chapters that are set in the past are written backwards. So they start at around 60 years ago when the mother was a child, and then end just a short time before the queue. This gives more context to the present scenes and more understanding as to the characters' relationship and emotions.
It is a very easy book to read. I read it in a matter of hours. It flows well, has great description, and just rolls off the page.
What I will say, is don't go in expecting a really full-on action-packed story. Not much actually happens. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. I read this just after I'd finished an intense war story, and this gave me what I wanted: happiness, joyfulness, hopefulness, and togetherness. It's a gentle story about the people in the queue. It's more about conversation and memory and emotion than it is about action. It is the epitome of a feel-good book.
May 11, 2023
Firstly, a massive thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for this advanced copy of Queueing for the Queen by Swéta Rana.
I finished this book within a day, I couldn’t put it down. It’s exactly as the description says, it's a warm and uplifting story about a British Indian mother and her daughter in a queue to see the queen over the span of twenty-four hours. But it's also so much more than that. You go on a journey with the characters and you learn more about their past and learn more about Tania and her mother, Rani, and why they have such struggles within their relationship.
There’s such diversity amongst all of the characters that Tania and Rani meet whilst waiting in the queue. Each of them have such unique personalities, and they come together and find shared interests whilst spending hours together. I laughed and smiled throughout, reading about these groups of characters and how close they became over such a short period of time. Each brings something different to the story.
It was so heartwarming yet also heartbreaking, learning more about Tania and Rani, and finding out why they have such a rocky relationship. Heartwarming in the sense that Rani only acted the way she did out of love and from her own personal experiences and not to be cruel. Heartbreaking as you find out how Rani was treated in such an awful way when she was younger, just so she could be with her love. You read about Tania’s parents, and go back in time to see how their relationship developed and how it had such an impact on their life and how it, later on in life, impacts Tania as well. This story delves into the culture and heritage of both Tania and Rani and how sometimes, you can stray away from that and make choices that not everyone agrees upon. It also shows that hiding things isn't always the best approach and can become more damaging.
Overall, this book isn’t solely about the Queen. It’s about a community of people who all loved and respected her and had their own personal reasons for paying their respects to the Queen. A group that finds solace and friendship, and where secrets are revealed and surprises happen. This book is full of happy and funny moments, but also sad and heart wrenching moments. I enjoyed every minute I spent reading it and I will definitely be picking up a physical copy of the book once its released.
I finished this book within a day, I couldn’t put it down. It’s exactly as the description says, it's a warm and uplifting story about a British Indian mother and her daughter in a queue to see the queen over the span of twenty-four hours. But it's also so much more than that. You go on a journey with the characters and you learn more about their past and learn more about Tania and her mother, Rani, and why they have such struggles within their relationship.
There’s such diversity amongst all of the characters that Tania and Rani meet whilst waiting in the queue. Each of them have such unique personalities, and they come together and find shared interests whilst spending hours together. I laughed and smiled throughout, reading about these groups of characters and how close they became over such a short period of time. Each brings something different to the story.
It was so heartwarming yet also heartbreaking, learning more about Tania and Rani, and finding out why they have such a rocky relationship. Heartwarming in the sense that Rani only acted the way she did out of love and from her own personal experiences and not to be cruel. Heartbreaking as you find out how Rani was treated in such an awful way when she was younger, just so she could be with her love. You read about Tania’s parents, and go back in time to see how their relationship developed and how it had such an impact on their life and how it, later on in life, impacts Tania as well. This story delves into the culture and heritage of both Tania and Rani and how sometimes, you can stray away from that and make choices that not everyone agrees upon. It also shows that hiding things isn't always the best approach and can become more damaging.
Overall, this book isn’t solely about the Queen. It’s about a community of people who all loved and respected her and had their own personal reasons for paying their respects to the Queen. A group that finds solace and friendship, and where secrets are revealed and surprises happen. This book is full of happy and funny moments, but also sad and heart wrenching moments. I enjoyed every minute I spent reading it and I will definitely be picking up a physical copy of the book once its released.
July 5, 2023
Queuing For The Queen by Sweta Rana
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
One queue. 250,000 people. Twenty-four life-changing hours.
A young boy wearing a cereal box crown, impatiently dragging his mother behind him. A friendly man in a khaki raincoat, talking about his beloved Leeds United to anyone who will listen. An elderly woman who has lived her life alongside the Queen, and is just hoping she’ll make it to the end of the queue to say goodbye. And among them, a British Indian mother and daughter, driven apart by their differences, embarking on a pilgrimage which neither of them yet know will change their lives forever.
Full of secrets and surprises, this uplifting novel celebrates not only the remarkable woman who defined an era and a country, but also the diverse and unique people she served for so long.
My Opinion
For me this was an interesting read. Usually when I read a book, all images are based on my imagination, but queuing to walk past the coffin on Queen Elizabeth II was so well publicised that I could easily imagine where the characters were throughout this book. Rani and Tania haven't spoken for months and it was lovely to see how their relationship changed over the course of 24 hours. I also enjoyed the way that Sweta introduced the reader to Rani's past.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this and how Sweta brought to life a variety of different characters. It shows just how a poignant event can bring together unlikely acquaintances. This is a nice, gentle read - nothing really happens, but I think it sums up the time perfectly.
Obviously this book is about the death of Queen Elizabeth II, but it is in no way a book about the Royal Family.
Rating: 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
One queue. 250,000 people. Twenty-four life-changing hours.
A young boy wearing a cereal box crown, impatiently dragging his mother behind him. A friendly man in a khaki raincoat, talking about his beloved Leeds United to anyone who will listen. An elderly woman who has lived her life alongside the Queen, and is just hoping she’ll make it to the end of the queue to say goodbye. And among them, a British Indian mother and daughter, driven apart by their differences, embarking on a pilgrimage which neither of them yet know will change their lives forever.
Full of secrets and surprises, this uplifting novel celebrates not only the remarkable woman who defined an era and a country, but also the diverse and unique people she served for so long.
My Opinion
For me this was an interesting read. Usually when I read a book, all images are based on my imagination, but queuing to walk past the coffin on Queen Elizabeth II was so well publicised that I could easily imagine where the characters were throughout this book. Rani and Tania haven't spoken for months and it was lovely to see how their relationship changed over the course of 24 hours. I also enjoyed the way that Sweta introduced the reader to Rani's past.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this and how Sweta brought to life a variety of different characters. It shows just how a poignant event can bring together unlikely acquaintances. This is a nice, gentle read - nothing really happens, but I think it sums up the time perfectly.
Obviously this book is about the death of Queen Elizabeth II, but it is in no way a book about the Royal Family.
Rating: 4/5
February 1, 2024
This was such a poignant and heartwarming read that not only dealt with the nation's loss of a much loved and long standing Monarch, but also the family dynamics and lives of the people standing in the queue to say one last goodbye, to the woman who, in one way or another meant a lot to them.
I think we will all remember where we were when the news was announced that the Queen had died. For me she was a big part of my life, I grew up in the a branch of the armed forces where we pledged alligence to her everyday, I knew the national anthem better than I knew my own name and we were regularly brought out to wave and give flowers to both her and the Duke when they came to visit the base. Her death just didn't feel real, I saw her face more than I saw my own grandparents whether on tv, in person, or on money etc, and even know the national anthem still doesn't sound right.
I remember seeing the queue on the news and thinking how wonderful it would be if someone took that spirit and that sense of pride and community - lets face it nothing says British like a queue - and put it into a book.
I really enjoyed this book, both for reading about the actual queue and getting a real sense of the ambience and what it was like, I have friends that queued and this book summed up perfectly what they have told me, but, also, more than that it showed the people behind the queue, their reasons for being there and why it meant so much to them.
The story line was compelling, I was gripped right from the very start and the characters were well developed and lovable. I have taken Rani and Tania to my heart, but also so many of the other characters - Harlequeen i am looking at you sis.
A really cute and easy read that has left me feeling a bit sad now it is over, I would love to read more by the author
I think we will all remember where we were when the news was announced that the Queen had died. For me she was a big part of my life, I grew up in the a branch of the armed forces where we pledged alligence to her everyday, I knew the national anthem better than I knew my own name and we were regularly brought out to wave and give flowers to both her and the Duke when they came to visit the base. Her death just didn't feel real, I saw her face more than I saw my own grandparents whether on tv, in person, or on money etc, and even know the national anthem still doesn't sound right.
I remember seeing the queue on the news and thinking how wonderful it would be if someone took that spirit and that sense of pride and community - lets face it nothing says British like a queue - and put it into a book.
I really enjoyed this book, both for reading about the actual queue and getting a real sense of the ambience and what it was like, I have friends that queued and this book summed up perfectly what they have told me, but, also, more than that it showed the people behind the queue, their reasons for being there and why it meant so much to them.
The story line was compelling, I was gripped right from the very start and the characters were well developed and lovable. I have taken Rani and Tania to my heart, but also so many of the other characters - Harlequeen i am looking at you sis.
A really cute and easy read that has left me feeling a bit sad now it is over, I would love to read more by the author
April 5, 2023
This book was beautiful to read, being set during such a recent event, one that we all remember and following the story of a mother and daughter, not only over 24 hours but over 60 years was very touching. The story had the perfect balance of current and past. Sometimes it is so easy to spend so much time in the past that the present in a book feels rushed and not properly developed but that wasn't the case with this book. Meeting such a wide variety of characters, even without a lot of in depth information of them, they were written so beautifully that you cared for them, you knew who they were, you grew to feel things for them as much as for the two main characters. Looking at this strainged mother/daughter relationship and learning a little at a time why that's the case, but also understanding each woman's point of view made it so easy to feel for each of them. Rani's story was heartbreaking, and the way in which the loss of her relationship with her own family led her to push herself and her daughter away from their culture so that her daughter would never feel the loss that she did and how that led to such disconnect between Rani and Tania, neither understanding the other, or opening up to the other, showing how relationships can become so fractured by holding things in, even if you think it's for the right reasons. Of course there's so much more to it than that as anyone who reads the book will discover. It was just a beautifully written story and I am so glad I read it.
May 10, 2023
I did not know anything about this book when I started reading. Of course, from the title, I knew it was about people queuing in line to see Queen Elizabeth II lying-in-state. I never would have thought that now, once I have finished reading, I would be sitting still, sobbing. The fact that I am showing so much emotion is totally appropriate, which you will understand after reading.
For an author’s first published book to do this to me, I cannot imagine what she has in store for readers in the future. I am so grateful that she wrote this book because it touched me so much.
It was a bit difficult for me to get into the story to begin with. I believe that is on me. Every book has to lay the groundwork and introduce characters, and after that was done, the plot unfolded at a good pace. I did feel like I was standing in line for hours with these wonderful people the author created. Each one unique and needed for the path of the story.
While the story centers around the queue, it is so much more than that. It is about relationships, especially the very delicate one between mothers and daughters, that can be so strong and so fragile at the same time.
A huge thank you Aria & Aries and NetGalley for giving me the immense pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.
For an author’s first published book to do this to me, I cannot imagine what she has in store for readers in the future. I am so grateful that she wrote this book because it touched me so much.
It was a bit difficult for me to get into the story to begin with. I believe that is on me. Every book has to lay the groundwork and introduce characters, and after that was done, the plot unfolded at a good pace. I did feel like I was standing in line for hours with these wonderful people the author created. Each one unique and needed for the path of the story.
While the story centers around the queue, it is so much more than that. It is about relationships, especially the very delicate one between mothers and daughters, that can be so strong and so fragile at the same time.
A huge thank you Aria & Aries and NetGalley for giving me the immense pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.
January 1, 2025
I came across this book as I looked for a book beginning with the letter Q for the Alphabet Reading Challenge and I thought it sounded interesting.
Yay! I finished my ‘Q’ book - and my last reading challenge prompt of the year.
The book focuses primarily on Tania and her mother as they queue for twenty-four hours to see Queen Elizabeth lying in state. Along the way they interact with several interesting people. But the journey also brings to light the issues that the mother and daughter have.
The mom, Rani, was born in India; then her family moved to England, and she fell in love with a white man. She was disowned by her family and never got over the profound loss; but she never shared her struggles with her daughter. The physical journey to mourn the Queen is also an emotional journey which helps Rani finally open up. It’s a long and winding journey of healing, much like the long and winding queue. At times it felt quite tedious as well. But I trudged along, even as I got a bit bored (which was also like the queue,) and I found it to be worth the effort.
It’s not exciting, but it is insightful. I think it’s a good effort to tell the story of this monumental and historical event, and the personal journey that coincides with the physical one is both tragic and beautiful.
I wouldn’t recommend this as a must read book; but if it sounds interesting I think it’s worth reading.
Yay! I finished my ‘Q’ book - and my last reading challenge prompt of the year.
The book focuses primarily on Tania and her mother as they queue for twenty-four hours to see Queen Elizabeth lying in state. Along the way they interact with several interesting people. But the journey also brings to light the issues that the mother and daughter have.
The mom, Rani, was born in India; then her family moved to England, and she fell in love with a white man. She was disowned by her family and never got over the profound loss; but she never shared her struggles with her daughter. The physical journey to mourn the Queen is also an emotional journey which helps Rani finally open up. It’s a long and winding journey of healing, much like the long and winding queue. At times it felt quite tedious as well. But I trudged along, even as I got a bit bored (which was also like the queue,) and I found it to be worth the effort.
It’s not exciting, but it is insightful. I think it’s a good effort to tell the story of this monumental and historical event, and the personal journey that coincides with the physical one is both tragic and beautiful.
I wouldn’t recommend this as a must read book; but if it sounds interesting I think it’s worth reading.
March 27, 2024
Book Review:
Queuing for the Queen by Swéta Rana
Published by Head of Zeus, 6th July 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Synopsis:
A young boy wearing a cereal box crown, impatiently dragging his mother behind him.
A friendly man in a khaki raincoat, talking about his beloved Leeds United to anyone who will listen.
An elderly woman who has lived her life alongside the Queen, and is just hoping she'll make it to the end of the queue to say goodbye.
And among them, a British Indian mother and daughter, driven apart by their differences, embarking on a pilgrimage which neither of them yet know will change their lives forever.
Review:
I'll be honest, if this book hadn't landed in my postbox, it probably would have passed me by completely. But thankfully, we ended up together, and this is the book I didn't know I needed to read. Now, I'm no royalist, far from it. But that's not important here. What matters is each person's story. Each person in that queue. Swéta Rana has done something remarkable in writing this book; she's gathered together just a handful of characters and told part of their story with such wonderful depth of emotion.
I could not put this down! It really is a remarkable debut.
*Special thanks to Head of Zeus for sending a limited edition proof. This is my honest review.
#BookReview #QueuingForTheQueen #SwetaRana #HeadOfZeus
Queuing for the Queen by Swéta Rana
Published by Head of Zeus, 6th July 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Synopsis:
A young boy wearing a cereal box crown, impatiently dragging his mother behind him.
A friendly man in a khaki raincoat, talking about his beloved Leeds United to anyone who will listen.
An elderly woman who has lived her life alongside the Queen, and is just hoping she'll make it to the end of the queue to say goodbye.
And among them, a British Indian mother and daughter, driven apart by their differences, embarking on a pilgrimage which neither of them yet know will change their lives forever.
Review:
I'll be honest, if this book hadn't landed in my postbox, it probably would have passed me by completely. But thankfully, we ended up together, and this is the book I didn't know I needed to read. Now, I'm no royalist, far from it. But that's not important here. What matters is each person's story. Each person in that queue. Swéta Rana has done something remarkable in writing this book; she's gathered together just a handful of characters and told part of their story with such wonderful depth of emotion.
I could not put this down! It really is a remarkable debut.
*Special thanks to Head of Zeus for sending a limited edition proof. This is my honest review.
#BookReview #QueuingForTheQueen #SwetaRana #HeadOfZeus
May 10, 2023
👥👥👭👥Lovely story of reconciliation, with a bit of help from strangers😌
I am really glad I heard about this title and picked it up.
I went into this story with an open mind, not knowing where it would take me. But I knew about the long wait thousands endured to pay their respects to Elizabeth II's coffin at Westminster and the opportunity it might make for new encounters and friendships to form. I was impressed by the author's ability to capture the atmosphere of that significant real event and meld it with an emotional mother-daughter tale.
The gradual glimpses of Rani the mother's past worked really well. Though they were brief, they gave context for Rani's behavior. Tania, her daughter, has no idea why her mother clams up and acts the way she does. The wall Rani's built finally tumbles down thanks to the queue wait with a few strangers who become friends and confidants.
I thought it was really helpful that though she could have included an almost limitless cast of others in the queue the author focused on just a handful in key secondary roles. My favorites were young Welsh Owen and elderly Harold.
Thanks to publishers Aria & Aries and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
I am really glad I heard about this title and picked it up.
I went into this story with an open mind, not knowing where it would take me. But I knew about the long wait thousands endured to pay their respects to Elizabeth II's coffin at Westminster and the opportunity it might make for new encounters and friendships to form. I was impressed by the author's ability to capture the atmosphere of that significant real event and meld it with an emotional mother-daughter tale.
The gradual glimpses of Rani the mother's past worked really well. Though they were brief, they gave context for Rani's behavior. Tania, her daughter, has no idea why her mother clams up and acts the way she does. The wall Rani's built finally tumbles down thanks to the queue wait with a few strangers who become friends and confidants.
I thought it was really helpful that though she could have included an almost limitless cast of others in the queue the author focused on just a handful in key secondary roles. My favorites were young Welsh Owen and elderly Harold.
Thanks to publishers Aria & Aries and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
February 19, 2025
Set during the iconic queue for the Queen’s death ceremony, this story unfolds over 24 hours, capturing the heartwarming (and heart wrenching) reunion of a mother and daughter duo; Rani and Taniya, after six long months apart. Their journey isn’t just about the miles they walked but the emotional baggage they unpacked along the way. Add in the vibrant cast of strangers they meet in the queue, and you’ve got a story that’s equal parts moving and relatable.
What stood out most for me? The raw and real depiction of a mother and daughter bond. From perfect beginnings to drifting apart and then slowly stitching things back together, this book had me reflecting on relationships in my own life.
And can we talk about the setting? The detailed landmarks in London felt like a virtual tour. I even found myself googling every spot mentioned and creating a whole mood board while reading. If you’re a sucker for atmospheric reads, this one’s a treat!
Here are some quotes that stayed with me:
🌁"I don’t think home is defined by where you are. I think it’s defined by how you feel."
🌁"Good memories are our second chance at happiness."
🌁"You can remember the dead without forgetting how to live."
What stood out most for me? The raw and real depiction of a mother and daughter bond. From perfect beginnings to drifting apart and then slowly stitching things back together, this book had me reflecting on relationships in my own life.
And can we talk about the setting? The detailed landmarks in London felt like a virtual tour. I even found myself googling every spot mentioned and creating a whole mood board while reading. If you’re a sucker for atmospheric reads, this one’s a treat!
Here are some quotes that stayed with me:
🌁"I don’t think home is defined by where you are. I think it’s defined by how you feel."
🌁"Good memories are our second chance at happiness."
🌁"You can remember the dead without forgetting how to live."
May 11, 2023
A gentle easy read book. The relationship between a mother and daughter is explored within the backdrop of the queue to see the Queen lying in state. The daughter Tania is more open and emotional about her feelings from the start of the book but the joy of this read is the slow burn that is Rani and how her life experiences have shaped her emotions.
Their time in the queue is engagingly described along with the various characters they meet but the flashbacks to Rani's life really developed an understanding of her and her feelings. I appreciated that these flashbacks were in chronological order and not all over the place like some books I've read recently. The reader is able to see how events affected Rani and made her the person she is now.
I've recommended this book to my daughter as not only will she enjoy the storyline but as she lives in London the references to London landmarks etc will add another dimension.
Their time in the queue is engagingly described along with the various characters they meet but the flashbacks to Rani's life really developed an understanding of her and her feelings. I appreciated that these flashbacks were in chronological order and not all over the place like some books I've read recently. The reader is able to see how events affected Rani and made her the person she is now.
I've recommended this book to my daughter as not only will she enjoy the storyline but as she lives in London the references to London landmarks etc will add another dimension.
November 20, 2023
I enjoyed this book, the Queens death and everything that happened after her death is such a monumental time in history that it only feels right that there is a book set in this period.
I liked that although the book is written from Tania’s point of view, we got throwback chapters from Rani’s life so that we could better understand what was happening. The relationship between mother and daughter seemed so strained however I’m glad by the end that they better understood each other.
The people they met along the way in the queue as well we’re amazing. I loved ‘The Man Earlier’ and ‘The Woman Earlier’ love story. I lover the surprises that Colin and Denzil threw in along the way and I absolutely loved Owen!!! As a huge royalist myself I loved his enthusiasm and his love for the Queen and all things Royal.
Overall a really heartwarming book about such an important time in our lives!
I liked that although the book is written from Tania’s point of view, we got throwback chapters from Rani’s life so that we could better understand what was happening. The relationship between mother and daughter seemed so strained however I’m glad by the end that they better understood each other.
The people they met along the way in the queue as well we’re amazing. I loved ‘The Man Earlier’ and ‘The Woman Earlier’ love story. I lover the surprises that Colin and Denzil threw in along the way and I absolutely loved Owen!!! As a huge royalist myself I loved his enthusiasm and his love for the Queen and all things Royal.
Overall a really heartwarming book about such an important time in our lives!
January 12, 2024
Very interesting story! Who would have thought I would enjoy a book about people queueing?
The book is written by the POV of a Indian-English girl called Tania who is there with her mom Rani and we have lots of flashback from the moms POV too.
Why are they queueing for the queen? Who do they meet in the queen and why are they there too?
Lots of diffrent people from diffrent places of thr kingdom and of diffrent backgrounds meet and connect in the 23 hours queue.
Tania doesn't know why she's there other than because her mom asked her. But why did her mom ask her, now that they weren't on good terms? That's where we have all the flashbacks to explain why it is so important for Rani to be there.
It's a quick read and a fun little story that describe something historic that we experienced one, way or another in our own lifetime.
The book is written by the POV of a Indian-English girl called Tania who is there with her mom Rani and we have lots of flashback from the moms POV too.
Why are they queueing for the queen? Who do they meet in the queen and why are they there too?
Lots of diffrent people from diffrent places of thr kingdom and of diffrent backgrounds meet and connect in the 23 hours queue.
Tania doesn't know why she's there other than because her mom asked her. But why did her mom ask her, now that they weren't on good terms? That's where we have all the flashbacks to explain why it is so important for Rani to be there.
It's a quick read and a fun little story that describe something historic that we experienced one, way or another in our own lifetime.
January 29, 2024
I really enjoyed Queuing for the Queen and I am so glad someone wrote a book telling some of the stories about the people who queued to pay their respects (albeit fictional) what a fantastic idea!
The death of the Queen is one of those moments where we all know where we were when we heard the news.
I was working from home with BBC news on in the background and heard Hugh Edwards announce what we all thought that sadly the Queen had died.
Although I didn’t feel compelled to join the masses who queued around London to pay their respects, I will admit that I was very sad when the Queen died.
She was a constant in so many of our lives, the only serving monarch in my lifetime (up until now) and she has been this figure throughout my life and I know she meant a lot to a lot of people.
This book joins a mother and her daughter and some of the characters they meet along the way as they battle fatigue, hunger and themselves as they wait in line to see the Queen lying in state.
It’s an emotive journey that we are taken on in this book and I loved getting to know the stories of some of the people in the queue.
This is story of cultural difference, forbidden love, rejection, shunning, heartbreak and a lack of communication and so much more!
I found this to be a very moving and heart-warming read and totally believable!
We all heard some tall tales from the queue.
Even if you aren’t a fan of the royals I’m sure you will be a fan of Queuing for the Queen.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The death of the Queen is one of those moments where we all know where we were when we heard the news.
I was working from home with BBC news on in the background and heard Hugh Edwards announce what we all thought that sadly the Queen had died.
Although I didn’t feel compelled to join the masses who queued around London to pay their respects, I will admit that I was very sad when the Queen died.
She was a constant in so many of our lives, the only serving monarch in my lifetime (up until now) and she has been this figure throughout my life and I know she meant a lot to a lot of people.
This book joins a mother and her daughter and some of the characters they meet along the way as they battle fatigue, hunger and themselves as they wait in line to see the Queen lying in state.
It’s an emotive journey that we are taken on in this book and I loved getting to know the stories of some of the people in the queue.
This is story of cultural difference, forbidden love, rejection, shunning, heartbreak and a lack of communication and so much more!
I found this to be a very moving and heart-warming read and totally believable!
We all heard some tall tales from the queue.
Even if you aren’t a fan of the royals I’m sure you will be a fan of Queuing for the Queen.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 23, 2024
I was intrigued as to what this would be like ( particularly as my husband and I joined the queue on Thursday evening for the Lying-in-State) and by half way through the book was very much undecided about it. I felt that the idea for the story - 'The Queue' - was a good one but half way through I began to wonder if it had missed the mark somewhat and didn't really describe that journey particularly well. However, the story that was told (about Tania and her mother Rani) did catch my interest and I wanted very much to know what was happening between them and why. All in all I enjoyed the book but I would have liked it had Tania and her mother's story been presented in a different way and hadn't been attached to the queue for the Queen. ( I would still like to read a descriptive narrative about the queue, what it was like, what the writer saw and who they met and how it affected them)
July 18, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
I enjoyed reading about some of the characters such as Owen and his mum, and Harold. I thought the sections about the queen and the influence people felt she'd had on their lives was interesting. The time taken for queuing was realistic and the camaraderie building up between those close together in the queue was credible. But ... I thought the storyline about Rani and her daughter Tania unfolded as slowly as the queue moved, I thought it dragged along. When the final explanation was given about their disagreement my reaction was "is that all?" Each nation and race has their own culture and I thought the view Rani gave was totally one-sided.
Maybe I missed the point but this novel was disappointing and far too long for me.
I enjoyed reading about some of the characters such as Owen and his mum, and Harold. I thought the sections about the queen and the influence people felt she'd had on their lives was interesting. The time taken for queuing was realistic and the camaraderie building up between those close together in the queue was credible. But ... I thought the storyline about Rani and her daughter Tania unfolded as slowly as the queue moved, I thought it dragged along. When the final explanation was given about their disagreement my reaction was "is that all?" Each nation and race has their own culture and I thought the view Rani gave was totally one-sided.
Maybe I missed the point but this novel was disappointing and far too long for me.
September 3, 2025
A sweet read , very family orientated with the characters Rani and Tania.
I think everybody will remember Queen Elizabeth II dying and the queues to see her lying state.
This books is about a mother and a daughter who have not been in touch for 6 months and then Rani rings Tania to ask her to queue with her for 24 hours so she can pay respect to the Queen.
Along the way they meet some interesting characters including Colin who is a drag queen inspired by the Queen.
They also sort out family issues as they queue .
For a first time novel its a good read but at times i had to concentrate on where i was in the story as it felt a little repetive at times.
The underlying part of the story was kindness - when the young welsh lad Owen gave tania his wrist band after she had pulled hers off after a row with her mother it was such a nice moment.
I think everybody will remember Queen Elizabeth II dying and the queues to see her lying state.
This books is about a mother and a daughter who have not been in touch for 6 months and then Rani rings Tania to ask her to queue with her for 24 hours so she can pay respect to the Queen.
Along the way they meet some interesting characters including Colin who is a drag queen inspired by the Queen.
They also sort out family issues as they queue .
For a first time novel its a good read but at times i had to concentrate on where i was in the story as it felt a little repetive at times.
The underlying part of the story was kindness - when the young welsh lad Owen gave tania his wrist band after she had pulled hers off after a row with her mother it was such a nice moment.
March 27, 2023
This was a very enjoyable read exploring family secrets, losses, hidden identities, multi-cultural issues, the kindness of strangers and a plethora of other issues impacting the lives of several people who spent a day queuing with random strangers to pay tribute to the Queen following her death.
It served to highlight how when we are taken away from our technology driven, busy lives and have time and less distractions different types of communication can be opened and relationships can be both developed and enhanced.
The key theme which was addressed in the latter part of the book was that of inter-racial marriage and I thought the author approached the topic with a great deal of sensitivity and compassion.
A very thought-provoking and enjoyable read.
I am grateful to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book.
It served to highlight how when we are taken away from our technology driven, busy lives and have time and less distractions different types of communication can be opened and relationships can be both developed and enhanced.
The key theme which was addressed in the latter part of the book was that of inter-racial marriage and I thought the author approached the topic with a great deal of sensitivity and compassion.
A very thought-provoking and enjoyable read.
I am grateful to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book.
May 10, 2023
Oh my, I wasn't expecting this to be quite such an emotional read but it had me sobbing and laughing throughout.
The story tells of Rani and Tania's journey over 24hours queueing to pay respects to the Queen lying in state after her passing. While this mother and daughter pairing are the main focal point, they meet various people from all walks of life along the journey, and we see how their lives, experiences and sweet nature's can impact on the Kapadia-Nichols ladies.
Young Owen was such a sweetheart, and Harold such a gent.
I'd have quite liked an epilogue to know that all these characters got on fine after the part they played in the healing relationship of mother and daughter.
A lovely read, I'd definitely read more by this author.
The story tells of Rani and Tania's journey over 24hours queueing to pay respects to the Queen lying in state after her passing. While this mother and daughter pairing are the main focal point, they meet various people from all walks of life along the journey, and we see how their lives, experiences and sweet nature's can impact on the Kapadia-Nichols ladies.
Young Owen was such a sweetheart, and Harold such a gent.
I'd have quite liked an epilogue to know that all these characters got on fine after the part they played in the healing relationship of mother and daughter.
A lovely read, I'd definitely read more by this author.
May 12, 2023
An interesting novel based on a group of individuals who find themselves in the queue to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II. The story behind this account is the life of an Indian lady, Rani, in the queue with her daughter, Tania, who puts love before her culture by marrying a man of her choosing without her parents consent. It’s a relatable account of cultural discrimination and the impact on her future, at the same time as hiding the truth from her daughter. A group of unlikely strangers, each with their own stories, adds to the context. An enjoyable well written novel with diverse characters. The morale: you can remember the dead without forgetting how to live.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Aria and Aries for this advance copy.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Aria and Aries for this advance copy.
October 3, 2023
This touching novel, set against the backdrop of a recent event we all recall, beautifully intertwines the lives of a mother and daughter spanning 60 years. Skillfully balancing past and present, the story avoids the pitfall of overshadowing the present. Central to the tale is the strained bond between Rani and her daughter, Tania. Delving into Rani's painful past, the book highlights her decision to distance her daughter from their cultural roots to shield her from the heartbreak Rani experienced. This protective act unintentionally fosters a rift between them, revealing how good intentions can sometimes lead to fractured relationships. This beautifully penned story offers many more layers for readers to uncover and is a truly rewarding read.
April 9, 2023
What a lovely book this was. It’s the first book I’ve seen, or read, about the passing of our dear old Queen, and what better way to remember her than to write a book based on the queue that formed to view her lying in state. Focussing on a mother and her daughter who have decided to join the queue at Southwark Park without realising it would take them well over 24 hours!), we follow their journey.
The book is a heart-warming read, although be aware it is a little slow in parts. Obviously, there wasn’t an awful lot to do in the queue, and this reflects in the storyline. It does however introduce us to some wonderful characters that are encountered whilst they wait, and I loved the David Beckham look-a-likes that popped up (obviously remembering that he was in the actual queue!). I personally would love to have joined the queue to pay my respects, but it wasn’t to be. This book gave me a glimpse into what it must have been like to have been part of it.
The storyline wasn’t all just about the queue though. We are treated to a heart-warming story of the relationship between an Indian mother, Rani and her mixed-race daughter, Tania. Their relationship is strained, for reasons which are revealed as the story continues, and I enjoyed the flashbacks to Rani’s earlier life. Her story was quite emotional and tugged at the heartstrings.
This was an enjoyable and easy to read book. It brought back memories of that time also of the emotions that ran through so many people. Would recommend.
The book is a heart-warming read, although be aware it is a little slow in parts. Obviously, there wasn’t an awful lot to do in the queue, and this reflects in the storyline. It does however introduce us to some wonderful characters that are encountered whilst they wait, and I loved the David Beckham look-a-likes that popped up (obviously remembering that he was in the actual queue!). I personally would love to have joined the queue to pay my respects, but it wasn’t to be. This book gave me a glimpse into what it must have been like to have been part of it.
The storyline wasn’t all just about the queue though. We are treated to a heart-warming story of the relationship between an Indian mother, Rani and her mixed-race daughter, Tania. Their relationship is strained, for reasons which are revealed as the story continues, and I enjoyed the flashbacks to Rani’s earlier life. Her story was quite emotional and tugged at the heartstrings.
This was an enjoyable and easy to read book. It brought back memories of that time also of the emotions that ran through so many people. Would recommend.
April 16, 2023
I wasn't really sure what I would feel about this book, being set in such recent history, very vivid in many people's minds. However, as soon as I started reading, I was swept up into the story of British Indian mother and daughter Rani and Tania, and all of the other people they met in the queue.
Rani is estranged from daughter Tania, and she is keen to correct their relationship. To do so, she has to open up - will she be able to do this before their time in the queue ends?
I loved the additional characters, little Owen was gorgeous, and Colin was fantastic! Their stories made me laugh and cry, and I really enjoyed the sense of flow in the story and the queue.
Rani is estranged from daughter Tania, and she is keen to correct their relationship. To do so, she has to open up - will she be able to do this before their time in the queue ends?
I loved the additional characters, little Owen was gorgeous, and Colin was fantastic! Their stories made me laugh and cry, and I really enjoyed the sense of flow in the story and the queue.
May 25, 2023
My mom and I spent 12 hours queuing for The Queen so I just knew I had to read this book. I ate it up. It feels like this author also walked the queue or did some excellent research. Either way this book unlocked so many memories!
That queue was such a unique and intense experience where you have nothing but time to think. I really loved Tania’s moms flashback memories. Although the whole book was set essentially on London streets those chapters really took you on a journey. They really helped me to understand her and the choices she’s made.
This was a really touching book about family and loyalty. I had a lot of feelings. I am excited to see what this author might do next.
That queue was such a unique and intense experience where you have nothing but time to think. I really loved Tania’s moms flashback memories. Although the whole book was set essentially on London streets those chapters really took you on a journey. They really helped me to understand her and the choices she’s made.
This was a really touching book about family and loyalty. I had a lot of feelings. I am excited to see what this author might do next.
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