Taking the Lead cover art

Taking the Lead

A Dog at Number 10

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Taking the Lead

By: John Crace
Narrated by: George Weightman
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About this listen

'I lap up everything John Crace writes gratefully: I love his cleverness, his wit, and his heart' Nigella Lawson

From the ingeniously quick-witted John Crace comes a satirical memoir from the eyes of his beloved dog, Herbie. And as a Westminster veteran, boy does he have some stories to share.

It started when a chance encounter with Sadiq Khan's Labrador landed Herbie a job working as a special advisor to Ed Miliband in 2014. Then he was summoned by David Cameron to work on the Remain campaign in the EU referendum. He experienced the pain of working with Theresa May; was sacked and then rehired by Boris Johnson to advise on Covid; was at Balmoral when the Queen died; had a ringside seat for Liz Truss; was fired by Rishi Sunak and then latterly taken on by Keir Starmer.

This is the story the politicians didn't want you to know. What are Larry the Cat and Dilyn the Dog really like? How did Charlotte Owen get a peerage? Herbert Hound, finally, tells all.

©2024 John Crace (P)2024 Hachette Audio UK Politicians Politics & Activism Witty Heartfelt
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Was ok. Not the best. The other books with same narrator were works of art. Whilst almost enjoyable this all feels rushed and disjointed. Not what I expected from the author. Some wonderful moments from the narrator though especially Miliband, Boris and Truss. If you only have one credit to spare save it and get one of the previous books with the same narrator. Hard to recommend this.

Pre ordered this based on the other books with same narrator

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Listened to whole book in one session. Herbie is wonderful. His observations of his time working in No 10 are as sharp and amusing as those of his male human.

Political autobiography of the century!

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I just don’t get what is trying to be achieved here. I am a big fan of John Crace’sj work. This, however, is neither witty nor funny. The narrator comes across as even more smarmy than the unlovable protagonist. What a let down, John.

May I lead you elsewhere?

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