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Gino's Contraband

Guilty Until Proven Innocent

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Gino's Contraband

By: Gabrielle O'Donovan
Narrated by: Gabrielle O'Donovan
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About this listen

Gabrielle O’Donovan, award-winning organisational culture and change expert and author, shares her powerful memoir—Gino’s Contraband: Guilty Until Proven Innocent (The Change Press, 2025).

This gripping, award-winning book recounts the wrongful assumption of the UK tax authority—His Majesty's Revenue & Customs (HMRC)—that Gabrielle was responsible for a shipment of over a quarter of a million contraband cigarettes and related charges, and her challenging fight to reclaim her identity and dignity and clear her good name.

With a compelling narration, the book immerses listeners in O'Donovan’s emotional journey—from bureaucratic horror where she is presumed guilty, to resolute advocacy. As she traces her experience—alongside that of her suicidal friend who is caught up in the broader Loan Charge Scandal affecting tens of thousands—the intertwined stories of these two friends become a vital testimony for democratic accountability, mental health resilience, and the need for a Taxpayer Bill of Rights. The book ends with a chapter of recommendations for institutional reform at HMRC.

Vital for political watchdogs, legal reform advocates, tax specialists, and memoir listeners seeking emotional truth.

©2025 The Change Press (P)2025 The Change Press Freedom & Security Law Politics & Government Professionals & Academics True Crime White Collar & Corporate Crime Management
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Wow! An absolute standout in the world of contemporary audiobooks. Blending psychological depth, emotional realism, and a razor sharp examination of the impact of legislation and government policies on human lives, this is more than just the story of two friends. It's an experience that invites reflection of the world you live in and will leave you changed. As author-narrator, O'Donovan masterfully conveys tension and emotion, dry humour peppers the text, and it's easy to stay immersed for hours. What makes Gino's Contraband so powerful is O'Donovan's meticulous portrayal of events, her raw honesty as she shares her private world, and her ability to evoke a character's profound emotional authenticity. The pacing is just right, building momentum as it goes until it reaches a crescendo, and there is a cinematic feel to how scenes are described and performed, As the story concludes and in the back matter, O'Donovan turns the tables on her tomentor by using her expertise in organisational culture and change to lays out plans for systemic reform at HMRC to protect others from human rights abuses and calls for a Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Whether you are driven to character driven dramas, human rights thrillers with mental health implications or crave a story that respects your intelligence, this high quality audiobook delivers on every level! A must read for every adult in the UK.

A Gripping, Gutsy Story That Transcends Genres

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Gino's contraband has an amazing story, which kept me engaged from beginning to end. Furthermore, the audio quality was very good, enhancing the overall experience. Also, the narration was delivered with excellent quality, making it easy to follow. Even though English is not my first language, I was completely absorbed by the narrative. Ultimately, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a compelling true-life story.

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