An honourable man

Never one to openly admit to being a socialist or indeed, particularly political in any way, I was unsure when a colleague suggested that I listen to this audio book by Tony Benn. My usual reading however does include some historical books so I thought 'hey why not'. And how glad I am that I took my friend's advice. This was an excellent book read with real feeling by the author. Not only did it give a great insight into the politics of the times, its characters and the behind-the-scenes goings on within parliament. But it also gave an insight into the man himself. Tony Benn comes across as a real honest, principled man and he reads his diaires with real feeling. He also comes across as a real family man who cared passionately about his wife and family. Tears literally rolled down my face as he talked in choked tones about the death of his beloved wife and again as he talked with immense pride of his son, Hilary's rise to become an MP himself. I could not recommend this book highly enough. It is never a dry political diary by any means. This is a man of a bygone age but whose principles and ideals are some things that our current political leaders could do well to embrace.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

23 people found this helpful

The absolute integrity of Tony Benn

As a young man in the 1970s Tony Benn was my political hero. A true socialist. Through the 1980s and the ravages of the Thatcher government he remained my moral compass. As the 1980s came to an end it was clear to me that Labour had become no more than a protest party and that the working classes were never going to have a sympathetic government unless Labour was to change. I was a Kinnock supporter and prayed for a Labour victory in 1992 but alas it was not to be. It was clear that Labour was still unpalatable to the electorate. Blair and Brown arrived along with New Labour and my heart gladdened. Victory in 1997 was a blessed relief. Tony Benn became a relic of the past but acted with great integrity. I loved this book and particularly enjoyed listening to Tony Benn’s voice narrate his own diaries. Some passages brought a tear to my eyes. Well worth a listen.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

excellent book

Loved it. It was very informative re.British politics from Thatcher to Blair. Tony Bennett narrative makes it easy to listen to.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Any honest man's view

Brilliant. Sad that the last of the honest and principled people to enter parliament has also gone

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Don't hesitate

I was wary of buying this because I don't altogether support the author's political position, however I find spoken voice a pure magnet!

In the event these fairly recent diaries are a joy. He combines his high principles with a schoolboy disregard of everyone else's, like most politicians he has a high opinion of himself.

That said, he was by this time a lone voice in his party and pulls little punches.

Of Gordon Brown he said he wouldn't employ him as a research assistant!

Please do not miss this very entertaining and enlightening book.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

It made me cry

This political diary is fascinating. I have always admired Tony Benn, I found his book very moving to the point that it made me cry

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Not what you might expect; try it.

Whatever your political persuasion, I defy anyone not to find this book moving, enthralling, and full of incite. Tony Benn has a wonderfully light touch when describing events, and personalities, and he shows great generosity and respect to all sides. There is no political preaching or dogma, and he is refreshingly honest in his assessment of his own day to day work and achievements. The result is uplifting and restorative; there are people in public life who really care.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

5 people found this helpful

Tony Benn: Free at Last!

As an avid reader of political diaries, I was looking forward to listening to Tony Benn. He does not disappoint. A touching and deeply personal perspective, and some delightful insights into his family life as well as his political one. Not as self-obsessed or acidic as Alan Clarke, but just as individual and independent minded. A refreshing change from the gloss and spin of the party machine.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

4 people found this helpful

Revealing

If you could sum up Free at Last! in three words, what would they be?

It is interesting to hear Tony's life as an MP, and as a man. It is very very sad when his beloved wife passe's away.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Free at Last!?

When his wife passes away.

What about Tony Benn’s performance did you like?

Honest.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When his wife passes away.

Any additional comments?

I do not know why, but it is very engaging.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!