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Election Notebook cover art

Election Notebook

By: Nick Robinson
Narrated by: Simon Shepherd
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Summary

Just after 10 o’clock on Thursday, 7th May 2015, Nick Robinson stared down the lens of camera five in the BBC’s Election Night Studio to explain to millions the significance of an exit poll that shocked the country and heralded an earthquake in British politics.

That moment was a personal milestone for the BBC’s political editor, who had been discharged from hospital just hours earlier following weeks of treatment for cancer and the loss of his voice after surgery.

In the year leading up to that night, Nick kept a journal recording the events he reported on day after day to millions of viewers and listeners and which he continued to monitor, often from his hospital bed as he fought to get fit in time for election night.

This is Nick‘s behind-the-scenes account of his encounters with David Cameron, who many wrote off before the shock victory he called his "sweetest'"; Ed Miliband, who turned abuse and ridicule into respect before leading Labour to its worst defeat in a generation; Nick Clegg, who led his party into power and then to humiliation and near oblivion; Nigel Farage, who rose so fast and then fell at the final hurdle; Alex Salmond, whose public clash with Nick led to thousands protesting outside the BBC’s Scottish HQ; and Nicola Sturgeon, whose stunning success as SNP leader has put Scottish independence back on the map.

The result is an extraordinary narrative, characterized by Nick Robinson’s trademark insight, analysis and backstage gossip, of an adrenaline-fuelled year which culminated in a captivating election that transformed Britain’s political landscape.

©2015 Nick Robinson (P)2015 Random House Audiobooks

What listeners say about Election Notebook

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Outstanding

The writing is as lucid and even handed as his broadcasts. His enthusiasm for politics and the depth of his knowledge makes this an enthralling factual account of the months before the 2015 General Election. But the facts, dispassionate and even handed, are enriched by his deep humanity and generous understanding of both politicians and electorate. The personal struggles of the key players interweave with his own struggles to regain a voice after cancer. This is an account which transcends the mere reporting of events. It shapes them and gives them a significance and power. The reading captures Robinson's rhythm and delivery with accuracy and authority. A really rewarding listen on all counts p

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5 people found this helpful

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Stunning

Best read in years & best diary yet. Great insights into journalism & politics; but above all a great human story which will make you laugh & cry.

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3 people found this helpful

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Two books in one

A very interesting insight into the year long run up to the 2015 election mixed with the very personal story of the authors fight against cancer and his recovery.

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2 people found this helpful

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A Good Insight

You get some good insight and a glimpse behind the scenes but not as juicy as I thought it'd be.

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1 person found this helpful

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Behind the scenes of politics

Shame it wasn't narrated by Robinson himself, but understand why. Compelling account of his life and work during a momentous year for both.

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1 person found this helpful

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bloody brilliant

this audiobook had got to be one of the most brilliant and inspiring about politics

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The inside story of the election

Would you consider the audio edition of Election Notebook to be better than the print version?

Yes, a great way to hear the pace of the stories breaking and the buildup to the election date itself.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Election Notebook?

The voice coaching sections of the book are extremely well done, and engage your frustration and sympathy with Nick as a human being, rather than as a journalist.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Scenes of his run in with the SNP were enjoyable, as well as the journalistic banter between him and his colleagues.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I think its too long to do it in one go... but over a few days or journeys it is well put together.

Any additional comments?

Really enjoyed this, the narrator who is obviously not Nick (for reasons that are revealed in the story) does a good job of bringing the correct tone to it.

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great read

great read and great point of view 👍👌👏😀

just writing stuff to have enough words

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Recent history - seems so long ago now!

So much happened, during the time period covered by this book, but so much has happened since that it makes these events seem really distant!

I very much enjoyed it. I love diaries and this was a good mix of political gossip, insider-knowledge and reflections of Nick's own diagnosis of and successful treatment for cancer. I think he is very brave. And his personality shines through.

Excellent narration, perfectly capturing the right tone throughout.

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  • Overall
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Very good.

good. enjoyable. Inadvertently shown to much of his own political views. still a good book.

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