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Unleashed
Shattering the mould of the modern prime ministerial memoir and written in his inimitable style, Boris Johnson’s Unleashed is an honest, unrestrained and deeply revealing book by the politician who has dominated our times.
Underlying everything in the book is Johnson’s belief that the UK is an extraordinary country and should have an exceptional future.
From trouncing Ken Livingstone in the London mayoral race in 2008 to becoming Prime Minister, he takes readers through all the big decisions during his time in power and the reasons he took them. The challenges and crises, how they were resolved � or not � and how he nearly died from Covid. Riots, knife crime, bikes, buses, the London Olympics and so much more. He writes about his role in Brexit and the constitutional sea-change that took place in British politics in 2019 � with his landslide election victory and the massive expansion in the groups that think of themselves as Conservative.
This is the reality as he saw unvarnished, uncensored, unleashed.
Underlying everything in the book is Johnson’s belief that the UK is an extraordinary country and should have an exceptional future.
From trouncing Ken Livingstone in the London mayoral race in 2008 to becoming Prime Minister, he takes readers through all the big decisions during his time in power and the reasons he took them. The challenges and crises, how they were resolved � or not � and how he nearly died from Covid. Riots, knife crime, bikes, buses, the London Olympics and so much more. He writes about his role in Brexit and the constitutional sea-change that took place in British politics in 2019 � with his landslide election victory and the massive expansion in the groups that think of themselves as Conservative.
This is the reality as he saw unvarnished, uncensored, unleashed.
761 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2024
639 people are currently reading
649 people want to read
About the author
Boris Johnson
37Ìýbooks232ÌýfollowersBoris Johnson is a British politician in the Conservative Party and the former Prime Minister of United Kingdom as well as the former Mayor of London. Due to his public school, blustering, comedic style, he is generally either loved or loathed by members of the British public.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
Shelved as 'not-to-read'
October 4, 2024He's a bit of a dog. I see what you did there, Mr. Johnson.
June 30, 2024
Bum fodder for when you have diarrhea
October 18, 2024
The Marmite of British Politics
A Blustering Bulldog's Tale
Battling "Red Ken" Livingstone for London's mayoralty
The 2011 London riots
His role in the Brexit campaign
The COVID-19 pandemic
His eventual downfall
Highlights and Lowlights
The Good
Vivid Storytelling: Johnson's flair for narrative shines through, especially in his recounting of the 2012 London Olympics.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights: His account of Cabinet meetings during the Brexit negotiations is fascinating.
Self-Deprecating Humor: Johnson's ability to poke fun at himself is on full display.
The Bad
Selective Memory: Some controversial episodes are glossed over or omitted entirely.
Lack of Introspection: Johnson rarely acknowledges his mistakes or shortcomings.
Overwrought Prose: His penchant for florid language can be overwhelming at times.
Boris Unleashed: The Good, the Bad, and the Bicycle
The Cycling Mayor
Brexit: The Boris Perspective
Pandemic Politics
The Eton Mess: Style and Substance
The Johnson Legacy: A Work in Progress
Comparisons and Context
Final Verdict: A Borisopedia
Who Should Read This?
Political junkies
Boris fans (and foes)
Anyone who enjoys a good rhetorical flourish
Who Should Skip It?
Those looking for a balanced historical account
Readers allergic to Latin phrases
Anyone hoping for a mea culpa
Love him or loathe him, Boris Johnson has been the dominant force in British politics for over a decade. Now, in his characteristically ebullient style, he's unleashed his side of the story in "Unleashed by Boris Johnson". This memoir is a whirlwind tour through the mind of one of the most divisive figures in recent UK history, from his days as London Mayor to his tumultuous tenure as Prime Minister.
A Blustering Bulldog's Tale
Johnson's writing is unmistakable - part classical allusion, part music hall comedy. Reading "Unleashed by Boris Johnson" is like being cornered at a party by a slightly tipsy classics professor who's determined to entertain you. It's exhausting, exhilarating, and occasionally exasperating.
The book covers Johnson's political career from 2008 to 2022, focusing on his time as Mayor of London and his eventful premiership. Along the way, we're treated to his unique perspective on:
Battling "Red Ken" Livingstone for London's mayoralty
The 2011 London riots
His role in the Brexit campaign
The COVID-19 pandemic
His eventual downfall
Highlights and Lowlights
The Good
Vivid Storytelling: Johnson's flair for narrative shines through, especially in his recounting of the 2012 London Olympics.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights: His account of Cabinet meetings during the Brexit negotiations is fascinating.
Self-Deprecating Humor: Johnson's ability to poke fun at himself is on full display.
The Bad
Selective Memory: Some controversial episodes are glossed over or omitted entirely.
Lack of Introspection: Johnson rarely acknowledges his mistakes or shortcomings.
Overwrought Prose: His penchant for florid language can be overwhelming at times.
Boris Unleashed: The Good, the Bad, and the Bicycle
The Cycling Mayor
Johnson's account of his time as London Mayor is perhaps the most enjoyable part of "Unleashed by Boris Johnson". His enthusiasm for the capital is infectious, and his description of introducing the "Boris Bikes" cycle hire scheme is genuinely endearing. You can almost hear the wheels turning as he rhapsodizes about his vision for a cycling revolution.
Brexit: The Boris Perspective
Unsurprisingly, Brexit looms large in "Unleashed by Boris Johnson". His insider's view of the referendum campaign and subsequent negotiations is illuminating, if not always entirely credible. Johnson paints himself as a reluctant revolutionary, pushed into leading the Leave campaign by his deeply held convictions. Readers may find themselves raising an eyebrow or two at this characterization.
Pandemic Politics
Johnson's recounting of the COVID-19 crisis is perhaps the most controversial section of "Unleashed by Boris Johnson". His description of his own brush with death is genuinely moving, but his defense of the government's handling of the pandemic may strike many as self-serving. The absence of any real acknowledgment of mistakes made during this period is particularly glaring.
The Eton Mess: Style and Substance
Johnson's writing style is as distinctive as his shock of blonde hair. "Unleashed by Boris Johnson" is peppered with Latin phrases, historical analogies, and self-deprecating asides. At its best, it's engaging and witty. At its worst, it can feel like a linguistic smokescreen, obscuring rather than illuminating.
"Reading this book is like being stuck in a lift with Boris Johnson for several hours. It's undeniably entertaining, but you may find yourself longing for a bit of peace and quiet by the end."
The Johnson Legacy: A Work in Progress
"Unleashed by Boris Johnson" is clearly an attempt to shape the narrative around Johnson's political career. He presents himself as a visionary leader, hamstrung by bureaucracy and betrayed by his colleagues. How successful this attempt will be remains to be seen.
Comparisons and Context
It's interesting to compare "Unleashed by Boris Johnson" with other recent political memoirs. Unlike David Cameron's "For the Record" or Theresa May's "The Abuse of Power", Johnson's book is less a sober reflection on power than a rambunctious defense of his record. In this, it's perhaps closer in spirit to Donald Trump's "Our Journey Together", though with considerably more polysyllabic words.
Final Verdict: A Borisopedia
"Unleashed by Boris Johnson" is many things: a political manifesto, a personal defense, and a rollicking yarn. What it isn't is a balanced or objective account of recent British history. Readers looking for deep insights into policy or government will likely be disappointed. But those seeking to understand the man who has dominated British politics for the past decade will find plenty to chew on.
Who Should Read This?
Political junkies
Boris fans (and foes)
Anyone who enjoys a good rhetorical flourish
Who Should Skip It?
Those looking for a balanced historical account
Readers allergic to Latin phrases
Anyone hoping for a mea culpa
In the end, "Unleashed by Boris Johnson" is much like the man himself: entertaining, frustrating, and impossible to ignore. Love him or hate him, Boris Johnson has left an indelible mark on British politics. This book ensures his distinctive voice will continue to be heard for years to come.
November 1, 2024
Whatever you think of him and his politics, this is a very well written book. He brings stories, people and events to life with his flowery descriptions and insane knowledge of the English language.
However, it’s not an unbiased account, and if that’s what you’re hoping for, then you need to look elsewhere! He is introspective and clearly gagging for likes (as is said by many other authors) but sometimes doesn’t go far enough.
It is really just his recent political life. If you’re expecting great revelations on his early life and upbringing to understand the man, then it’s not the book for you. He also doesn’t delve into personal relationships e.g. his marriage to Marina, and subsequent breakdown, or indeed how he met Carrie. But with policy and the details around the events in politics; he is detailed.
I would definitely recommend to hear his side of the story.
However, it’s not an unbiased account, and if that’s what you’re hoping for, then you need to look elsewhere! He is introspective and clearly gagging for likes (as is said by many other authors) but sometimes doesn’t go far enough.
It is really just his recent political life. If you’re expecting great revelations on his early life and upbringing to understand the man, then it’s not the book for you. He also doesn’t delve into personal relationships e.g. his marriage to Marina, and subsequent breakdown, or indeed how he met Carrie. But with policy and the details around the events in politics; he is detailed.
I would definitely recommend to hear his side of the story.
October 7, 2024
As a lifelong Conservative reading this incontinent self interested charlatan's cocksure ramblings of the most egregious premiership perhaps of all time is just a reminder of how tacky he was as a man. He's like some bizarre Jimmy Saville figure, only he killed way more people. Its over Alexander, retire.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
October 14, 2024What an insufferable person.
October 15, 2024
What a disgrace! After so many years and blunders, this man is still in denial. Such a terrible liar as well.
His book reminded me of the famous quote from Mark Twain:
His book reminded me of the famous quote from Mark Twain:
"It's better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than open it and remove all doubt".
November 27, 2024
Doesn’t feel ghostwritten at all. Full of personality and very honest. Great as an audiobook. Often got me to chuckle.
November 22, 2024
You don’t have to agree with Boris on everything to enjoy the writing style and the insights into recent history.
November 20, 2024
I'm not sure if I should be proud that I managed to read all 784 pages of this. But what can I say? I love a memoir - and whilst I have never been a fan of Boris Johnson, he has been a significant part of the British political landscape for some time and I'm glad I read this as it dives into a number of key cornerstones of recent history in the UK: the London Olympics, London riots, Brexit, Covid, the Russia/Ukraine war, death of the Queen and in this respect is incredibly interesting albeit irritating at many moments.
The main issue with Johnson is his self-assurance and lack of humility. He talks at length about his achievements and how great he is, but shows very little humility, self-awareness or contrition regarding his shortcomings (hardly a word mentioned about partygate).
He continues his fervent obsession with Brexit (the book is literally called 'Unleashed', referring to how he feels about the UK since Brexit - 'unleashed' from the 'tyrannous' EU) which is incredibly tiresome.
I also found myself cringing at a lot of his language choices which he appears to choose to be deliberately divisive (a tale as old as time...), as well as some bizarre anecdotes including an odd comment on Teresa May's nostrils and being shunned by Leonardo DiCaprio.
The main issue with Johnson is his self-assurance and lack of humility. He talks at length about his achievements and how great he is, but shows very little humility, self-awareness or contrition regarding his shortcomings (hardly a word mentioned about partygate).
He continues his fervent obsession with Brexit (the book is literally called 'Unleashed', referring to how he feels about the UK since Brexit - 'unleashed' from the 'tyrannous' EU) which is incredibly tiresome.
I also found myself cringing at a lot of his language choices which he appears to choose to be deliberately divisive (a tale as old as time...), as well as some bizarre anecdotes including an odd comment on Teresa May's nostrils and being shunned by Leonardo DiCaprio.
November 23, 2024
You may love him. You may loathe him.
One thing is for sure. The man can WRITE!
And that is the basis for my review. Nothing else.
One thing is for sure. The man can WRITE!
And that is the basis for my review. Nothing else.
April 17, 2025
"If you see a single magpie, you just say, good morning Mr Magpie, today is the Monday the 12th of March-or whatever the date is. That sorts it out."
While those might not be Boris' words, I do think they are very important to hear. I don't know why I set out to read this book, but I did and I can know say that I did. For better or for worse.
I did enjoy reading it though, you can tell that in his past life he was a journalist. He was a way with how he writes, and for a nonfiction it did make me want to keep reading. I do say I enjoyed the beginning a lot more then the end, but that's just my preference. Glad to say that I've read this book! (especially since it's the longest one that I've read in a while)
While those might not be Boris' words, I do think they are very important to hear. I don't know why I set out to read this book, but I did and I can know say that I did. For better or for worse.
I did enjoy reading it though, you can tell that in his past life he was a journalist. He was a way with how he writes, and for a nonfiction it did make me want to keep reading. I do say I enjoyed the beginning a lot more then the end, but that's just my preference. Glad to say that I've read this book! (especially since it's the longest one that I've read in a while)
March 26, 2025
Very well written as you would expect from a university educated public school journalist
He clearly enjoyed his time as mayor of London and later as foreign secretary, but not so much as PM!
Lots of interesting background information to some of the major decisions he was involved with, particularly Brexit.
He was a buffoon and a prat and he knows it, but that shouldn’t detract from his achievements
He clearly enjoyed his time as mayor of London and later as foreign secretary, but not so much as PM!
Lots of interesting background information to some of the major decisions he was involved with, particularly Brexit.
He was a buffoon and a prat and he knows it, but that shouldn’t detract from his achievements
October 14, 2024
Perhaps I should have given this a higher rating as it was quite entertaining. It is amazing how someone can justify so many actions.
Some illustrative quotes follow but John Crace said it best
“There was total fury opposite, and repeated calls for me to retract and to apologise. Sometimes it is when you are on the stickiest wicket that you hit the most runs or feel that you have. That evening I generally tonked it around the park, duffed up the opposition and came out feeling well pleased with my performance.�
“That wasn’t levelling up; that was levelling down. That’s what Labour did, that’s what lefties got off on. Abolishing grammar schools, banning academic selection, taxing fee-paying schools (as we are now under Labour), punishing effort, punishing investment, punishing aspiration, insisting that all must have prizes. That was the agenda of the left, and the exact opposite of what I wanted.�
“The Surrender Act said that I had to reach a deal with the EU by October 19 � then about six weeks away � and get that deal through Parliament; or else I would have to write to the EU (and they set out the terms of the letter) requesting another extension, forcing me to break my promise to come out of the EU by October 31, and wounding me politically � probably fatally.�
“The following day we were � bump � back down to earth. That Saturday night Amber Rudd rang me to say that she was resigning as secretary of state for work and pensions. Again, I can’t say that I was much surprised. She was never, to put it mildly, much of an enthusiast for Brexit. I felt that her resignation was a blow from which I could plausibly recover, and we soon had an excellent replacement in Thérèse Coffey. But how many more such blows could I take?�
“No, I said scornfully, I certainly would not be coming back. The rioters wanted to cause maximum chaos. They wanted to disrupt people’s lives.
Well, I wasn’t going to give them that satisfaction, I burbled.
But surely you have to come back? said the slightly incredulous newscaster.
No, I said scornfully � coming back now would be, er, to reward bad behaviour!
Even as I spoke, I knew that it sounded like a pretty hopeless defence. I was now in some political difficulty; up to my ankles if not the knees. But what could I do? I was 4,500 miles from home and hundreds of miles from the nearest airport. Marina could not drive the RV, which was a real beast and far bigger than anything she had driven before. If I fled Canada, we would need to hire two more cars � one for her and the kids, and one for me � and we would need to ditch this enormous mobile home in the wilderness. The whole operation would cost a fortune. Plus I was going to be in the doghouse for mucking up yet another holiday.�
Some illustrative quotes follow but John Crace said it best
“There was total fury opposite, and repeated calls for me to retract and to apologise. Sometimes it is when you are on the stickiest wicket that you hit the most runs or feel that you have. That evening I generally tonked it around the park, duffed up the opposition and came out feeling well pleased with my performance.�
“That wasn’t levelling up; that was levelling down. That’s what Labour did, that’s what lefties got off on. Abolishing grammar schools, banning academic selection, taxing fee-paying schools (as we are now under Labour), punishing effort, punishing investment, punishing aspiration, insisting that all must have prizes. That was the agenda of the left, and the exact opposite of what I wanted.�
“The Surrender Act said that I had to reach a deal with the EU by October 19 � then about six weeks away � and get that deal through Parliament; or else I would have to write to the EU (and they set out the terms of the letter) requesting another extension, forcing me to break my promise to come out of the EU by October 31, and wounding me politically � probably fatally.�
“The following day we were � bump � back down to earth. That Saturday night Amber Rudd rang me to say that she was resigning as secretary of state for work and pensions. Again, I can’t say that I was much surprised. She was never, to put it mildly, much of an enthusiast for Brexit. I felt that her resignation was a blow from which I could plausibly recover, and we soon had an excellent replacement in Thérèse Coffey. But how many more such blows could I take?�
“No, I said scornfully, I certainly would not be coming back. The rioters wanted to cause maximum chaos. They wanted to disrupt people’s lives.
Well, I wasn’t going to give them that satisfaction, I burbled.
But surely you have to come back? said the slightly incredulous newscaster.
No, I said scornfully � coming back now would be, er, to reward bad behaviour!
Even as I spoke, I knew that it sounded like a pretty hopeless defence. I was now in some political difficulty; up to my ankles if not the knees. But what could I do? I was 4,500 miles from home and hundreds of miles from the nearest airport. Marina could not drive the RV, which was a real beast and far bigger than anything she had driven before. If I fled Canada, we would need to hire two more cars � one for her and the kids, and one for me � and we would need to ditch this enormous mobile home in the wilderness. The whole operation would cost a fortune. Plus I was going to be in the doghouse for mucking up yet another holiday.�
November 10, 2024
“I was amazing, and would have been even more so if it wasn’t for opposition…� - the tone of every political memoir ever, but even in that light this is deluded arrogant waffle.
A stain on Britain’s political history. Hates foreigners, did nothing for northerners or the poor. Looked after his mates.
I hope we never see or him from him again.
A stain on Britain’s political history. Hates foreigners, did nothing for northerners or the poor. Looked after his mates.
I hope we never see or him from him again.
November 8, 2024
I'll sum it up for you - everything Boris does is spiffing and everyone else is either a girly swot or a rotter. The man has one of the biggest egos, but has precious little empathy and absolutely no shame.
Want to read
October 11, 2024(Boris Johnson says he regrets apologising for Partygate scandal (Full Interview) | ITV News)
November 4, 2024
Very entertaining for a prime ministerial autobiography. Some hilarious anecdotes and insightful accounts of government. I especially recommend the audiobook - if you can tolerate 25 hours of BJ, his accents and sound effects make it incredibly worthwhile!
Read
March 27, 2025On my whistlestop tour of 'Tory Memoirs', starting with Rory Stewart and, hopefully, ending with Boris Johnson, I have found 'Unleashed by Boris Johnson' to be the icing on the triple-layered autobiographical cake. Love him or loathe him, it's undeniable that Boris has been standing at the front and center of British politics for almost a decade, as both Mayor of London and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He's sat with monarchs and megalomaniacs and steered Great Britain through Brexit and COVID.
I can honestly and happily confirm that I thoroughly enjoyed reading Unleashed. Somewhere deep within my subconscious, I knew it would be a romp. A rare unmasking of a political pariah, whose tenure was defined by the balance of COVID, Brexit, and an unprovoked invasion in Eastern Europe. Not an easy ask. Yes, there were some bad choices, and the people of Great Britain are right to criticize his misgivings (Partygate - to name a few). There is, however, a question we must all ask ourselves: could we have done a better job, given the insurmountable odds held against us?
Hasta La Vista, baby.
I can honestly and happily confirm that I thoroughly enjoyed reading Unleashed. Somewhere deep within my subconscious, I knew it would be a romp. A rare unmasking of a political pariah, whose tenure was defined by the balance of COVID, Brexit, and an unprovoked invasion in Eastern Europe. Not an easy ask. Yes, there were some bad choices, and the people of Great Britain are right to criticize his misgivings (Partygate - to name a few). There is, however, a question we must all ask ourselves: could we have done a better job, given the insurmountable odds held against us?
Hasta La Vista, baby.
March 23, 2025
[04 Mar 2025] This is a massive tome and covers Boris Johnston's political career. Like all political biographies your response to it will be coloured through the lens of your own political leanings and your ability to understand and appreciate that when people disagree with you - that doesn't make them bad people - regrettably some reviewers of this book struggle with this. It is well written and whatever you think of the content, the style, the prose and construction are all good and obviously reflect his writing ability and education. I found it fascinating reading about his Mayor of London role, his role during the EU referendum and time as foreign secretary and then Prime Minster. He is candid and comes across as honest. It's all there - well presented and an easy read.
The thing which I wasn't prepared for was his level of reflection, his ability to describe and conduct a self-analysis of his own mistakes, errors and misjudgements - He apologises for them and regrets the things that he thought were right at the time, but subsequently were not correct. Many of the aspects of his governance are explored like 'levelling-up' and his genuine belief that the UK would be better off out of the EU. I was particularly impressed by his thinking on female literacy - whatever your politics this aspiration was laudable. It is written in a chatty style and you can hear his voice. You might not agree with all he stood for, but his genuine passion for resolving problems, meeting needs and improving the lot of people come across strongly on the page. I enjoyed it. My one nit-picking issue is that it is selective - yes the knife crime went down when he was Mayor of London, the 2012 olympics were a success and he 'got Brexit done', but under his premiership mass immigration soared and he failed to do what he promised and didn’t mention it here.
A complex character who has significant numbers of supporters and detractors, but here he tells his story - love him or loath him - the story is an important part of our history and is well told.
The thing which I wasn't prepared for was his level of reflection, his ability to describe and conduct a self-analysis of his own mistakes, errors and misjudgements - He apologises for them and regrets the things that he thought were right at the time, but subsequently were not correct. Many of the aspects of his governance are explored like 'levelling-up' and his genuine belief that the UK would be better off out of the EU. I was particularly impressed by his thinking on female literacy - whatever your politics this aspiration was laudable. It is written in a chatty style and you can hear his voice. You might not agree with all he stood for, but his genuine passion for resolving problems, meeting needs and improving the lot of people come across strongly on the page. I enjoyed it. My one nit-picking issue is that it is selective - yes the knife crime went down when he was Mayor of London, the 2012 olympics were a success and he 'got Brexit done', but under his premiership mass immigration soared and he failed to do what he promised and didn’t mention it here.
A complex character who has significant numbers of supporters and detractors, but here he tells his story - love him or loath him - the story is an important part of our history and is well told.
October 26, 2024
Interesting. Felt at times that boris blamed the government yet he was the one running it..!
November 18, 2024
Johnson has a genuinely wonderful turn of phrase, but we knew that already.
Don’t go into this expecting revelation after revelation, I don’t feel enough time had passed since being PM for any genuine insights (London Mayoral chapters hold far more weight as events occurred over a decade ago).
But it is an entertaining account of his political career from his perspective, sprinkled with that particular ‘borisness� that propelled him and his party to the top.
Don’t go into this expecting revelation after revelation, I don’t feel enough time had passed since being PM for any genuine insights (London Mayoral chapters hold far more weight as events occurred over a decade ago).
But it is an entertaining account of his political career from his perspective, sprinkled with that particular ‘borisness� that propelled him and his party to the top.
November 23, 2024
No doubt a work of great literary merit that his critics, whether they be those on his left or those on his right will find great enjoyment in.
On Brexit, the environment, Ukraine and more he makes his case eloquently and with charity to those would disagree.
Docking it one star, perhaps unfairly, because I suspect Boris ducks some of the harder things. How does government really work (though most memoirs by senior politicians duck this). Why did Rishi take him down? How come they couldn't come to an agreement in October 2022? Why did Liz Truss fail? What are his plans, really, for his post-premiership.
Prompted me to read 'A Dream of Rome' of which more later.
On Brexit, the environment, Ukraine and more he makes his case eloquently and with charity to those would disagree.
Docking it one star, perhaps unfairly, because I suspect Boris ducks some of the harder things. How does government really work (though most memoirs by senior politicians duck this). Why did Rishi take him down? How come they couldn't come to an agreement in October 2022? Why did Liz Truss fail? What are his plans, really, for his post-premiership.
Prompted me to read 'A Dream of Rome' of which more later.
November 20, 2024
Boris's appearance on the diary of a CEO encouraged me to give his book a try. I'm generally ambivalent to the man and disinterested in British politics but his story intrigued me.
However, I found this incredibly difficult to engage with, it came across as elitist ramblings but someone massively disconnected with reality. The endless cricket and old boys references were tiresome and after the first few chapters I conceded.
For context, I'm not generally a quitter with books, I started the passage 3 times until I was able to finish it, but this got the better of me
However, I found this incredibly difficult to engage with, it came across as elitist ramblings but someone massively disconnected with reality. The endless cricket and old boys references were tiresome and after the first few chapters I conceded.
For context, I'm not generally a quitter with books, I started the passage 3 times until I was able to finish it, but this got the better of me
November 11, 2024
A valiant effort to claim a position as a martyr of modern one nation conservatism. Predictably claims that his party would still be in power had the nay sayers not had their way but ultimately reads as a version of history.
Attempts to put meat on the bones of levelling up - which essentially amounts to ‘everyone should go to Oxford�. Bojo is equally incandescent at the thought that he should bear any responsibility for what followed the leave campaign. Does present an interesting read on local devolution. Some blatant factual errors which made their way through the edit, eg getting the month of Cummings� drive wrong.
Well written in his usual charming, self-deprecating, public school boy persona; makes for a light read.
Attempts to put meat on the bones of levelling up - which essentially amounts to ‘everyone should go to Oxford�. Bojo is equally incandescent at the thought that he should bear any responsibility for what followed the leave campaign. Does present an interesting read on local devolution. Some blatant factual errors which made their way through the edit, eg getting the month of Cummings� drive wrong.
Well written in his usual charming, self-deprecating, public school boy persona; makes for a light read.
January 22, 2025
TW: Gaslighting, Eton boy, and a general sense of what on earth is going on ahead.
I read Boris Johnson's autobiography to try and understand the mind of Johnson. I wanted to see how he would recall some of the most turbulent times in UK recent history. What I have come to conclude is that works only as a failed appeal regain popularity to the UK with little to none admission of the pain and devastation his political discussions have caused for millions upon millions.
Firstly- I hoped to gain some more insight on Johnson personal life- his multiple affairs and unknown amount of children have been excluded from the autobiography. For what reason I shall leave you up to decide.
Secondly- the book is littered with inappropriate comments which are just completely unnecessarily- the one which stands out to me the most is of course when he compared Theresa May to a 'cross-dresser' for how the stance changed about Brexit.
For such a 784 page long book- it only briefly mentions party-gate, Pincher and so many other blunders Boris was at the centre of.
The book still finds ways at making digs at the freshly new labour government- ironic for a man who quite literally killed the Conservative party.
The book is very self-congratulatory- ending by quoting a conversation he had with Queen Elizabeth II how 'it's not about being popular it's about being useful. I reckon in the last 15 years I have at or near the top of UK politics, I have built and done or set in train a lot of things that are useful.'
Therefore I have written 4 random 'useful' things Boris Johnson built/done in government which came to me in 10 seconds:
1. Illegally shut down parliament in 2019
2. Endorsed cronyism
3. Changed ministerial code to protect himself
4. £840-a-roll wallpaper to redecorate NO 10
This is not to mention Brexit or the preventable deaths from COVID.
Overall- as a history graduate, I am able to seperate my own bias' when reading, I am able to consume media and analyse it objective to my own opinions. Therefore, I did not read or review this book to simply hate on Boris- but when I can promise you- you learn nothing you don't already know about Boris Johnson. There is no new light which now I view him. The autobiography simply feels like a cry for attention after his disgraced exit from politics.
I read Boris Johnson's autobiography to try and understand the mind of Johnson. I wanted to see how he would recall some of the most turbulent times in UK recent history. What I have come to conclude is that works only as a failed appeal regain popularity to the UK with little to none admission of the pain and devastation his political discussions have caused for millions upon millions.
Firstly- I hoped to gain some more insight on Johnson personal life- his multiple affairs and unknown amount of children have been excluded from the autobiography. For what reason I shall leave you up to decide.
Secondly- the book is littered with inappropriate comments which are just completely unnecessarily- the one which stands out to me the most is of course when he compared Theresa May to a 'cross-dresser' for how the stance changed about Brexit.
For such a 784 page long book- it only briefly mentions party-gate, Pincher and so many other blunders Boris was at the centre of.
The book still finds ways at making digs at the freshly new labour government- ironic for a man who quite literally killed the Conservative party.
The book is very self-congratulatory- ending by quoting a conversation he had with Queen Elizabeth II how 'it's not about being popular it's about being useful. I reckon in the last 15 years I have at or near the top of UK politics, I have built and done or set in train a lot of things that are useful.'
Therefore I have written 4 random 'useful' things Boris Johnson built/done in government which came to me in 10 seconds:
1. Illegally shut down parliament in 2019
2. Endorsed cronyism
3. Changed ministerial code to protect himself
4. £840-a-roll wallpaper to redecorate NO 10
This is not to mention Brexit or the preventable deaths from COVID.
Overall- as a history graduate, I am able to seperate my own bias' when reading, I am able to consume media and analyse it objective to my own opinions. Therefore, I did not read or review this book to simply hate on Boris- but when I can promise you- you learn nothing you don't already know about Boris Johnson. There is no new light which now I view him. The autobiography simply feels like a cry for attention after his disgraced exit from politics.
December 26, 2024
This book is a lot like Boris Johnson himself.
It starts off funny, quirky and interesting.
Then you find out that a lot of it is lies, exaggerations and mistruths.
Things that require fuller explanations are brushed aside.
Triumphs are outlandishly bolstered, setbacks dismissed.
And you finish reading it asking yourself: What was the point of all that?
It starts off funny, quirky and interesting.
Then you find out that a lot of it is lies, exaggerations and mistruths.
Things that require fuller explanations are brushed aside.
Triumphs are outlandishly bolstered, setbacks dismissed.
And you finish reading it asking yourself: What was the point of all that?
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April 27, 2025Boris writes well but this is far too long! 700 page + reading about Boris! I got through it and found it an interesting account, but very few deserve this many pages to themselves!
I liked some of his ideas he had as mayor of London interesting (Thames Estuary Airport).
As always, it’s entertaining reading about politicians describe their peers.
I liked some of his ideas he had as mayor of London interesting (Thames Estuary Airport).
As always, it’s entertaining reading about politicians describe their peers.
December 28, 2024
Wat mij betreft hét politieke boek van 2024, wat je ook van Brexit en “party gate� vindt.
Hoogtepunten onder meer: inzichten over Londen in de jaren 70, onderonsjes bij de G7, aanpak van de coronacrisis, bezoeken aan landen uit de Common Wealth en daarbuiten (en wát kan hij schrijven deze man)
Hoogtepunten onder meer: inzichten over Londen in de jaren 70, onderonsjes bij de G7, aanpak van de coronacrisis, bezoeken aan landen uit de Common Wealth en daarbuiten (en wát kan hij schrijven deze man)
April 26, 2025
I found the covid parts interesting. A lot of the other politics went over my head 🤣
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