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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)
All stars
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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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Whether you love or loathe John Bercow, you have to respect the blunt honesty in the way that he has approached the subjects laid bare in his book. He has not been afraid to promote his successes as a person, but neither has he been shy to admit to the errors that he has made and apologise for them. His views on his colleagues and government policies are certainly not to everyone's taste, but they are his honest opinion and quite possibly, that of many others too. This book will appeal to many who are interested in UK politics and the functioning of Westminster, and will possibly rile the 'Dyed in the wool' Brexit supporter. For those without blinkered political views in these strange times for the UK, this book should appeal - even if just to help give a little broadening of the whole picture. I had not been a massive fan of John Bercow whilst in the chair, though my respect for him grew with his handling of the Brexit fiasco. His book has allowed me to increase my level of respect for him and I hope that others will feel the same if they read/listen to this book. Many of those that have given the lowest review score, quite probably have either not read/listened to the book or were never in the mind to give a positive review due to hard bias towards the man and his methods! I would urge doubters to give the book a proper chance and to make their own options once completed, rather than to take it for read, that you should not bother! Controversial, but honest and overall an eye opener about the people that we vote in and trust to run the UK. It will make you think carefully about who you should help to elect next time around.

No holds barred

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Fascinating story and puts the record straight. A forward thinker, decent and fair speaker who loves reforming for the better of our country. His work with the young alone shows his true values. We need more like John in parliament.

Superb account of a brilliant speaker

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