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The Queen and I #2
Queen Camilla
Queen Camilla
464 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
77 people are currently reading
828 people want to read
About the author
Sue Townsend
114 books944 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Susan Lillian "Sue" Townsend was a British novelist, best known as the author of the Adrian Mole series of books. Her writing tended to combine comedy with social commentary, though she has written purely dramatic works as well. She suffered from diabetes for many years, as a result of which she was registered blind in 2001, and had woven this theme into her work.
Susan Lillian "Sue" Townsend was a British novelist, best known as the author of the Adrian Mole series of books. Her writing tended to combine comedy with social commentary, though she has written purely dramatic works as well. She suffered from diabetes for many years, as a result of which she was registered blind in 2001, and had woven this theme into her work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
August 6, 2020
I feel sorry not to be able to give this more stars, as I love Sue Townsend’s writing, but this was not good at all. I enjoyed The Queen and I, and the idea of it, but this book was dull and the story really not enjoyable. There are a couple of funny lines in it, but I would not recommend. Sorry
July 30, 2011
God, I hated this book. The things I do for Book Group! Please don't bother reading it :-)
August 12, 2017
Queen Camilla
I really enjoyed this book and found it very funny.
I can well imagine the Royal family members living on a council estate and Prince Phillip in a nursing home.
Will definitely be looking for other books from this author.
Recommended.
I really enjoyed this book and found it very funny.
I can well imagine the Royal family members living on a council estate and Prince Phillip in a nursing home.
Will definitely be looking for other books from this author.
Recommended.
August 1, 2025
While the continuity stickler in me is bothered by the way Townsend totally ignores the ‘twist’ ending of the previous book (The Queen and I) this sequel is still genuinely hilarious.
I loved seeing the world of the book through the eyes of the characters’ various dogs in some sections, too. ‘Four legs good, two legs bad’ indeed…
The fact that the real world has caught up with some of the events in this novel, most of which were supposed to be completely absurd, is a little terrifying.
I loved seeing the world of the book through the eyes of the characters’ various dogs in some sections, too. ‘Four legs good, two legs bad’ indeed…
The fact that the real world has caught up with some of the events in this novel, most of which were supposed to be completely absurd, is a little terrifying.
March 3, 2008
This quirky, biting satire begins with the Royal Family having been exiled to council housing in what is called an Exclusion Zone - a place where the slappers, the morbidly obese, the criminal and other undesirables are sent. The Queen cares for her ailing husband and despairs of her dysfunctional brood. The caricatures are vividly drawn here, and only Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles' long-suffering wife, Camilla, come off very well.
I found something hilarious on almost every page - Sue Townsend has a wicked wit and, though I am a recent transplant to these shores and thus have probably missed some cultural references, I was nonetheless entranced by the storyline, and the foibles Miss Townsend gave her characters. Charles dithers, Camilla consoles, Anne swears a lot, Andrew's gotten chubby and chases girls with wild abandon, William is earnest and Harry's a thug. Throw some unexpected characters into the mix (along with some great cameos from the likes of Stephen Fry and Jeremy Paxman) and you've got a page-turner. Not "great literature," but I couldn't care less - life is too short to read books that enrich without entertaining. There were some scenes that were movingly written, and one that had me crying uncontrollably - that Townsend can inspire such a range of emotion is very telling and a compliment to her literary skills.
Another, interesting, surprising aspect was the integral participation of the community's pet dogs, and the stunning plot twist that they pull off - dumb animals, indeed!
I only gave the book four stars instead of five because of some rather glaring editorial errors that leapt off the page at me and took me out of the story. A good proofreader/editor would have solved that problem and made this a five-star novel.
This was so funny, and I now want to find Miss Townsend's "Number 10." Royal-watchers, humour fans, dog lovers - you name it - there's something here for just about everyone, as long as they have a funny bone. I did have to consult my husband on some of the references, but for the most part I got the jokes and found them to be great fun. Some portions were also deeply moving. I didn't think it would be a satirical novel that would give me impetus to feel a bit of sympathy for Camilla.
I found something hilarious on almost every page - Sue Townsend has a wicked wit and, though I am a recent transplant to these shores and thus have probably missed some cultural references, I was nonetheless entranced by the storyline, and the foibles Miss Townsend gave her characters. Charles dithers, Camilla consoles, Anne swears a lot, Andrew's gotten chubby and chases girls with wild abandon, William is earnest and Harry's a thug. Throw some unexpected characters into the mix (along with some great cameos from the likes of Stephen Fry and Jeremy Paxman) and you've got a page-turner. Not "great literature," but I couldn't care less - life is too short to read books that enrich without entertaining. There were some scenes that were movingly written, and one that had me crying uncontrollably - that Townsend can inspire such a range of emotion is very telling and a compliment to her literary skills.
Another, interesting, surprising aspect was the integral participation of the community's pet dogs, and the stunning plot twist that they pull off - dumb animals, indeed!
I only gave the book four stars instead of five because of some rather glaring editorial errors that leapt off the page at me and took me out of the story. A good proofreader/editor would have solved that problem and made this a five-star novel.
This was so funny, and I now want to find Miss Townsend's "Number 10." Royal-watchers, humour fans, dog lovers - you name it - there's something here for just about everyone, as long as they have a funny bone. I did have to consult my husband on some of the references, but for the most part I got the jokes and found them to be great fun. Some portions were also deeply moving. I didn't think it would be a satirical novel that would give me impetus to feel a bit of sympathy for Camilla.
October 28, 2018
This is a hilarious follow up to 'The Queen & I'.
The Royal family have been living in the Exclusion zone on benefits for about 10 years. They all seem to have settled into their new lives rather well. But things might be about to change, as a new political party emerges, one that would like to reinstate the Monarchy.
I know Townsend is not a fan of the Royal family but I think she actually makes them all seem human, and you root for them throughout the book. There are some great scenes in here. And I loved that she gave all the dogs a starring role.
I would love to know if the Royal's ever read books like this, would love to know what they would make of them!
As for Queen Camilla, well....I actually really like her, and would be happy to call her my Queen!
The Royal family have been living in the Exclusion zone on benefits for about 10 years. They all seem to have settled into their new lives rather well. But things might be about to change, as a new political party emerges, one that would like to reinstate the Monarchy.
I know Townsend is not a fan of the Royal family but I think she actually makes them all seem human, and you root for them throughout the book. There are some great scenes in here. And I loved that she gave all the dogs a starring role.
I would love to know if the Royal's ever read books like this, would love to know what they would make of them!
As for Queen Camilla, well....I actually really like her, and would be happy to call her my Queen!
December 29, 2022
Kul att läsa om såhär 16 år senare när ett och annat förändrats såväl i brittiska kungahuset som i Storbritannien i stort. Somligt är (såklart) väldigt passé, på gott och ont. Det var längesen jag behövde tänka på Jodie Marsh!
Drottningen och jag är mycket bättre, men Sue Townsend var ett komiskt geni. Somliga av dialogerna mellan hundarna är så roliga att det är inte klokt.
Drottningen och jag är mycket bättre, men Sue Townsend var ett komiskt geni. Somliga av dialogerna mellan hundarna är så roliga att det är inte klokt.
April 27, 2013
Life's too short.
Vaguely amusing but enough is enough.
Vaguely amusing but enough is enough.
April 12, 2017
This is a continuation of Sue Townsend’s previous book about the Royal Family, “The Queen and I”. Now I haven’t personally any knowledge of Camilla’s personality since I don’t live in Britain and do not continually see her on TV; but since I note and admire the author’s amazing grasp of the personalities of the other Royals, I trust that her depiction of Camilla is equally accurate.
Britain has turned into a totalitarian 1984-like society with Jack Barker as Prime Minister. Council estates have been converted into Exclusion Zones “where the criminal, the antisocial, the inadequate, the feckless, the agitators, the disgraced professionals, the stupid, the drug-addicted and the morbidly obese” live. The Royal Family, those who have not fled abroad, are living in the Flowers Exclusion Zone (I don’t know which category of the above-stated unfortunates they fall into.)
Prince Charles regularly wins the Best Kept Garden Award, whereas his neighbours’ garden is “an eyesore of old mattresses --- and festering rubbish bags”.
The residents of the Exclusion Zone are required to wear an ankle tag and carry an identity card at all times. Their movements are monitored by the security police on CCTV screens. Difficulties occur for the Queen when she forgets to take her identity card with her, though, of course, everyone knows who she is.
“When Camilla’s tag had been fitted --- she had said, with her usual cheerful pragmatism ‘I think it flatters my ankle beautifully.’ By contrast, Princess Anne had wrestled two security police to the floor before a third officer had finally managed to attach her tag.”
Jack Barker laughed when his government was accused of being totalitarian. He wasn’t a Stalin or a Mao; it wasn’t his fault there were no viable opposition parties.
Now I haven’t read “1984” recently, but the society Sue Townsend here depicts seems to be just as Orwell predicted. With a mere click on a switch Inspector Lancer has access to full, detailed information about a specific citizen.
For example:
“Bronchitis every winter, otherwise healthy. Menstrual cycle: first week of every month, complains of severe pain. History: Unsettled at nursery school, constantly cries for mother, At four years --- vocabulary v. poor, when shown a picture of a cow could not name it.”
The book is filled with dogs and these communicate avidly with each other and their owners; the author provides us with an interpretation of their various utterances.
“(Camilla to Charles)
‘Darling, do you think a dog knows it’s a dog?’ asked Camilla.
‘It depends what you mean by know’, said Charles.
Freddie (one of Camilla’s dogs) snapped, ‘Of course I know I’m a bloody dog. I eat from a bowl on the floor. I shit in the street ---.’”
It looks now (with the way things are going in 2017) as though Sue Townsend also had prophetic gifts. Australia is now to be the first country in the world to introduce compulsory tagging of all persons so authorities will be able continually to keep checks on the activities of each individual.
Jack Barker makes it illegal to have more than one dog per household, so the rest must be disposed of. The Royals all have several dogs so this affects them greatly. And the vociferous dogs themselves also have something to say about the matter.
The leader of the Conservative party Boy English, wants to restore the monarchy and thus set Queen Elizabeth back on the throne: she, however, has plans to abdicate. It turns out that Charles and Camilla have an illegitimate son, Graham, a rather unsympathetic person, born years ago; he is now second in line to the throne.
The book is impeccably well-written and divinely funny. We learn about all the quirks of the Royal Family; the Queen is in the forefront, as in the previous book. The book is exquisitely readable and I can highly recommend it.
Britain has turned into a totalitarian 1984-like society with Jack Barker as Prime Minister. Council estates have been converted into Exclusion Zones “where the criminal, the antisocial, the inadequate, the feckless, the agitators, the disgraced professionals, the stupid, the drug-addicted and the morbidly obese” live. The Royal Family, those who have not fled abroad, are living in the Flowers Exclusion Zone (I don’t know which category of the above-stated unfortunates they fall into.)
Prince Charles regularly wins the Best Kept Garden Award, whereas his neighbours’ garden is “an eyesore of old mattresses --- and festering rubbish bags”.
The residents of the Exclusion Zone are required to wear an ankle tag and carry an identity card at all times. Their movements are monitored by the security police on CCTV screens. Difficulties occur for the Queen when she forgets to take her identity card with her, though, of course, everyone knows who she is.
“When Camilla’s tag had been fitted --- she had said, with her usual cheerful pragmatism ‘I think it flatters my ankle beautifully.’ By contrast, Princess Anne had wrestled two security police to the floor before a third officer had finally managed to attach her tag.”
Jack Barker laughed when his government was accused of being totalitarian. He wasn’t a Stalin or a Mao; it wasn’t his fault there were no viable opposition parties.
Now I haven’t read “1984” recently, but the society Sue Townsend here depicts seems to be just as Orwell predicted. With a mere click on a switch Inspector Lancer has access to full, detailed information about a specific citizen.
For example:
“Bronchitis every winter, otherwise healthy. Menstrual cycle: first week of every month, complains of severe pain. History: Unsettled at nursery school, constantly cries for mother, At four years --- vocabulary v. poor, when shown a picture of a cow could not name it.”
The book is filled with dogs and these communicate avidly with each other and their owners; the author provides us with an interpretation of their various utterances.
“(Camilla to Charles)
‘Darling, do you think a dog knows it’s a dog?’ asked Camilla.
‘It depends what you mean by know’, said Charles.
Freddie (one of Camilla’s dogs) snapped, ‘Of course I know I’m a bloody dog. I eat from a bowl on the floor. I shit in the street ---.’”
It looks now (with the way things are going in 2017) as though Sue Townsend also had prophetic gifts. Australia is now to be the first country in the world to introduce compulsory tagging of all persons so authorities will be able continually to keep checks on the activities of each individual.
Jack Barker makes it illegal to have more than one dog per household, so the rest must be disposed of. The Royals all have several dogs so this affects them greatly. And the vociferous dogs themselves also have something to say about the matter.
The leader of the Conservative party Boy English, wants to restore the monarchy and thus set Queen Elizabeth back on the throne: she, however, has plans to abdicate. It turns out that Charles and Camilla have an illegitimate son, Graham, a rather unsympathetic person, born years ago; he is now second in line to the throne.
The book is impeccably well-written and divinely funny. We learn about all the quirks of the Royal Family; the Queen is in the forefront, as in the previous book. The book is exquisitely readable and I can highly recommend it.
February 18, 2020
Another great book from Sue Townsend. I think I actually preferred this to The Queen and I.
A really funny read and I like that this one includes Camilla.
I have only knocked a star off because I am not really an animal person so I didn't overly enjoy all of the dialogue between the dogs. And I also had some sympathy with Jack Barker on his dogs policies.
A really funny read and I like that this one includes Camilla.
I have only knocked a star off because I am not really an animal person so I didn't overly enjoy all of the dialogue between the dogs. And I also had some sympathy with Jack Barker on his dogs policies.
July 23, 2014
Sue Townsend likes to think the unthinkable and then turn it into black comedy or farce. Of course Queen Camilla is hopelessly dated now yet it still packs quite a punch. From the literary and reluctant law enforcer Dwight persuading the girl of his dreams to read 1984 by visiting her to check her ankle tag! even as they are living in a strangely distorted version of a totalitarian state..... (An England that is still full of eccentric and outspoken characters but that has somehow slipped into a dystopian cul-de-sac) to the obsessive would be heir to the throne Graham Cracknell who after imposing himself for four days on his unsuspecting parents Charles and Camilla proceeds to alienate the affections of almost everyone in his new found family despite their determination to welcome him into the fold .....the story is hilarious and full of bathos by turns. There are moments too when I just wanted to weep especially as I read about the appalling state of care in the old people's home where Prince Philip resides. Such passages are all too close to the reality for too many people.
Townsend challenges us to keep asking "what kind of society do we want?"
While Townsend's Royal family are caricatures perhaps inspired by Spitting Image yet they are sympathetically and skilfully drawn.
In the wake of the Diamond Jubilee, William and Kate's wedding and the birth of Prince George it would be easy to consign Queen Camilla to the back of the bookcase as a curiosity but the wider questions the story posits remain. And it's still very funny.....
My personal favourite moment is Charles turning to sweet talk his chickens and discovering one of them has picked up one of Camilla's discarded fags, absolute comic genius moment.
Townsend challenges us to keep asking "what kind of society do we want?"
While Townsend's Royal family are caricatures perhaps inspired by Spitting Image yet they are sympathetically and skilfully drawn.
In the wake of the Diamond Jubilee, William and Kate's wedding and the birth of Prince George it would be easy to consign Queen Camilla to the back of the bookcase as a curiosity but the wider questions the story posits remain. And it's still very funny.....
My personal favourite moment is Charles turning to sweet talk his chickens and discovering one of them has picked up one of Camilla's discarded fags, absolute comic genius moment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2015
I found this quite an improvement on the Queen and I, which it follows. It is more about character and situation and less about making political points.
In the near future, the monarchy has been abolished, and the royals are living in an exclusion zone filled with criminals, single mothers and the obese. Prince Charles likes living simply, but why won't his chickens lay any eggs (the reader knows but is never told, which is a nice touch)? A plot is afoot, however, to restore the monarchy - what will happen?
One problem I had with this is how synpathetically absolutely everone regards the Queen in books and dramas. She is always aware and compassionate and practical, qualities thatmany of us simply haven't seen in her. Charles is the usual organic loon. Camilla is by far the best character, wonderfully human,and Townsend is one of the few writers who didn't view William as some sort of god, thank goodness.
The wit and charm of all Townsend's writing is here,and the result is interesting, if not outstanding. I miss her and her writing, even when it isn't perfect. She never wrote a bad book, which is more than most prolific writers can say.
In the near future, the monarchy has been abolished, and the royals are living in an exclusion zone filled with criminals, single mothers and the obese. Prince Charles likes living simply, but why won't his chickens lay any eggs (the reader knows but is never told, which is a nice touch)? A plot is afoot, however, to restore the monarchy - what will happen?
One problem I had with this is how synpathetically absolutely everone regards the Queen in books and dramas. She is always aware and compassionate and practical, qualities thatmany of us simply haven't seen in her. Charles is the usual organic loon. Camilla is by far the best character, wonderfully human,and Townsend is one of the few writers who didn't view William as some sort of god, thank goodness.
The wit and charm of all Townsend's writing is here,and the result is interesting, if not outstanding. I miss her and her writing, even when it isn't perfect. She never wrote a bad book, which is more than most prolific writers can say.
June 5, 2008
So funny. I have been a fan of Sue Townsend for decades. (Thanks, mom.) Quite irreverent, and somewhat of a guilty pleasure. If you are a closet "royals" follower, read "The Queen and I" first, then this one.
March 18, 2012
Queen Camilla is, loosely, a sequel to The Queen & I. I say loosely, because as a huge fan of The Queen & I, this seemed to be part sequel, part rewriting, and part shadow of its former self. I am a big Sue Townsend fan, and the humour and the writing was spot on as always, but the plot of Queen Camilla, and its execution, left a lot to be desired. At the end I found myself wishing I'd just re-read The Queen & I for the millionth time, instead.
The royal family are still living in Hell Close, but this time around, the street is part of the Flowers Exclusion Zone, and Big Brother is in full force, spying on the residents and making their lives a misery. The republican government are in danger of losing the election to their 'New Conservative' rivals, who wish to reinstate the monarchy. Neither the Queen nor Prince Charles (who is more interested in his chickens and his organic vegetable garden) want to be monarch, but the arrival on the scene of an unexpected family member threatens to upend all these plans.
The book also features a plethora of talking dogs, who communicate with each other, unbeknownst to their owners. I actually didn't mind this device, although it was reasonably odd. What did bug me more was the characterisation. In The Queen & I the characters were rather more nuanced, whereas here they relied more on caricature and broad sweeps of the brush. Numerous characters were downright unlikeable.
As a fan of the first book, the little inconsistencies between the two were annoying (supporting characters changed first names, or which house they lived in, for example). Not a whole lot seemed to happen, in the end, and although Townsend's writing remained enjoyable, the book itself just fell short.
Overall rating: 5.5/10
Originally reviewed here: http://bibliotekit.blogspot.co.uk/201...
The royal family are still living in Hell Close, but this time around, the street is part of the Flowers Exclusion Zone, and Big Brother is in full force, spying on the residents and making their lives a misery. The republican government are in danger of losing the election to their 'New Conservative' rivals, who wish to reinstate the monarchy. Neither the Queen nor Prince Charles (who is more interested in his chickens and his organic vegetable garden) want to be monarch, but the arrival on the scene of an unexpected family member threatens to upend all these plans.
The book also features a plethora of talking dogs, who communicate with each other, unbeknownst to their owners. I actually didn't mind this device, although it was reasonably odd. What did bug me more was the characterisation. In The Queen & I the characters were rather more nuanced, whereas here they relied more on caricature and broad sweeps of the brush. Numerous characters were downright unlikeable.
As a fan of the first book, the little inconsistencies between the two were annoying (supporting characters changed first names, or which house they lived in, for example). Not a whole lot seemed to happen, in the end, and although Townsend's writing remained enjoyable, the book itself just fell short.
Overall rating: 5.5/10
Originally reviewed here: http://bibliotekit.blogspot.co.uk/201...
November 5, 2008
I haven't finished this yet but it's hilarious with shades of Adrian Mole peking through.
December 21, 2015
A funny book by Townsend, but much like all her later books, not as good as her earlier stuff. I thought the whole angle on the dogs was really overdoing it, though.
March 4, 2018
Absolutely horrible. Big continuity gaps with The Queen and I. Do NOT read if animal abuse upsets you. Nothing pays off. Not funny in the least; doesn't even work as a satire.
November 2, 2012
For me the name Sue Townsend will always be synonymous with the Adrian Mole stories, they are what have most helped make her Britain's favourite comic author today. Queen Camilla is just as funny as its predecessor The Queen and I, if you are looking for a satirical and fun read this certainly is one.
It was back in the early nineties that The Queen and I was published and it took thirteen years for Sue Townsend to write and publish this sequel.
All those years ago when a Republican party won the General Election, their first act in power was to strip the royal family of their assets and titles, also banishing them to live on a housing state. Now in the sequel the UK is still a republican state and the Royal Family are living in an exclusion zone, wearing electronic tags that monitor their every move. It is indeed a weird world with Prince William working as a scaffolder, a royal love child and the government passing obscure laws. Two of which are the banishing of the use of step ladders and control of dog ownership. There is unrest in the republic and a slim chance that the royals may be reinstated, but the Queen has threatened to abdicate and Charles will not consider becoming King unless Camilla is at his side as Queen.
The one part I did not enjoy was the way the dogs spoke to each other, although of course the humans did not understand them. This aspect reminded me of The Last Family in England.
The satirical characterisations are much more important than the plot which is just as well as there isn't really one apart from the politicians plans to sort out the mess that the country has become.
It goes without saying then that if you are a fan of Adrian Mole you will enjoy Queen Camilla and its predecessor The Queen and I both of which were republished earlier this year to tie in with the Queens Jubilee.
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July 9, 2014
A big fan of the Adrian Mole books which I read as a teenager, I was bitterly disappointed with Queen Camilla, a follow-up to the 1992 The Queen And I.
Not into talking dogs (or indeed the kicking of them across decking), jokes (I use the term loosely) about the obese, the unemployed? Not clued up on British 'celebrities' such as Stephen Fry or Jeremy Paxman, the current political situation, the in-jokes surrounding the Royal family? Then you probably aren't going to enjoy this novel.
Set on the Flowers Exclusion Zone (FEZ), a 'sink hole' estate, an open prison in all but name, in which the residents are electronically tagged, their every move recorded, this could have been a humorous social commentary (something the author is renowned for) and yet for me the witticisms were nothing but cheap stereotypical jibes aimed at a society loathed by certain tabloid newspapers.
Loosely plotted and reading more like a over-long comedy skit than a novel, I'm afraid Queen Camilla failed to raise so much as a smile but then humour is very much subjective.
Copyright: Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper.
Not into talking dogs (or indeed the kicking of them across decking), jokes (I use the term loosely) about the obese, the unemployed? Not clued up on British 'celebrities' such as Stephen Fry or Jeremy Paxman, the current political situation, the in-jokes surrounding the Royal family? Then you probably aren't going to enjoy this novel.
Set on the Flowers Exclusion Zone (FEZ), a 'sink hole' estate, an open prison in all but name, in which the residents are electronically tagged, their every move recorded, this could have been a humorous social commentary (something the author is renowned for) and yet for me the witticisms were nothing but cheap stereotypical jibes aimed at a society loathed by certain tabloid newspapers.
Loosely plotted and reading more like a over-long comedy skit than a novel, I'm afraid Queen Camilla failed to raise so much as a smile but then humour is very much subjective.
Copyright: Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper.
May 17, 2010
Could this be an alternative reality for the royal family? The Queen and her family are now living on a rough council estate which is segregated from 'normal society'. The Queen enjoys her retirement, Charles settles in the garden, Camilla smokes too much, William sulks at losing his chance to be King and Harry is turning into a hooligan with a chav girlfriend. The party in power choose a new war against dog owners to force them to keep only one so the royal dogs start a revolution to save themselves. Add to this Charles and Camilla meeting their secret love child from Hell and chaos reigns!
The love child bit was so funny-he is the most repulsive, obnoxious human being in the world and his new family despise him. The conversations with the dogs are brilliant as they make snide comments about their owners while trying to stage a revolution. An entertaining read.
Book Rating: 2.5/5
The love child bit was so funny-he is the most repulsive, obnoxious human being in the world and his new family despise him. The conversations with the dogs are brilliant as they make snide comments about their owners while trying to stage a revolution. An entertaining read.
Book Rating: 2.5/5
March 22, 2018
Lovely gentle satire about a "what if" situation where the monarchy has been abolished and "democratic/totalitarian" rule prevails where they, along with other social misfits and non-conformists have been consigned to Exclusion Zones to live side by side with their neighbours and dogs. The novel captures the voices and actions and thoughts of the royal family in exile, as well as their various neighbours and the lives and thoughts of their dogs in a consistent, authentic feeling and humourous manner, poking fun at one and all. Few escape Townsend's clever observation and no one other than "Liz" comes out the other end of the novel with their reputation intact. Thoroughly enjoyed as a talking book, beautifully brought to life by the narrator, Patricia Gallimore.
October 6, 2022
I am obsessed with this book….my second reading……I don’t want it to end…have fallen in love with the Royal family all over again, many warts and all….the politics in the book seem to be paralleling the current world situation as if Sue Townsend could see into the future…..the dog dialogue is priceless….I’m sure the satirical and uproariously funny Tv series “The Windsors” was based on this book….just a great read…much better the second time around.
July 8, 2010
If Townsend is appreciated as one of the best satirical writers in Britain today, it is certainly not because of this book.
September 10, 2012
This was a bit of fun, but lacked the charm of "The Queen and I". Despite the title Sue Townsend did not manage to develop any character for Camilla, who remained bland and uninteresting.
December 28, 2012
I don't often give up on a book but I just couldn't get into this. Not my sense of humour - it didn't seem at all funny to me - just preposterous. Gave up!
January 29, 2019
It was quite funny.
September 25, 2024
This book was entertaining and hilarious
Read
August 11, 2024DNF - shelved for now
There are other audio books on my waiting list and this one just had to go.
It doesn't have the charm of the previous book and the dialogue of the dogs wasn't my thing.
There are other audio books on my waiting list and this one just had to go.
It doesn't have the charm of the previous book and the dialogue of the dogs wasn't my thing.
May 30, 2023
quite enjoyable, a few good laughs,
October 19, 2011
I picked this up at my mum’s house as I had read “The Queen and I” and enjoyed it, and thought I’d try this one. I like Sue Townsend, I’ve read the Adrian Mole books, and I like her writing.
It turns out, I have read this before. I was getting confused and combining both books in my head into one… I was about a chapter in when I realised this seemed a bit familiar, but thought I’d carry on and read it again anyway – it’s a good book!
It follows on from “The Queen and I” (sort of…) in that the Royal Family has still been abolished by the Republican Prime Minister: Jack Barker of the Cromwell party, and are living in an exclusion zone called Hell Close. Exclusion Zones are areas where the inhabitants are tagged – and are kept on a secure locked down estate.
The New Conservatives are trying to get back into power, and using the re-establishment of the Monarchy as their way in, Jack Barker secretly would like to leave his post, Camilla has been keeping a huge secret from Charles that may threaten the future of the Royal Family – especially when the Queen announces her intentions should the New Conservatives get in…
Added to this is a sub plot involving the dogs of the country, particularly the dogs on Hell Close, their relationships with the humans, and Jack Barker’s plans to virtually ban dogs from the UK.
Both these books are a fun look at the Monarchy, whatever your political alliance I think you’ll find the ideas and comments on society interesting. The characters of the Royal Family are great, and bits of these books had me chuckling to myself. The dog sub plot is also pretty funny and ties in at the end very well.
If you like Sue Townsend, you’ll like this book, it’s fun and interesting and not too heavy. Well worth a look.
It turns out, I have read this before. I was getting confused and combining both books in my head into one… I was about a chapter in when I realised this seemed a bit familiar, but thought I’d carry on and read it again anyway – it’s a good book!
It follows on from “The Queen and I” (sort of…) in that the Royal Family has still been abolished by the Republican Prime Minister: Jack Barker of the Cromwell party, and are living in an exclusion zone called Hell Close. Exclusion Zones are areas where the inhabitants are tagged – and are kept on a secure locked down estate.
The New Conservatives are trying to get back into power, and using the re-establishment of the Monarchy as their way in, Jack Barker secretly would like to leave his post, Camilla has been keeping a huge secret from Charles that may threaten the future of the Royal Family – especially when the Queen announces her intentions should the New Conservatives get in…
Added to this is a sub plot involving the dogs of the country, particularly the dogs on Hell Close, their relationships with the humans, and Jack Barker’s plans to virtually ban dogs from the UK.
Both these books are a fun look at the Monarchy, whatever your political alliance I think you’ll find the ideas and comments on society interesting. The characters of the Royal Family are great, and bits of these books had me chuckling to myself. The dog sub plot is also pretty funny and ties in at the end very well.
If you like Sue Townsend, you’ll like this book, it’s fun and interesting and not too heavy. Well worth a look.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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