Book Review: “Do Let’s Have Another Drink” by Gareth Russell

This might be one of the most delightful books I’ve read (or listened to) in ages! I literally couldn’t put it down and finished it in two days which came as a huge disappointment. The tagline of this book is “The Dry Wit and Fizzy life of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother” which is a perfect summation and yet, not telling enough. As someone who had pictures of Prince William on her wall in junior high, I remember the Queen Mum as the cute little lady with the cane and handbag but this book shows her in a multi-faceted way. 

What makes this truly clever is that it follows her life in less of a biography way and more of a photo album sense... All the big or pivotal moments but told through quotes, remarks and witty commentary. One hundred and one moments for each year of her life. If the idea of Queen Elizabeth shooting rats in the grounds of the palace while practicing for the Nazi invasion (at her own request) interests you then you will love every moment along the way. 

Once again as someone who grew up in a time where she was an integral part of the royal family, I was shocked to see how her journey to that life and, truthfully, her role as Queen and Queen Mother were never a foregone conclusion. She wasn’t groomed to be queen and almost seemed to be on the fringes yet, this book has convinced me that that was the very reason she was so good at it. She seemed to always be moving through that sphere but never truly a part of it until she was firmly planted in it with her marriage to the future George VI. 

Finally, I really appreciated the “inside view” on many major world events in recent history. The Queen Mum had such a long life that she was a part of some major cultural and historical moments. It was fascinating to see what was happening “behind closed doors”. So, if you’re a fan of royals, history, tiaras or pranks, then this book is for you!