Amazon UK
Title: The Prince George Diaries
Author: Clare Bennett
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Michael Joseph
Publication Date: 5th November 2015
Rating: 5 Stars
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| Amazon UK |
The Prince George Diaries is a new comedy about the Royal Family told from the inside out.
Great diarists have changed the course of history, charted the swell of revolutions, the rise and fall of empires through the power of their pens. But for the first time ever, the gimlet eye of a tiny literary colossus - small in stature but mighty in influence - unlocks the closely guarded secrets of the British monarchy. How? He's one of them.
The Prince George Diaries is a no-holds-barred exclusive never-before-seen fly-on-the-wall, behind the scenes rollercoaster exposé written from the inside. From David Cameron's weekly meetings with the Queen ('I've given up bread, Ma'am - can you tell?') Princess Anne's terrifyingly combative party game tactics ('Who's got the cojones to take me on?') to Prince Harry's lessons on family history ('Did you know Great Grandpop's first pet was a dinosaur and that he invented fire?') - it is all here. And much, much more.
But George's position as the world's most influential baby is suddenly under threat, following the shocking news that he's going to have a sibling. He knows how to be a media superstar. He doesn't know how to be a brother. What will the future hold now an imposter looms large on the horizon...?
I have no idea if I am the correct target audience for this book. I am on the whole fairly indifferent to the Royal Family and politics, and I wasn't suffering baby fever at the birth of either of the young royals. However this book is utterly hilarious, and such a great piss take of the family, despite being rooted in reality.
It takes us on the journey from George's first birthday until he turns two, includes all of Kate's pregnancy as seen from the eyes of a 1 year old, and of course living with Princess Charlotte for the first few months of her life.
I loved the voice of this book, its very fresh, and seeing George with his team of advisors for every little part of his life, as well as his various classes in every aspect of what it is to be royal. He has a unique take on life, and if this book is to be believed George was instrumental in some of his fashion choices for all the publicly released staged photos and public appearances. He has is own team to check how public opinion is, he has his own strategy team, presents team to keep track of all the presents he receives daily, stylists, advisors and even a latin teacher!
George may not be able to verbalise his thoughts, but this diary gives a great idea of what he must be thinking, even if it is giving him slightly more grown up thoughts than perhaps a child of that age is capable of.
I would love to see some sort of sequel, as the characterisations of all members of the family are so memorable, I especially love David Cameron's weekly visits with the Queen, starting the talk each time with his diet, and then helping himself to loads of tea, before even deigning to talk about running the country.
Prince Harry is portrayed as a lovable uncle, that is often found clowning around with his family. We also see William start his air ambulance career, and all sorts of public appearances which are all based on reality for those correct dates. And then there is George's understanding of special occasions and family events, all hilarious. I especially love the discussions on who is required to curtesy to who in the extend Royal Family!
I found myself laughing and smiling my whole way through this book. Its a hard book to explain fully, but if you are looking for a good laugh and some light hearted entertainment that doesn't require too much thought and doesn't take itself seriously then this is definitely the book for you.
Thank you to Netgalley and Michael Joseph for this review copy. This is my honest opinion.
It takes us on the journey from George's first birthday until he turns two, includes all of Kate's pregnancy as seen from the eyes of a 1 year old, and of course living with Princess Charlotte for the first few months of her life.
I loved the voice of this book, its very fresh, and seeing George with his team of advisors for every little part of his life, as well as his various classes in every aspect of what it is to be royal. He has a unique take on life, and if this book is to be believed George was instrumental in some of his fashion choices for all the publicly released staged photos and public appearances. He has is own team to check how public opinion is, he has his own strategy team, presents team to keep track of all the presents he receives daily, stylists, advisors and even a latin teacher!
George may not be able to verbalise his thoughts, but this diary gives a great idea of what he must be thinking, even if it is giving him slightly more grown up thoughts than perhaps a child of that age is capable of.
I would love to see some sort of sequel, as the characterisations of all members of the family are so memorable, I especially love David Cameron's weekly visits with the Queen, starting the talk each time with his diet, and then helping himself to loads of tea, before even deigning to talk about running the country.
Prince Harry is portrayed as a lovable uncle, that is often found clowning around with his family. We also see William start his air ambulance career, and all sorts of public appearances which are all based on reality for those correct dates. And then there is George's understanding of special occasions and family events, all hilarious. I especially love the discussions on who is required to curtesy to who in the extend Royal Family!
I found myself laughing and smiling my whole way through this book. Its a hard book to explain fully, but if you are looking for a good laugh and some light hearted entertainment that doesn't require too much thought and doesn't take itself seriously then this is definitely the book for you.
Thank you to Netgalley and Michael Joseph for this review copy. This is my honest opinion.
Ooh, a fab five star! This sounds like a lovely fun read, Clare. Well done you! Thanks for sharing, Rachel. :) xx
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