Thursday, February 6, 2025

Unleashed by Boris Johnson

Discover the unfiltered truth about Brexit, Covid, and the Conservative Party from ex-PM

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"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.

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The Marmite of British Politics

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:

Highlights and Lowlights

The Good

  1. Vivid Storytelling: Johnson’s flair for narrative shines through, especially in his recounting of the 2012 London Olympics.
  2. Behind-the-Scenes Insights: His account of Cabinet meetings during the Brexit negotiations is fascinating.
  3. Self-Deprecating Humor: Johnson’s ability to poke fun at himself is on full display.

The Bad

  1. Selective Memory: Some controversial episodes are glossed over or omitted entirely.
  2. Lack of Introspection: Johnson rarely acknowledges his mistakes or shortcomings.
  3. 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.

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"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.Unleashed by Boris Johnson