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Unspeakable

The Sunday Times Bestselling Autobiography

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About this listen

 When John Bercow retired as Speaker of the House of Commons on 31 October 2019, he had become one of the most recognisable and iconoclastic figures in British politics, occupying a ringside seat during one of the most febrile periods in modern British history. In his no-holds-barred memoir, he offers verdicts on the leading figures of his era - from Tony Blair to David Cameron, Theresa May to Boris Johnson, and charts his extraordinary political journey. UNSPEAKABLE is essential reading for anyone interested in politics and how our democracy is - or should be - run. 21st Century Literary History & Criticism Modern Politicians Politics & Activism Thought-Provoking Inspiring

Critic reviews

[Bercow] has used this memoir to settle many old scores, but he [is] charming, attractively self-depracating and he addresses the head-on charges against him (Chris Mullin)
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when I first read reviews for this book they were extremely polar in that most people either love the book totally for its candor or hated it for its candor and lies. I noted on the advice of Amazon that that there was something wrong with the reviews for this book and then I realised that most people reviewing it had not read it and were simply expressing their view on the man rather than his book.
my advice is to read it or listen to it as I did on Audible.
John Bercow has a particular Style that some listeners may not enjoy it but at the end of it it I felt enlightened of parliamentary procedure and and realised there was so much more to him than the right-wing press would have you believe.
it's a good story and his thumbnail sketches of various members of Parliament over the years seem fair enough but then it's difficult to read or listen to anything regarding politics and keep it isolated from your own views.
But don't take my word for it...

Make your own mind up...

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Great insight into the political career of the Gent that in 2009 became the Speaker of the house of commons

Great Insight

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John Bercows narrative on the machinations of parliament does not hold back or sugar coat events in any way. well worth a listen, no matter where you sit in the house. I hope this isn't going to be an only child though,it needs a sibling!

Does not disappoint.

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I wasn't really a fan of Bercow on the benches, but as speaker he did a good job I think Here he tells of his journey, both good and bad decisions too. Great book well narrated, Bercow pulled his punches, and names names. I thoroughly enjoyed Unspeakable, and it certainly enlightens the listener / reader as to some of the workings of "That Place", "The House" and government both in power and shadow

Candid and Forthright

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Very well written and quite amusing. I think is a reasonable account for the past few years, although potentially with a slight pro Bercow bais, as exped

Must read for Brexit and politics nerds

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