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Politics on the Edge

A Memoir from Within

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Politics on the Edge

By: Rory Stewart
Narrated by: Rory Stewart
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

#1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

*A BOOK OF THE YEAR FOR THE FT, GUARDIAN, SUNDAY TIMES, TELEGRAPH, TIMES, OBSERVER, i NEWSPAPER, NEW STATESMAN, PROSPECT, CHURCH TIMES AND SCOTSMAN*

The searing inside story of our broken politics from the former Cabinet minister and co-host of The Rest Is Politics.

Over the course of a decade, Rory Stewart went from being a political outsider to standing for prime minister – before being sacked from a Conservative Party that he had come to barely recognise.

Uncompromising, honest and darkly humorous, this is his story of the challenges, absurdities and realities of political life. Instantly praised as a new classic, it is an astonishing portrait of our turbulent times.

BRITISH BOOK AWARDS NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024

‘The most exceptional political memoir I’ve ever read’ ALAN JOHNSON

‘At last a politician who can write’ SEBASTIAN FAULKS

‘Genuinely eye-opening…always riveting, often horrifying’ iNEWS

©2023 Rory Stewart (P)2023 Penguin Audio

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Critic reviews

There’s no denying that Rory Stewart stands almost alone among British politicians: he’s one of a handful who can actually turn a phrase. That talent is put to good use here — no other account of how Cameron Toryism curdled into May and Johnson is likely to be as evocative or amusing as this one
If you want to better understand the catastrophe that has been our government since 2010, or you just want to bask in Stewart’s beautifully formulated prose, read this book
A brilliant insider’s account of the Cameron-May-Johnson years
It is the sheer sharpness, originality and truth-telling grace of Stewart’s prose, along with the vital importance of his subject, that makes his new book a truly exceptional political autobiography, both a pleasure to read, and a vital wake-up call
Full of sharp observations and often funny… a portrait of a country where power is wielded by empty careerists, working in a broken system
Beautifully written... You glimpse how transformative government could be (Gaby Hinsliff)
A fascinating account of power, corruption and lies
Stewart writes beautifully and is brilliant at describing both the theatre and insanity of life in politics
[Stewart’s] memoir of his time in politics is valuable as a slice of entertainment, as an enjoyably catty takedown of his former colleagues, and as perhaps the most helpful recent account of the failings of the British state… a valuable contribution to the historical record
The moral and technical seriousness of this book should not be ignored: in his time in parliamentary politics, Stewart discovered a lot that needs mending—and he has plenty of ideas for doing so
All stars
Most relevant
I am admittedly biased, as I love Rory Stewart but this is a very informative and very funny book. Rory is absolutely unique in his ability to see both sides and explain both sides genuinely. When he explains his frustrations dealing with the civil service as a minister, he offers explanations as to why the people he worked with might have wanted to do things differently.

The book is full of the honesty that characterises Rory Stewart. There are several laugh out loud moments as he describes his bewildering interactions with Liz Truss and Boris Johnson.

His description of the behaviour of the other candidates in the leadership in the election lay bare
the dirty game of party politics, and the liars who thrive playing it.

A fantastic book, one I will read again for sure

Could not stop listening

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A comprehensive take down of the disastrous last 13 years of government, politics & media in the UK. Full of shocking and occasionally hilarious anecdotes of duplicitous, venal, and idiotic government ministers & MPs. Rory Stewart comes across as serious, analytical, and honest, in a Conservative government that is the opposite. The PM we needed, but got Johnson & Truss instead.

Excellent Insider Account of the Shallowness of UK Politics

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Absolutely loved this. Really drives home the ridiculousness of our system- the way that a diligent and hardworking politician could be utterly thwarted by party politics and almost a wilful negligence of leaders in not allowing any areas of expertise to be utilised fully. Also love the various ‘voices’ Rory uses to really bring the conversations within to life. If more people like Rory were allowed to lead, we would not be in the mess we’re in right now.

Brilliant

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I found this insightful and gripping. At times he threatens to say ‘I told you so’, and talks himself up, but he checks himself and tries to be as humble and self-reflective as a political memoir can be.

Brilliant. Didn’t want it to end.

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This memoir stands out to me as a finest example of the story of a political career and it’s obvious from the first word to the last you’re experiencing something unusually special. The words are beautifully crafted, the dialogue is natural and Rory’s narration is funny and moving and brings the words to life. The contempt with which Rory says “Matt Hancock” made me laugh. It really is an exceptional book.

The best political memoir I’ve read

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