E. Barker

started out brilliant, but is now an ad platform

Reviewed: 05-11-23

I really enjoyed the early few seasons of this pod. I have had to unsubscribe now because it has become a platform for advertisers and the content is little more than 90s faux lad banter. the cross overs with YouTubers etc who have nothing to do with football marked the end and sadly the original ethos of the lid is lost.

some will no doubt like the new style but I find it over commercialised, repetitive spoken edition of zoo and nuts magazines

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Fascinating, enthralling, horrifying.

Reviewed: 26-07-23

I have long been a fan of the author's works detailing different tenures of prime ministers at number 10.

This one surely is the most gripping, insightful, and frankly terrifying. although much of what the author details was common knowledge, either in insight or in fact, it is still bewildering to consider quite how chaotic life was inside Johnson's leadership. whilst much of this was self-imposed, there could be no doubt that much was also imposed upon him. The author does a very credible job of analysing how he responded to such extraordinary external challenges.

many may consider there's something of a character assassination, and at times the author's opinions on wider policy issues do occasionally bubble to the surface, however there can be little doubt that the book is meticulously researched with extensive testimonies from those right at the centre of power and those who knew Johnson best. The conclusion that the author comes to for me is the right one, that Johnson was a very capable and potentially one of the most remarkable prime ministers we ever had, squandered by his own flaws and those he chose to surround himself with.

It did leave me on an optimistic note however, that the the UK state and political and legislative apparatus was able to withstand one of the biggest shocks to its system for some time, a leader who was inherently from it but was evidently hostile to it. The fact that the civil service and functioning of government could just about persevere in spite of the hurricane like chaos that Johnson blew at it makes me at least reassured that when we have another Johnson we will be as well if not better prepared.

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Refreshingly eccentric, compelling and funny

Reviewed: 15-06-23

I rarely, ever read fiction. In fact this is the first fiction title I have purchased in about 3 years such is my taste.

however after reading Mortimer's autobiography and subsequent follow-up with Paul whitehouse, and the effusive reviews left by other listeners, I thought I would give this a go.

well I'm extremely glad that I did. The story is laid out and structured in a considered, careful manner and the use of characters and overall plot is extremely engaging.

on top of this the story brings with it it's own zany and eccentric additions without them dominating the book or overdoing it. it's truly a work of the authors doing, and I was left extremely amused by the narrated accents and unexpected characters for whom he narrates on their behalf.

I would strongly recommend this book

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Amusing, insightful and self deprecating Ollie

Reviewed: 15-06-23

I have always been a fan of the author, who rarely hides his opinions on the game. I read his earlier biography, and this is interesting in that it is a genuine guide to football management and management more broadly. even though he has not been operating at the level that many managers who write books have, his insight analysis and humble assessment of his mistakes and his reflections make this a very worthwhile listen.

You sense that there is a more circumspect individual here, after having had encounters at the top of the English game and more recently further down it.

a recommended listen

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Characteristically colourful from F1's latest star

Reviewed: 15-06-23

like many others, I only came to know of the author as a result of the Netflix series. his open and Frank assessment of all things motor racing and his opinions in the sport are extremely illuminating and will entertain and inform many F1 fans. For those who are not familiar with sports, this probably isn't a recommended read however given that most people who will be listening will be fans, I would certainly recommend this.

It is refreshing to hear from the perspective of someone who isn't with one of the big teams, and also from a team principal who is very new to formula 1. The content does not have the most rounded or complete analysis, and it reads as something between a diary and his musings on the sport. although occasionally the narration can be a little monotone, I was extremely interested to hear about how Frank and forthcoming he is about his own drivers and sport in general. It is if nothing else a very honest assessment of himself, his team, and his sport.

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An interesting short listen

Reviewed: 15-06-23

A very interesting lesson by ronson who shows why he leads the markets in subcultures and conspiracy theories. An insightful and far reaching account of an event I did not know a huge amount about, and a person I knew even less about.

It is an account that leaves just as many questions as it does answers but in the authors inimitable style perhaps that is where the enjoyment lies. recommended.

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A brilliant, account of a famous institution

Reviewed: 04-12-22

like many of the author's other works, I thoroughly enjoyed this listen. the effort, care and work that has gone into researching the subject is extremely thorough. this provides a full and wide ranging account of a location that will be a household name for many Brits.

the author explains the many facets of life in Colditz, such as the multinational population, the psychological pressures of boredom and incarceration, the translation of British class systems and most interestingly (to me), the humanity shown by German captors. The latter point is one that has not been focussed upon before, as well as the intra-tensions within German military and political factions as to how PoWs should be treated.

A must read for anyone interested in the subject or era, delivered in the author's inimitable style.

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An unbelievable story about a humble hero

Reviewed: 28-07-22

A fascinating listen that is as insightful as it is sobering

I had thought that non-fiction coverage about the Holocaust had been largely exhausted. this book has proved me entirely wrong. it was an excellent and thoroughly well researched book that truly understood and explained the Holocaust through the lens of one extraordinary person.

the author does not attempt to conceal the fallibility of his subject and that is to his credit.

a must listen on both the subject matter of the Holocaust but also public reckoning with it afterwards

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An interesting listen in football and adversity

Reviewed: 28-07-22

We all know Ian Wright for his footballing record and his lively and TV pundit style. this book however really goes into the background story of a player who managed to overcome significant adversity in his upbringing to make a great success of himself.

this is unlike many autobiographies which are a simple description of a life in the game. Instead, Wright provides a very reflective view of societal issues through his own life on poverty, race and money. It is refreshing to hear a footballer be as self aware and analytical as he is. He lays many of his mistakes and flaws in front of the listener, and gives views on how the next generation can avoid his shortcomings.

you get a very real, almost child like innocence in the way he views the world; something he references.

the reason why I enjoyed this listen is because Wright uses his book to extol his appreciation and gratitude towards those who have helped him. you would expect this to be limited to managers like Arsene Wenger and Steve Coppell, yet his heartfelt acknowledgement is really reserved for those people who he realised tried to help him in his early life and off the field. This is illustrated by the fact he refers to many of these people as 'Mr', even at his age.

The book not only describes a fascinating and alternative route into the professional game, it provides an important lesson in the necessity and influence of role models to young people.

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1 person found this helpful

A truly compelling analysis, stranger than fiction

Reviewed: 15-09-21

I absolutely loved this listen. Maxwell's career was before my time, and his name to me was simply a byword for corporate sleaze and dodgy business.

In this book, the author goes to great length to present a fascinating life story of a man who needs no sensationalism to tell it. His life was extraordinary from birth and all the way to his disputed death.

It gives a reflection of the British media, politics and society zeitgeist that is as much a history lesson as it is a warning for our times. I cannot recommend this enough.

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