The Blair Years: The Alastair Campbell Diaries (2007)

Campbell is a talented writer. But this book is overly long for the casual reader. Yet, this book will be indispensable for the academic wanting to study British politics. It will also be interesting to compare with the complete editions (vol one and two) that are out now. ( )

It took me too long to get through this book. I seemed to be reading it forever. Some of it was interesting, some of it less so. I found Campbell's constant name dropping and love of himself too much at times. Perhaps it's all just a front for a lack of confidence? It was interesting to get a bit of a grasp of what goes on in politics behind the scenes though and you begin to realise just how much you have to give up to be Prime Minister, or the PM's strategy manager at any rate. ( )

This book took ten days to read: a long time for me. The reason is simple, my speed reading kept breaking down and I found that I was sucked into the fascinating story of the most significant positive history of my country during my lifetime.
Bevan and the NHS was important but just pre-dates me, Thatcher was crucial but mostly negative and Blair was a breath of fresh air.
Alastair Campbell was the bête noire of the right wing British press but, as so often, comes across as a caring man who gave nine years of his, and his family's, life for the good of the country.
This book gave me a great insight into recent British history and is a definite recommendation for anyone with an interest in British politics, or just wants a better idea of how Britain is run.
If it were possible, I would introduce a six star rating for this book! ( )