Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by notesofatimetraveller
Do Let's Have Another Drink: The Dry Wit and Fizzy Life of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother by Gareth Russell
5.0
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.
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.