Alan Bennett, the original Anti-Flag drummer, who initially shot to fame as a musician in the late 80's DC hardcore scene, hits the ground running with this, his suberb debut novel. Drawing inspiration from his time touring the toilet circuit of the east coast of the United States, he uses his poetic license to great effect to embellish some stories from the road. At one point his characters even end up driving a mobile library to Buckingham Palace and gently encourage the Queen of England to listen to Gorilla Biscuits, and other hardcore bands of the time. Some of the stories in this book are so unbeliveable that they have to be more based on the truth than not!

This is a beautfully written book, based on an amusing premise; that of what the consequences of the Queen suddenly being accidentally bitten by the reading bug are. Alan Bennett has done a wonderful job of researching both the world of literature and the machinations and protocol of royal life, to create a very authentic character in that of the Queen.This was a quick read, which I thoroughly enjoyed and it had a good, though provoking, twist at the end.

This book is charming and entertaining.

A real treat.Short but not lacking in humour and wit.

Short but delightful.