This is not a novelization of the Oscar winning movie by the same name. Instead it is the story behind the drama of the film. Written by the grandson of speech therapist Lionel Logue, this book is based on Logue's personal diaries and papers. It chronicles Logue's life beginning in Australia and his subsequent move to England. He began his work with "Bertie," then the Duke of York, when the Duke was scheduled to make a tour of Australia for the opening of Parliament House in 1927. The Duke had a serious stammering problem and giving public speeches was horrific for him. Logue's work with the Duke, at a time when speech therapy was in its infancy, helped make the Australian tour a success. When the abdication of Edward VIII suddenly thrust the Duke into being King George VI of England, he once again worked with Logue on the speaking he would have to do at the Coronation. By this time Logue was automatically consulted whenever a major speech needed to be made, often helping to change the wording to make it easier for the King to avoid "problem sounds." Throughout it all, Logue kept a relatively low profile, rarely talking to the press and refusing to use his work with King George as a way to further his career. Logue and his wife became great friends of the young royal couple and in his diaries Logue speaks fondly of the young princesses Elizabeth and Margaret. I listened to the audiobook version which includes the recording of the full speech King George made when Britain went to war with Germany at the start of World War II. The younger Logue and Conradi have presented this little known slice of history (until the movie, that is) in a matter-of-fact and approachable style. It's worth reading, especially if you've seen the film.
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