The King's Speech: How One Man Saved the British Monarchy

Written after the movie was already in production this books tells much more of the impact Lionel Logue had over Bertie. (The subtitle is a bit presumptuous that Mr. Logue did it on his own but the story doesn't make that mistake.) It's a look behind the curtain in how confidence was instilled in the future monarch by a self-trained commoner and their long friendship which followed. This book is also gives a glimpse at how the art of corresponding, journaling and diary keeping allows future generations to learn about their forefathers. The authors paint an interesting canvas of the times these persons lived and the adversities they endured. If you enjoyed the film and want to experience more of the relationship between the Prince/King and the commoner I believe you will find this enjoyable.

This is the story of Lionel Logue, the self-taught speech therapist who assists the future King George VI of Britain in overcoming his speech impediment. Information about Logue was gleaned from diaries and journals he kept, and subsequently discovered by his grandson Mark, one of the authors of the book. Ultimately, we learn a little bit about British history and how the monarchy operates behind closed doors, including the shocking murder of King George V by his own family. We learn little; however, of the techniques that Logue used to reach and train "Bertie." We have a far better understanding that this future king was abused, bullied, frightened, none-to-bright in his academic endeavors, and totally unprepared to take over the responsiblities of the monarchy when his brother, Edward, abdicated. The best thing about this book was the inclusion of the real recording of George VI's historic speech. I give the book three stars for its historical significance, but it is rather boring in parts with its dependence on a minutiae of details that quickly overwhelms the relationship between the two men. The movie was much more interesting than the book. See the movie for a truly inspirational and great story.

This book is a story told through the diaries and letters of Mr. Logue and George VI. It's merit is in that actual letters tell the story rather than a modified script. We are a world entertained by enhanced reality. This story isn't going for the amazing turning point or surprise ending. The movie was wonderful--but it would have been less if not based on the reality of these two men. It moves us because the achievement was real and not invented.

I saw the movie but this is so much more of the story. It was well worth the time to hear more of the story and so great that family story can come out through the efforts of a family member.

I have yet to see this movie, but wanted to read the book before I saw it. I cannot speak as to the differences between movie and book, but I DO believe that this book goes into far more details about the main characters lives than the movie ever could. Working with speech therapists in my chosen career, perhaps I found the topic more interesting than your average person would. But that said, I believe that people can get a lot from this book. Its a good history lesson as well as a life lesson about determination, friendship and respect. I found it a very enjoyable read.

Biography, History, Drama

Listening to the actual broadcasts of the King as he progresses, both personally with his speech abilities and historically with the history of his country--just the right amount of footage

The scene before, and through, the King's coronation speech

Bertie's (later Duke and still later King) life as a young boy and young man

I had doubts that I would truly enjoy this, since I had loved the film and worried it would be a repeat. It adds much more to the story. Simon Vance is absolutely perfect as he narrates.

The timeline in the movie was condensed, making for a more dramatic storyline. Major improvements in King George's stutter occurred far in advance of the famous radio addresses during WWII, not almost simultaneous to it, as the film would have you believe. Logue's diary excerpts are almost fawning of the king in an era that is obviously pre-dates today's tabloid journalism. Still, a fine listen, if a little slow in parts.

Since I haven't read the print version, I really can't give an opinion at this time. All I know is that it was remarkably good.

I like history, so it really provided me with some real good facts about that time in the English history

a unique inside of the relationship between the King and his Doctor.....

It made me laugh , but it also made me cry, even at that period of time people didnt understand the horrible helplessness people had with stuttering, and made fun of it.

no

Good book; well narrated. I really enjoyed it. Thanks to Audible for having this in store.

A biography of Lionel Logue, the King's speech therapist, it started off slow but got better. Obvioulsy, there's a lot more story to his life than in the fantastic movie by the same name could tell. However, the interesting parts made it in the script. One of the few instances when the movie is better than the book.