What do you think?
Rate this book
The Queen's Envoy
After inheriting his Title, Lord David little realised he would also inherit a job. After all, he'd just retired. But this job was as an unofficial envoy to HMG and could he turn it down? He's a fish out of water groping his way from situation to situation with a hint of desparation but with all the aplomb and stiff upper lip he can muster.Will he cope with all that life throws at him and all the women that seem intent on compromising him
194 pages, Paperback
First published March 16, 2011
225 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 11, 2015
All that peace and love stuff, it’s just idealistic mumbo jumbo, right?
Or is it?
While I admit I don’t understand a lot of stuff, but as long as it’s not really hurting anyone, why would I care?
Too often, the commonly held view seems to be that if we don’t agree, we’re at odds.
Like somehow 7 billion of us are suddenly going to start agreeing, or we have to battle it out Star Trek style.
For example, I find the rise of pumpkin spice alarming – apparently pumpkin spice is a season now, so the pumpkin spice must flow.
Here’s a completely incomplete list of stuff people do that I don’t ‘get’, or want to (no particular order):
1. Touching wet paint or wet cement – yes, it’s wet, move on.
2. Running water after going to the bathroom instead of actually washing your hands.
3. Lying, lying, and what was that other thing, oh yeah, lying.
4. Judging a person based on their skin tone, religion, race, nationality, whom they choose to love, clothes, home, family, etc.
5. Walking into traffic looking at a cellphone.
6. Bad driving.
7. Hurting others, especially children.
8. Loving something just because it’s endorsed by or has the name of a celebrity.
9. Using racism as a political strategy.
10. Fat shaming, and also those who say fat shaming is wrong, because they’re also calling people fat.
11. Having fictional conversations in your head with others (ok, done this).
12. Not smiling back at a child or being impatient when an elderly person is slowly walking down the stairs in front of you.
13. Yelling at furniture that jumped out and stubbed your toe (ok, I’ve totally done that).
14. Wearing uncomfortable shoes (especially with stubbed toes).
15. People who pretend they don’t fart (you do, we all do, own it).
16. Reading the instructions after you’ve done something.
17. Saying “I’m sorry” when you’re not sorry.
18. Unenvironmentalists (you know that should be a word).
19. Buying non-orange pumpkins.
20. Pretending you don’t wish some cool movie-like thing would happen to you today instead of just the usual stuff…come on, you really haven’t done this?
I can’t understand how people find the time or energy to judge, fight, or generally care so much about everyone else’s business. Does this have to do with our fight or flight response? Not running from sabre-tooth tigers (mostly), our fear response is now triggered by shopping (prices are terrifying), finding info on the internet (bloodcurdling), and politicians (I’ll take the tiger). Obviously our fear of scarcity has survived, so maybe those who are different or disagree feed into that fear. I’m just guessing, frankly, I’m baffled.
The internet just seethes with fear and loathing which is why I’m happy when I find bloggers who make me smile. David Prosser, a wonderful, funny, and caring blogger from Wales offered the world his Buthidars philosophy https://lorddavidprosser1.wordpress.com/ – a hug, a good deed, a simple gesture, a smile…forging a path toward peace.
And he shares his life each week at: https://barsetshirediaries.wordpress.... and kindly shared one of his novels, The Queen’s Envoy, with the caveat, it wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Perhaps, but I emphatically enjoyed the fanciful flight of fictitious foibles. It reminded me of watching Bond movies with my Dad. As a child I didn’t understand what Pussy Galore, Holly Goodhead, and “Oh James!” really meant, but the spirit of adventure always made me feel like anything was possible. I like that feeling, wherever I can find it.
It’s Thanksgiving this weekend in Canada; I’m thankful we can all agree to disagree, eh. I don’t tell people they’re stupid for their beliefs and I don’t expect them to understand my complicated relationships with: chocolate, spiders, TV, sleep, housekeeping, kale, Jane Austen, gravity, technology, toenail clippers, Christmas, pools (you know, cause of sharks), clowns, Thanksgiving, meat, and life in general.
We don’t have to agree to have fun, be respectful, and add love and hope to the world.
All we are saying is givepeas peace a chance.
http://yadadarcyyada.com/2015/10/09/y...
Or is it?
While I admit I don’t understand a lot of stuff, but as long as it’s not really hurting anyone, why would I care?
Too often, the commonly held view seems to be that if we don’t agree, we’re at odds.
Like somehow 7 billion of us are suddenly going to start agreeing, or we have to battle it out Star Trek style.
For example, I find the rise of pumpkin spice alarming – apparently pumpkin spice is a season now, so the pumpkin spice must flow.
Here’s a completely incomplete list of stuff people do that I don’t ‘get’, or want to (no particular order):
1. Touching wet paint or wet cement – yes, it’s wet, move on.
2. Running water after going to the bathroom instead of actually washing your hands.
3. Lying, lying, and what was that other thing, oh yeah, lying.
4. Judging a person based on their skin tone, religion, race, nationality, whom they choose to love, clothes, home, family, etc.
5. Walking into traffic looking at a cellphone.
6. Bad driving.
7. Hurting others, especially children.
8. Loving something just because it’s endorsed by or has the name of a celebrity.
9. Using racism as a political strategy.
10. Fat shaming, and also those who say fat shaming is wrong, because they’re also calling people fat.
11. Having fictional conversations in your head with others (ok, done this).
12. Not smiling back at a child or being impatient when an elderly person is slowly walking down the stairs in front of you.
13. Yelling at furniture that jumped out and stubbed your toe (ok, I’ve totally done that).
14. Wearing uncomfortable shoes (especially with stubbed toes).
15. People who pretend they don’t fart (you do, we all do, own it).
16. Reading the instructions after you’ve done something.
17. Saying “I’m sorry” when you’re not sorry.
18. Unenvironmentalists (you know that should be a word).
19. Buying non-orange pumpkins.
20. Pretending you don’t wish some cool movie-like thing would happen to you today instead of just the usual stuff…come on, you really haven’t done this?
I can’t understand how people find the time or energy to judge, fight, or generally care so much about everyone else’s business. Does this have to do with our fight or flight response? Not running from sabre-tooth tigers (mostly), our fear response is now triggered by shopping (prices are terrifying), finding info on the internet (bloodcurdling), and politicians (I’ll take the tiger). Obviously our fear of scarcity has survived, so maybe those who are different or disagree feed into that fear. I’m just guessing, frankly, I’m baffled.
The internet just seethes with fear and loathing which is why I’m happy when I find bloggers who make me smile. David Prosser, a wonderful, funny, and caring blogger from Wales offered the world his Buthidars philosophy https://lorddavidprosser1.wordpress.com/ – a hug, a good deed, a simple gesture, a smile…forging a path toward peace.
And he shares his life each week at: https://barsetshirediaries.wordpress.... and kindly shared one of his novels, The Queen’s Envoy, with the caveat, it wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Perhaps, but I emphatically enjoyed the fanciful flight of fictitious foibles. It reminded me of watching Bond movies with my Dad. As a child I didn’t understand what Pussy Galore, Holly Goodhead, and “Oh James!” really meant, but the spirit of adventure always made me feel like anything was possible. I like that feeling, wherever I can find it.
It’s Thanksgiving this weekend in Canada; I’m thankful we can all agree to disagree, eh. I don’t tell people they’re stupid for their beliefs and I don’t expect them to understand my complicated relationships with: chocolate, spiders, TV, sleep, housekeeping, kale, Jane Austen, gravity, technology, toenail clippers, Christmas, pools (you know, cause of sharks), clowns, Thanksgiving, meat, and life in general.
We don’t have to agree to have fun, be respectful, and add love and hope to the world.
All we are saying is give
http://yadadarcyyada.com/2015/10/09/y...
October 16, 2015
Having read 'The Barsetshire Diary Book 1', I quickly settled in to enjoy this light hearted story about 'His Lordship's Tour of Duty in Foreign Parts', complete with his 'naive' stumbling through difficult events, interspaced with the treatment meted out by a local tyrant - Oscar the Cat.
Although His Lordship appears to be somewhat at a loss with general life and it's vagaries, he demonstrates a certain sharpness of mind when it comes to resolving puzzles and that elude the wit and expertise of others.
I find these books ideal for light easy reading and raising many chuckling moments.
See my review also at:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-revie...
http://www.amazon.com/product-reviews...
http://www.amazon.com.au/product-revi...
http://www.amazon.ca/product-reviews/...
Although His Lordship appears to be somewhat at a loss with general life and it's vagaries, he demonstrates a certain sharpness of mind when it comes to resolving puzzles and that elude the wit and expertise of others.
I find these books ideal for light easy reading and raising many chuckling moments.
See my review also at:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-revie...
http://www.amazon.com/product-reviews...
http://www.amazon.com.au/product-revi...
http://www.amazon.ca/product-reviews/...
December 29, 2012
I enjoyed this witty and entertaining book very much. It has action balanced with the warmth of good friends and family around the hearth. The protagonist manages the unexpected twists of his duties with a grace that actually contributes to his triumph over those situations, while he suffers antagonist Oscar's onslaughts.
The journal format lent itself to this string of tales, blurring the line between fiction and nonfiction. If I had a special mission, I'd choose Lord David's chuckling, discreet approach over 007's antics any day--which helps make these tales believable. This is the first of Lord David's books I have read, but I will be reading more of them. Well done!
The journal format lent itself to this string of tales, blurring the line between fiction and nonfiction. If I had a special mission, I'd choose Lord David's chuckling, discreet approach over 007's antics any day--which helps make these tales believable. This is the first of Lord David's books I have read, but I will be reading more of them. Well done!
September 4, 2011
Lord David is an amazing author. In The Queen's Envoy is a story of his own life in The Queen's service. It was a title and job he did not ask for but certainly did his best to do justice to. He writes with a wonderful sense of humor that kept me giggling out loud throughout the whole book. I laughed so much that my sister would come in to see what the heck was wrong with me! I would say a must read!
January 22, 2015
Had William Shakespeare been alive today and read The Queen's Envoy, he surely would have written these words about Lord David Prosser... "Be not afraid of greatness; some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them"... but as he's not, it falls to me to do so. Lord David doesn't fail in any of his missions, including the mission to engage and entertain readers.
June 8, 2011
A gentle, easygoing,laugh out loud book that doesn't rely on bad language, violence or sex to create a story.See how naive a man can be when confronted with a woman who has decided she wants him.Travel with Lord David and wonder how he actually survives a day with only his stiff upper lip to defend him. A book you can buy for anyone and not cause offence.
Ilil Arbel. Author of The Cinnabar Box
Ilil Arbel. Author of The Cinnabar Box
December 28, 2024
A charming series of episodes in the life of Lord David Prosser, who inherits an unexpected role as a diplomat along with his title. Missions to Arabia, Paris, and New York City alternate with domestic scenes on the home front. Although a bit bumbling and naive, Lord David gets the job done, and never fails to bring back delightful items to his wife and daughter. Liberal amounts of shopping and dining are blended with risk and intrigue. I enjoyed the understated humour and the challenges presented by Oscar the cat, who never fails to let his lordship know who really rules the household.
Anyone weary of the state of the world will find this book a pleasant diversion from grim reality.
Anyone weary of the state of the world will find this book a pleasant diversion from grim reality.
January 17, 2018
Nice paced diary entry style with pleasant characters, well, except for the killers.Very entertaining, amusing and at times can't-catch-my-breath hilarious story. I look forward to reading more from this author. Loved Oscar! I do hope Oscar is written into the other books.
June 1, 2017
Review to follow
January 19, 2025
Thank you Lord Daviid
I enjoyed this tale tremendously. It moved along quickly in nvolving the reader in all Lord David’s machinations! Bravo! Bravo!
I enjoyed this tale tremendously. It moved along quickly in nvolving the reader in all Lord David’s machinations! Bravo! Bravo!
October 30, 2012
The Queen's Envoy (The Barsetshire Diaries) has been in the lists on my kindle for a long time, but once I opened the book, I laughed my way through it quickly. The story of a man who unexpectedly finds he has inherited a title and a role as a messenger and envoy to the queen would not seem to have much in common with the life I lead as a mom and teacher in the California redwoods, however Lord David writes in a way that the very common, mundane aspects of being human keep appearing as familiar anecdotes which made me laugh and say, "that's like when we . . ." He shows that simple little events are really what life is made up of, and that the important things which happen may not get attention as they are happening. One example is the story of when he was sent to compete with the Russian Envoy in making a deal to buy a new oil field. He spends his time visiting, and when a young girl comes out and the Russian envoy ignores her, Lord David lets her take him on a stroll of the grounds and her new horse in the stables. When he returns home, thinking he has failed, he does not know yet that he has cinched the deal precisely because of how he treated the child. This reminded me of the time I went looking for my first teaching job, I was visiting a special ed. classroom, and I met some people there, who were also observing the class, but tuned them out to interact with the students during recess. I got down and covered my face with my hair and put my glasses on the hair so I looked like "cousin it" and played chase with the giggling children. When I got home there was a job offer waiting, as those other people were the director of special ed. and the building principal.
Lord David is human and funny, he can rescue kidnapped girls, but not reclaim his section of the bed from his cat Oscar. He loves his wife and yet hides his cigarettes from her and when the messenger from the Queen keeps calling on him early in the morning he is still crawling into his clothes and finding the morning coffee fixings. The stories he tells in this little diary just simply made me feel good while I was reading them.
Lord David is human and funny, he can rescue kidnapped girls, but not reclaim his section of the bed from his cat Oscar. He loves his wife and yet hides his cigarettes from her and when the messenger from the Queen keeps calling on him early in the morning he is still crawling into his clothes and finding the morning coffee fixings. The stories he tells in this little diary just simply made me feel good while I was reading them.
September 18, 2011
If you are looking for a charming and entertaining read in which you will giggle your way through, then this book is it! From almost the very first page I was bubbling with laughter, and the trend continued all the way through.
When a young government official, whose only concerns in the beginning stem from a minor motor vehicle accident and his wife's penchant for swiping his wallet, is suddenly the bearer of the title, Lord of Bouldnor, and pressed into Her Majesty's service, our small-village gentleman suddenly becomes an English hero. With characters such as wife Lady J and daughter Ysabel, who keep Lord David humble, and Oscar the cat, who reminds Lord David on multiple occasions just who is the boss in his family, Lord David fills his new role with the humility of a saint. Sent on various missions, Lord David swiftly and matter-of-factly saves the crown from financial ruin, blackmail, and diplomatic assassinations with the ease of a pro, only to return home to his loving wife and daughter and his eternal nemesis, Oscar, as though nothing ever happened.
With characters such as Dr. Jekyll and a cafe owner who inadvertently poisons him as well as a small village that spreads gossip via jungle drums, Lord David's story is entirely way too entertaining to not enjoy. Though not a fast-paced spy adventure, you will laugh your way through and love this humble James Bond with his self-deprecating humor and eager to please disposition. I highly recommend David and Ilil's story for a great laugh.
When a young government official, whose only concerns in the beginning stem from a minor motor vehicle accident and his wife's penchant for swiping his wallet, is suddenly the bearer of the title, Lord of Bouldnor, and pressed into Her Majesty's service, our small-village gentleman suddenly becomes an English hero. With characters such as wife Lady J and daughter Ysabel, who keep Lord David humble, and Oscar the cat, who reminds Lord David on multiple occasions just who is the boss in his family, Lord David fills his new role with the humility of a saint. Sent on various missions, Lord David swiftly and matter-of-factly saves the crown from financial ruin, blackmail, and diplomatic assassinations with the ease of a pro, only to return home to his loving wife and daughter and his eternal nemesis, Oscar, as though nothing ever happened.
With characters such as Dr. Jekyll and a cafe owner who inadvertently poisons him as well as a small village that spreads gossip via jungle drums, Lord David's story is entirely way too entertaining to not enjoy. Though not a fast-paced spy adventure, you will laugh your way through and love this humble James Bond with his self-deprecating humor and eager to please disposition. I highly recommend David and Ilil's story for a great laugh.
October 19, 2014
"The Queen's Envoy (the Barsetshire Diaries Book 2) by Lord David Prosser are a great addition to the series. In this instalment
Lord David is asked to take over some diplomatic task, in the tradition of his predecessor. His mission takes him to the Middle East where his likeable and unassuming Lordship at first thinks he has failed his task.
This series has a beautiful feel, very witty but gentle, funny and full of great observational humour about human nature and the British, the diaries are a real treasure.
Lord David and Lady Julia live a modern day life with their recently inherited title as Lord and Lady and offer a great persepctive on the life of the gentry. Traditions, British class system and formality meet shopping trips, exercise machines and mundane tasks and issues. Written with fantastic use of the English language the book is a real treat. A fresh breath of air and a very rewarding read.
Lord David is asked to take over some diplomatic task, in the tradition of his predecessor. His mission takes him to the Middle East where his likeable and unassuming Lordship at first thinks he has failed his task.
This series has a beautiful feel, very witty but gentle, funny and full of great observational humour about human nature and the British, the diaries are a real treasure.
Lord David and Lady Julia live a modern day life with their recently inherited title as Lord and Lady and offer a great persepctive on the life of the gentry. Traditions, British class system and formality meet shopping trips, exercise machines and mundane tasks and issues. Written with fantastic use of the English language the book is a real treat. A fresh breath of air and a very rewarding read.
July 3, 2016
The title really explains what this book is about. Lord David received his title when a relative passes away. He finds out that he also inherited his job. Lord David's life and job are described in this book in the form of journal entries.
The book was labeled as humor when sent to me and I have to admit I was a bit skeptical. Just because the author thinks something is funny, doesn't mean the rest of us will. But this book lives up to the title (of humorous) and goes beyond. I laughed all the way through this book. I enjoy British humor and that was part of it, but I think this author could tell about taking out the garbage and make us laugh.
This is Lord David's second book and I will certainly be purchasing the first one.
I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion.
The book was labeled as humor when sent to me and I have to admit I was a bit skeptical. Just because the author thinks something is funny, doesn't mean the rest of us will. But this book lives up to the title (of humorous) and goes beyond. I laughed all the way through this book. I enjoy British humor and that was part of it, but I think this author could tell about taking out the garbage and make us laugh.
This is Lord David's second book and I will certainly be purchasing the first one.
I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 26, 2013
Cute. Reminds me of a British version of No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. Multiple short, nonthreatening mysteries solved in a cozy atmosphere.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews