Review: THE QUEEN'S CORGI: ON PURPOSE, David Michie

• first published in 2016 by Coach Books.
• ISBN 978-1-4019-5069-9
• 186 pages

Synopsis (Amazon)

‘Wouldn’t it be wonderful if newspapers did more to share stories and insights that were really meaningful? Things that might help people lead more purposeful lives.’ The Queen glanced over at him, uncertainly. ‘Tricky business, persuading the media to lift their sights from terror and trivia. Every one of us has tried.’ Pushing myself up so that I was balancing on my rear end, I fixed Kate with a pleading expression. She was a soft touch when it came to scones. There was a pause while the family glanced in my direction. Before Kate said, ‘Well, not every family member.’


Rescued from unscrupulous breeders who plan to destroy him because of his floppy ear, when the Queen’s littlest corgi arrives at Windsor Castle, he finds himself in a world of red carpets, gilded chambers – and not a pile of dirty laundry to be seen.

Charming his way into the affections of the royal household, Nelson offers a dog’s-eye view of life with the Queen. He eavesdrops on her encounters with celebrities, philanthropists and advisers, catching rare insights into the secrets of a purposeful life. Through one of Her Majesty’s most mysterious advisers, he discovers how the ancient ways and powerful symbols continue to exert a transformative presence. He also becomes familiar with the Queen’s most surprising quality: her gentle but firm expectation that everyone she encounters is striving to be the best that they can be.

The Queen’s Corgi bursts with zest, humour and adventure. Romping through the litany of Nelson’s misdemeanours are a warm-heartedness and deep wisdom sure to delight anyone who has known the smiling face and warm tongue of a dog. It is not by chance that you hold this book in your hands.

My Take

Not my usual fare, and definitely not crime fiction.

This is very similar in format to the Michie's other book that I have read THE DALAI LAMA'S CAT, a fictional vehicle for David Michie's Buddhist philosophy.

It makes for interesting reading and puts Queen Elizabeth II and the rest of the Royal family in interesting light. The Queen is portrayed as a deep and empathetic thinker, as are the younger members of the family.

The novel is a series of events involving Nelson, the young Corgi, which test human tolerance and illustrate Buddhist concepts.

My rating: 4.2

I've also read 4.2, THE DALAI LAMA'S CAT