World
October 8, 2024 19:10
london - British critics are overwhelmingly negative about Boris Johnson's book 'Unleashed', with only his own Daily Telegraph being mild. Read more on telegraaf.nl.
'Twisted facts, unexpectedly bitter, and full of lies.' The reviewer of The Independent, now only available online, tears apart Boris Johnson's political memoirs. He despises the numerous references to classical politicians and writers. The only Latin words missing from the book are 'mea culpa' ('my fault') because Johnson allegedly does not understand their meaning.
Johnson's memoirs are set to be released this Thursday, but critics have already received the hefty book - the Dutch version 'Unleashed' comprises 784 pages - beforehand. Reviews are pouring in these days, most of which are scathing.
The reviewer from The Independent gives the book one star, the lowest rating possible. Perhaps even more scathing is The Economist's verdict, describing it as an embellished boys' book. With repeatedly capitalized expressions like POW!, BIFF!!, SOCKO!!!, and THUDDEROO!!!!, the book is deemed unserious.
According to the respected magazine, 'Unleashed' is a prime example of how not to write such memoirs. Johnson incessantly complains about people who have hindered his supposedly brilliant self over the years. Instead of 'Unleashed,' the title would better suit 'Unhinged', as Johnson appears incapable of viewing matters with any nuance.
The book has its moments of brilliance when Johnson suppresses his inner schoolboy, showcasing humor and wit. However, these moments, like when he discusses his desire to bridge the divide between the rich South and poor North of the UK, are scarce, further proving to The Economist that the book could have been brilliant, much like Boris Johnson himself. It is regrettable that this is not the case for either the book or the person.
Perhaps the most crushing review comes from John Crace, the writer of political 'sketches' in The Guardian, a British equivalent of a Volkskrant. At a book festival in South England, he describes the book as 'downright boring.' In his Tuesday review, he further dismantles the book, labeling it a hurried list of mostly irrelevant events where nobody truly understood why the behavior of Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson - his full name - was considered brilliant.
According to Crace, the book is far too long. A decent copyeditor could have slashed half of the story. Who really cares about the full farewell speech of Johnson as the Prime Minister? 'Oh, let me just quote it in full...' It is one of the vivid examples of the narcissism that Crace claims Johnson embodies.
Not all reviews are negative, however. Christopher Howse, the reviewer of The Daily Telegraph, believes Johnson writes better than 'any politician.' His verdict is five stars. Still, it is somewhat of a home game for Johnson, given his history as the newspaper's Brussels correspondent and erstwhile columnist until he became PM.
Even Howse acknowledges the lack of 'self-awareness' at crucial junctures. Yet this is irrelevant in his view. Johnson's comparisons are delightful. For instance, his predecessor as PM, Theresa May, is dubbed 'old grumpy-knickers'. Though cringe-worthy for other reviewers, Howse finds it amusing.
Currently, Johnson pens columns for The Daily Mail, which compensates him with a million pounds annually. The latter publication has yet to produce a review, but it is expected to be glowing. If Johnson reads as selectively as he supposedly writes, he will likely only peruse these favorable reviews.