Do Let's Have Another Drink!: The Dry Wit and Fizzy Life of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother

by Gareth Russell

For fans of The Crown and Ninety-Nine Glimpses of Princess Margaret , a deliciously entertaining collection of 101 fascinating and funny anecdotes about Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother—one for each year of her life.

During her lifetime, the Queen Mother was as famous for her clever quips, pointed observations, and dry-as-a-martini delivery style as she was for being a beloved royal. Now, Do Let’s Have Another Drink recounts 101 (one for each year of her remarkable life) amusing and astonishing vignettes from across her long life, including her coming of age during World War I, the abdication of her brother-in-law and her unexpected ascendance to the throne, and her half century of widowhood as her daughter reigned over the United Kingdom. Featuring new revelations and colorful anecdotes about the woman Cecil Beaton, the high society photographer, once summarized as “a marshmallow made on a welding machine,” Do Let’s Have Another Drink is a delightful celebration of one of the most consistently popular members of the royal family.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, Royalty, Audiobook, British Literature, Memoir

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2022

About the author

Gareth Russell is an historian and broadcaster. He is the author of "The Six Loves of James I," (a BBC History Book of the Year, a Waterstones Best Book 2025; published as "Queen James" in the UK, Ireland and Australia), "The Palace" (Amazon Editor's Pick for Best New History, A Waterstones Best Book of 2023, BBC History Book of the Year, Town and Country Must-Read, an Aspects of History Best Book of 2023), "Do Let's Have Another Drink" (A Times Book of the Year, 2022), "The Ship of Dreams" (A Daily Telegraph Best History Book, 2019), and "Young and Damned and Fair."

He is the host of the podcast Single Malt History and divides his time between Belfast and London.

Reviews

[*TUDOR^QUEEN* · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I've read many books about the Windsors over the decades, but never a biography solely covering Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, known in her unmarried beginnings as Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. When I drank in the cover of this book and its title, I surmised I was getting truly a new spin on the topic in the form of humorous anecdotes about The Queen Mother. But when I first delved into the book my expectations were upended, for this was an actual biography...and a very good one! So at first I was a little disappointed because I was waiting for the punchlines that weren't coming. However, once I switched gears and realized what a wonderful biography I was reading about this historic royal icon, I ploughed through it with delight! The whimsical stories started coming once The Queen Mother was a widow, freed from the responsibilities and limitations her former role of Queen Consort demanded.

Well, she did love to drink! Apparently, she was partial to gin and Dubonnet, but open to other alcoholic concoctions...and she insisted her guests keep getting refills as well! There was one story where a priest came to dine who had to perform a Baptism in a short while, and politely tried to decline a drink refill-but was overruled. He later claimed that he couldn't quite remember doing the Baptism and whether he cited the baby's name correctly during the ceremony. The Queen Mother was very witty, a master at the art of conversation, and loved to eat. One close friend dubbed her "Cake" as a nickname.

Aside from the funny incidents referred to later in the book, the overall biography was top notch and I learned new kernels of information. For instance, in 1966 she had cancer resulting in a temporary colostomy. I never heard this anywhere before! So, the cover of this book is somewhat misleading because this is actually a quality biography with fresh, interesting and yes- often comical anecdotes. So if you're thinking this is some quirky take on The Queen Mother, know that you're in for an exceptionally good biography of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother.

Thank you to the publisher Atria Books for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.

[❀⊱RoryReads⊰❀ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I thought the way Gareth Russell approached this biography was a bit of genius as it created a great way for the reader to sort of dip their toe into this part of the Windsor family story without being overwhelmed by too much information.

I will say though I do feel it was a bit skimpy in the later years of the Queen Mother’s life, particularity concerning the relationships she had with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. This left it sort of unbalanced after the informative chapters of her youth and the middle heavy with war and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

The more I learn about the Queen Mother though, the more I admire her unwavering ability to connect with people and put them at ease. I found her quick wit and her sarcasm utterly charming and at times hilarious!

Truly a good read!

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Do Let’s Have Another Drink” is not your normal biography filled with minute details and sometimes tedious filler. This biography of The Queen Mother is told in 101 anecdotes, one fir each year of her life. Mostly humorous, each anecdote gives us a look at The Queen Mother that was usually reserved for her family and friends. Queen Elizabeth was very popular from the moment she married her husband, then the Duke of York. After the infamous abdication in 1936, she was made Queen and her popularity soared. She was known for her wit, sense of humor, her ability to make people feel comfortable, but also able to quickly put someone in their place. The stories are well researched and often came from her staff or friends who witnessed the events.

This is must read for fans of the Royal Family. An easy read and just as informative as a biography twice as thick. Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, and the author for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Carolyn Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this well written biography of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, which provides an anecdote for every year of her long life. Russell places the Queen Mother within the context of the major events of the twentieth century including the First and Second World Wars and the aftermath of the Russian Revolutions of 1917. While some of the anecdotes are light and entertaining, others address popular myths and misconceptions about the Queen Mother, including the rumors about her parentage and family history. I would have been interested to read more anecdotes about the Queen Mother's tours outside Great Britain as there are interesting chapters about her time in Canada, the USA, South Africa, France and Northern Ireland. The audiobook is well read!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not think I would like this format, primarily because 99 Glimpses of Princess Margaret (by a different author) was so bad, but this was fun. What a great lady!

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such fun! So many delightful gems and also explanations of arcane British customs and facts.
Love the Queen Mum!

[Corinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've got many uncomfortable feelings about the monarchy but, I heard Gareth Russell on the Savage Lovecast and was fascinated by the history he shared and requested this ARC. It was certainly an interesting read. With 101 anecdotes that span the 101 years of the Queen Mother's life, it was like walking through history through the narrow (euro-centric, aristocratic) window of one person's life. It was also like reading a lot of gossip about a lot of people I had never heard of (and a few I had).

The tone of the writing is lighthearted and conversational, and it gets a bit more sassy as time goes on (not unlike the book's subject.) The format makes it very digestible. I think you could pick it up and skim and read bits and pieces but I did enjoy seeing the story that unfolded over time too.

The author is clearly fond of his subject. It's not without criticism but overall he tells a very flattering story. I did appreciate the considerations raised about the sexism faced by the Queen Mother (and other female members of the royal family) that was often exacerbated by the media. And the author paints quite a scathing (and entertaining) portrait of the abdicated King Edward VIII and his wife Wallis Simpson.

Overall, the book was well written and entertaining. I learned some new things and still remain skeptical of all things monarchical.

I received a digital Advanced Review Copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review. (I purchased the audiobook myself!)

The Queen Mother’s life spanned over a century and thus can be an overwhelming topic. (William Shawcross’ biography is a time investment for sure…) However, Russell chose 101 different anecdotes from Elizabeth’s life to highlight her wit and levity. She was known by those around her to be charming and lively, but many of her most-defining moments are from the most serious points in her life.

Russell’s wide variety of anecdotes, especially from people that have not been interviewed before, set this biography apart. This is not a chronological retelling of Elizabeth’s life, but rather many different windows into different times in her life. I appreciate that he did go out of his way to find new materials, because reading royal biographies gets repetitive very quickly and DLHAD is a breath of fresh air.

Fiona Hampton’s narration on the audiobook is spot on. I found that she picked up on the accents and cadences of the royals without feeling like an actor, and captured a lot of emotion without distracting.

[Shawn Thrasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this on Audible, narrated by Fiona Hampton. Very, very, very fun. If you watch The Crown , none of this wit and fizz makes an appearance, which is a shame (if watch The Crown you should also listen to this, I beg of you). The Queen Mother was a character, for sure. And could hold a grudge. And drank. A lot. I think celebrities, royalty, sports stars all sound unreal (and often surreal). The Queen Mother is no exception. But Russell makes her quite lively and as real as she could possibly be. And perhaps even a bit likable, although how likable Queens can be at the end of day, I for one will never find out, and probably you will not either.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cecil Beaton, the photographer, once described Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother as a marshmallow made on a welding machine. That is an accurate description based on this book. The author approaches his subject by recounting incidents from her life of 102 years. It’s all here- her support of George VI, her antipathy toward the Duke of Windsor, her love for her family and her daughters- what is apparent in this book vice others is her kind, generous, witty personality and her ability to put anyone at ease from the residents of the east end of London whose houses were bombed in the Blitz to the members of the British aristocracy. I particularly enjoyed reading about her early years in Scotland, growing up in Glamis Castle.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Completely delightful easy to read biography!

[Shiloah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only knowledge I had of the Queen Mum was from the TV series The Crown and that wasn’t very much. This was a well written biography and you get a good sense of what a kind, good natured woman she was.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basically a set of short stories or vignettes about the Queen Mother. Lovely breeze through over 100 years of history as see through her eyes and that of the other privileged British folk

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say, I started out thinking there wasn't anything new I could learn about the Queen Mother. As I continued to read, I found the quick passages quite amusing. I especially liked (and found there was something I didn't know about this fascinating royal) #85: Blanche, Dorothy, Rose, Sophia and Elizabeth. I won't ruin the surprise, but it is about "The Golden Girls"!

[Christa Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of fun. She is someone you should read about before the current royals ;-)

[Jeff P · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is not exactly a traditional biography, instead a series of 101 anecdotes, one for each year of her life arranged chronologically. It was interesting, but maybe not quite as entertaining as I had hoped. The title "Do Let's have Another Drink" comes from her use of that phrase to change the subject when she didn't want to talk about something.

[Fastidious Kingdoms · Rating 5 out of 5]

bottoms up, dearies!

While I appreciate the book’s vignettic format, I felt it was a bit overpaced at points. For example, the book skips over her 1923 wedding entirely; at the very least, Russell should have noted that the tradition of royal brides leaving their bouquets on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier began with the Queen Mum. In addition, Bertie’s decadeslong struggle with stuttering, and her ceaseless supprt of him, warranted half a page.

Russell wasted a great opportunity to compare Diana and the QM’s similarities. They both had a high EQ and could put people at ease. Perhaps a vignette could have features their mutual dislike despite their mutual similarities.

I certainly know more about the QM after reading this, and plan to seek out other bios.


There are a few typos in this book, including this quote by Churchill: “ Battle of Britain during the worst days of the Blitz, when the RAF’s victory prompted Churchill’s famous remark, “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed to so many by so few.”

I will leave you with my favorite new fact about the QM: “The Queen Mother held a strong set of beliefs pertaining to chocolate. Specifically, that the posher a box of chocolates was, the greater the risk to their taste, as there was a tendency to concoct a series of dubious flavours, all of which sounded elegant and none of which had any business being wedged into a chocolate shell. Then, everyone pretended to like them lest they be mocked for an unsophisticated palate. The Queen Mother wrote effusive thank-you notes to her friend, Prince Paul of Yugoslavia, when he sent her reassuringly cheap, or reasonably priced, boxes of chocolates, into which she could safely plunge her hand without nervously consulting the menu—as she resentfully had to do with a collection sent to her from a very prestigious department store, which she had come to loathe after biting into a chocolate filled with a cream called rose petal and lavender—which, as she pointed out on several occasions, were the same ingredients as bath salts.”

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Fuzzypants here: The lady who advised never to turn down an opportunity to sit or to use the lady’s room was clearly someone highly sensible with a wicked sense of humour. That was The Queen Mum. This is not a collection of quips and quotes but a loving biography by someone who clearly admired her. And there was much to be admired.

Not unlike Diana, when she first married Bertie, Elizabeth was derided for being too popular and too adored by the public. She was approachable with the ability to talk to and charm whomever she met. I was quite amazed by the similarities although I suspect by the time Diana was at her zenith, the Queen Mum might have had some different views. She was the breath of fresh air in the stodgy world of Royalty after WWI. She and her husband were well matched and in love. It was, by all accounts, a happy marriage.

Bertie, later George VI, would need her strength and support. She helped him find a way to conquer his stammer. She stood steadfastly by him through his early days as King and throughout WWII. She became the well loved face with which people could connect. And she was there when her daughter became Elizabeth II. She could be feisty and demanding. She could hold a grudge with the best cat, as both The Duke and Duchess of Windsor would learn. She was also sensitive to her own shortcomings but she never let it stand in her way. Her loyalty was unassailable.

The title comes from her fondness for drink and her use of that expression when she wanted to turn the conversation away from a topic she had no wish to discuss. She was a complex woman, often loved or despised, who, for better or worse, would guide the British Royal Family for much of the 20th Century. One of a kind, her like will not be seen again. This book is a lovely testament to her life, ironically coming out so soon after her daughter’s death. Five regal purrs and two paws up.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a totally delightful, humorous, and compelling collection of 101 vignettes about the Queen Mother during her lifetime. One each for the number of years she lived.

I have read lots of books about this fascinating woman and have found them all to show a woman, as it’s been said, as soft as a marshmallow but as strong as iron. She saw her husband as he had to take on the mantle of King of England when his brother abdicated to marry Wallace Simpson.

Elizabeth supported her husband through his stammer that made it difficult for him to give public speeches. His ill health also made it necessary for her to be close by his side. She was unfailing during World War I refusing to leave London to be safe in the countryside. She and their children stayed put to brave the war just as the other people of England did. She believed in solidarity with the people.

Her humor was well-known. She loved meeting people and always showed a genuine interest in them. Singing and dining with friends was such a pleasure for her.

Even after losing her husband when she was just 50-years-old, she maintained her steel strength for the rest of her life. She certainly enjoyed imbibing in cocktails many of which were strong enough to knock over the average person.

I have long admired this wonderful woman and wish I could have met her before she passed away. Along with her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, the world has lost two beautiful icons. May God rest their souls.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Andrea Engle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This light-hearted gossip-fest devotes a chapter to each of the ten decades of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother’s life … Great fun, but if you’re looking for something more serious, I can recommend Sally Bedell Smith’s “George VI and Elizabeth: the Marriage That Saved the Monarchy” which runs up to her husband’s early death … Another masterful account is the official biography by William Shawcross, “The Queen Mother” …
by Sally Bedell Smith
William Shawcross (no photo)

[Maya Ch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wanted to read this book. I had it on my TBR list since it was announced to be released.
Maybe my expectations were too high.
I like the approach of time portioned stories, which i think often used recently(for example by Lucy Worsley in a book about Queen Victoria). this type of writing allows to have an overview of person’s life, detailed just enough to understand the character and be personalized, rather than dive in into 600+pages biography.
Nevertheless the book leaves rather inconsistent impression. Sometimes it is too many details, sometimes not enough to make sense of the chapter.

[Lisa Ahlstedt · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the recent death of Queen Elizabeth II, the royal family has been in the news once again. While fascination with the royal family rarely wanes, the younger generations tend to grab all the headlines. The Queen Mother, who died in 2002 at the age of 101, led a fascinating life where she encountered many of the well-known people of the day. She, like her daughter, had a great belief in "doing one's duty" and continued to participate in royal duties until just a few months before her death. This book takes a look at her life, decade by decade, to show the woman who tried (not always successfully) to avoid publicity.

I thought from the somewhat comical cover, that the book might be less substantial and focus more on the quips and (perhaps) public gaffs that the Queen Mother was known for. Instead, the book was a very in-depth look at the life of the woman who was born while Queen Victoria was still on the throne and died a century later. Not only are well-known sources quoted, but also people who knew or met the Queen Mother and also private letters and diaries were consulted to form a more rounded picture of the QEII's mum -- warts and all.

Anyone who is interested in the royal family will enjoy reading about the long and mostly happy life of the woman referred to as Buffy (by her siblings) and Cake (by her enemies in society). It was interesting to learn so many details that I hadn't known, such as the fact that the future King George VI had to propose 3 times to Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon before she accepted. She was something of an "it girl" and had no interest in giving up her partying lifestyle for a life of duty and being in the public eye. But eventually, true love prevailed, and she and "Bertie" began their lives together. Everything changed when his brother, King Edward VIII, famously renounced the crown to marry Wallis Simpson. Elizabeth never forgave either of them as it meant her shy, anxious husband with the speech impediment was suddenly thrust into a role he had not really been prepared for. Elizabeth's long-standing grudge with the Duke and Dutchess of Windsor (as they became) throughout their lifelong exile in Paris is one of the more interesting events in the book. Neither brother (Kings Edward VIII or George VI) comes across in a very positive light, both being described as not overly bright, quick to throwing temper tantrums, and spoiled. But at least Bertie had the same dedication to the job as his wife did and he was surprisingly successful in his time as king. His somewhat unexpected death would leave his wife to live as a widow for the next 50 years.

There are plenty of funny stories about encounters with the Queen mum, most revolving around her love of a "little drinky-poo" (or twelve) before, during, and after lunch. Many people who had meetings with the Queen mum missed later appointments as she convinced them, quite cheerfully, to just have one more. Her kindness to servants who were employed long after they ceased to be able to perform their duties was also mentioned, as was her willingness to take the blame when things went wrong (so people wouldn't lose their jobs). The criticism of her weight gain was mentioned all throughout the book, but it never seemed to dampen her love of good food and drink, nor dim her cheerful good humor. The book is a fascinating look at the entire twentieth century and events that Elizabeth witnessed first-hand. A particularly poignant scene describes how she was interviewed by a historian about her recollections of Tsar Nicholas II's mother Marie, since Elizabeth was "the only person left alive who remembered her." All in all, a very entertaining book about a formidable woman.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Heidi Malagisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The House of Windsor has been attracting worldwide attention in recent decades with scandals, deaths, weddings, and the birth of royal children. As living symbols of England, the Windsors are seen as an above-average family with numerous jobs and responsibilities. We know their names; King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Phillip, Prince (now King) Charles, Princess Diana, and Prince William. We know their stories from the numerous books, tabloids, and documentaries about their lives, but what about their lives when they go home to relax? Gareth Russell peels back the gilded curtain to explore the life of Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, lovingly known as the Queen Mother, in his latest biography, “Do Let’s Have Another Drink: The Singular Wit and Double Measures of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.”

This is not my usual area of interest, especially for my blog, but I have always wanted to learn more about the House of Windsor. A few years ago, I read “The King’s Speech” about King George VI, and I wanted to learn more about his wife, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. When Gareth Russell announced that he was writing this biography about the Queen Mother, it sounded enchanting, and I wanted to read it.

This biography is not like your typical biography. It goes in chronological order, but unlike others that include copious details of the person’s life, Russell decided to give his readers a different experience by telling the Queen Mother’s story in 101 vignettes, one for each year of her life. It is a unique and fun way to tell the tale of a member of the royal family, especially Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, who lived through both World Wars and saw her husband and daughter become King and Queen of England, respectively.

The short stories of her life as a young Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon were heartfelt and full of personality. I learned some fun facts about her early life, such as George VI had to propose to Elizabeth three separate times until she said yes, to the relief of George’s mother, Queen Mary. Elizabeth had a colorful way of looking at life and was not afraid to speak her mind, especially after a few cocktails or what she would call “drinky-poos.” Her life drastically changed when her brother-in-law Edward VIII abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson, leaving the throne to his brother George VI and Elizabeth, the new King and Queen of England.

As Queen of England and later the Queen Mother, we see her tenacity and humorous side emerge as Elizabeth could be herself. She was a lover of life, and even though she had feuds with members of her family, such as Wallis Simpson and Princess Diana, she truly loved and fought for her family until the very end of her long life.

Russell does a magnificent job telling the story of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother thoughtfully and engagingly. The stories included in this book range from utterly hysterical to gut-wrenching, with every other emotion in between. Another masterpiece by Gareth Russell, “Do Let’s Have Another Drink: The Singular Wit and Double Measures of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother,” is the perfect gift for fans of the English Royal Family.

[Sterlingcindysu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third and last installment of my "British women during WWII" series. The others were The Mitford Affair and The Churchill Sisters: The Extraordinary Lives of Winston and Clementine's Daughters. This was a great finish because the Queen Mother, Elizabeth, referred to them as well.

Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon



This is written in short chapters in chronological order for the QM's life. Even though I've watched The Crown, The King's Speech and been alive for decades of her life, I really didn't know that much about her. I'm watching Outlander now and Elizabeth's ancestors had been Jacobites. They even hosted Bonnie Prince Charlie's father, Prince James, during his bid for the crown. At her funeral they played the "Skye Boat Song" which starts each episode of Outlander.

Things I did not know about the QM--
WWI began on her 14th birthday.

Bertie had to propose three times before she accepted. Unlike Princess Diana she knew what she was getting into marrying into the royal family even though at that time Bertie was the second son and not in line for the throne.

The King, George V, disliked Ann Margaret for her second daughter's name and suggested that Margaret Rose was more in keeping with Scottish princesses. However Queen Elizabeth was able to use the name when her daughter was born.

Diana Mitford Mosley and the QM did NOT get along, not only because of their politics but because Diana was great friends with Wallis, "that woman".



The QM is the one without lipstick. She was criticized for her "dumpy" clothes and body, but hey, she liked her food and her drinkie-poos and if a Queen can't do what she wants, who can?

She died at 102 in 2002.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother was never a person I envisaged reading a book about. But, here we are. I have just finished reading Do Let's Have Another Drink: The Singular Wit and Double Measures of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother by historian Gareth Russell. Just within the last week, Russell's captivating book was named a Best Book of 2022 by The Times. All I can say is this honour is well and truly deserved.


Do Let's Have Another Drink tells the story of The Queen Mother, otherwise known as Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, in 101 anecdotes. Right from the start, Russell indicates that not only will this book be different from others he has written, but that it is also a 'different kind of biography'. Some of these anecdotes are quite short, and others naturally longer. It is in the telling of her life through these anecdotes that the reader is kept engaged; eagerly turning each page to see what the next tale will tell. Throughout this book, you will laugh at her wit, and at times, feel saddened by the inevitable passing of time.

The Queen Mother, of course, needs no introduction. Personally, I remember seeing her in photographs and footage of the royal family as a child. She passed away when I was 14 years old - I remember hearing of her passing and feeling saddened at the time but that's it.

The Queen Mother was 101 when she died, having been born in 1900. She grew up in Glamis Castle, Scotland, and married Prince Albert (Bertie), in 1923. Following the Abdication crisis of 1936, Prince Albert was crowned King George VI, and Elizabeth was crowned as Queen Consort. King George VI died fifteen years later, at which point his daughter Elizabeth, became Queen Elizabeth II, and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon became known as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

Whether The Queen Mother was wandering off from scheduled routes of royal visits or plying her guests with alcohol, these anecdotes are told with care and sensitivity. What comes through in Russell's writing is The Queen Mother's wit, humour, compassion, and ability to bear a solid grudge. Do Let's Have Another Drink: The Singular Wit and Double Measures of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother is a brilliant and thoroughly enjoyable biography. I highly recommend adding this to your Christmas Wishlist, or buying it as a special treat for yourself. This book has quickly joined my top reads of 2022.

[Patricia Saffell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not a royal biography reader but I did enjoy Craig Brown's entertaining Ma'am Darling about Princess Margaret so I hoped that this would be a less obsequious and fun look at the Queen Mother's life or as a blurb stated,a biography without the boring bits.I couldn't contempate reading the standard biographies after Brown's description of one as the author constantly saying the QM was "delighted " to the extent that if one closed the book "delight" would ooze out like too much mayonnaise in a sandwich.
This disappointed me.Too much of what is already known ad nauseam and too little of things I was curious about like the eye-watering overdraft the QM had with the private bank Coutts( at the time of her death it was estimated at £7million).Russell only hints at this with his description of her maintaining the Edwardian lifestyle of her youth in her various residences complete with large staffs,the costly renovation of a derelict castle in Scotland,and a racing stable of over 12 horses.And her consumption of Krug champagne.
The alcohol consumption didn't surprise me.I was familiar with her generation's love of cocktails ( which she called drinky poos) .I always loved Noel Cowards lines "And Doris got blind with Dubonnet and Gin,and scratched her veneer with a Cartier pin " from his song about that time.All I can say is she must have had hollow legs as many of her guests left sozzled after being entertained at lunch or dinner.
As for the wit, well in some examples I guess you had to be there.
So this book would be fine for anybody not familiar with the QM's life .The WW1 years are sad with the losses her family experienced ; two brothers dead and the rest severely traumatised. It just wasn't what I hoped for.

[John Hardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to confess that lately I have been interested in reading books about the British aristocracy, before I can be outed. My name, incidentally, is Jean Menteur.
This is a feather-light biography of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. The format is 101 snippets from her life, one for each year, ranging from a paragraph to a few pages, and divided into ten chapters. I found the title and sub-heading to be just a little over the top, creating expectations which were not fully met. Yes, there are drinking anecdotes, and stories about her humorous interactions with servants and acquaintances, but don't expect any racy revelations. The emphasis seemed to be on how she tried to be popular and lovable, having a good time, while still doing her duty and interacting with the public. Some who knew her had opposing opinions - she was lazy, she was hard, she was a schemer, etc. I'm sure that there was truth in both those views.
Having been born just before the end of her reign, she was never a figure much in my consciousness. Perhaps in my youth I was also more of a rabid anti-monarchist.
I think the reason I have enjoyed reading books like this is that it is an interesting way to learn about certain periods of history. This lady lived through two world wars and huge technological and societal change, living to 101 despite her love of good food and a cold drink on a hot day.
I think I can salute her. This is very light reading, due to the relatively short individual pieces. There are some photos, but I would have liked more. I'm torn between three and four stars - darn it, I'll give the dear old queen a rating of 3.6.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a fan of Russell's work, particularly his podcast Single Malt History with Gareth Russell. So when I heard he was releasing a new book (sadly his Young Damned & Fair is still on my TBR pile) I investigated if I could get a copy of it through my local library and I was lucky enough that they had ordered a copy.

This is not a traditional biographical book, so if you do not know a great deal about Elizabeth Bowes Lyon, Queen Consort of the United Kingdom and the Queen Mother, I would recommend starting with a different book. That being said this book will definitely give you a glimpse into Elizabeth as a person outside of the offices that she held during her lifetime. All of the anecdotes that Russell included were entertaining and interesting. I am sure that this took a great deal of work as many of the sections were from anecdotal stories of people who knew or knew someone who knew Elizabeth.

I really enjoyed Russell's weaving of Elizabeth's enjoyment of drinking throughout the book. It is clear that she really enjoyed an intense drink quite regularly and the way that she forced guests to imbibe was also quite entertaining to read about. Also, my favourite story had to be the tour where she walked in on a guest in the bathroom.

History lovers and people with an interest in the monarchy are sure to enjoy this book.

Content Warnings with a graphic description: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Animal death, Cancer, Pregnancy, Grief, Colonisation, Chronic illness, Classism, War, Alcohol, and Death of a parent; with a moderate description: Dementia

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having liked Russell's The Palace: From the Tudors to the Windsors, 500 Years of British History at Hampton Court, I decided to try this biography of someone I'd heard about every so often, but knew very little.

Format of 101 "anecdotes" (vignettes) worked well for me, rather than a regular ten-chapter structure. I liked that Russell referenced a few folks who did not like her, basically calling her out as insincere, in contrast to her many public admirers. Also, there was the contrast been her keeping up with modern sensibilities, while maintaining an Edwardian household of her youth. It was also pointed out that while she supported many gay friends, the idea of a same-sex marriage would have been a definite "no" from her. One anecdote that will stay with me: instead of watching a comedy video with guests, one of a brutal boxing match appeared instead; Elizabeth insisted on seeing it through, enthusiastically cheering on one of the contenders.

Some reviewers have felt Russell shied away from her feelings towards the "modern" Royals, I thought that was fine. One of the better bios I've read, definitely recommended!