Unspeakable: The Autobiography
- Downloads：7976
- Type：Epub+TxT+PDF+Mobi
- Create Date：2021-08-21 07:51:45
- Update Date：2025-09-06
- Status：finish
- Author：John Bercow
- ISBN：147461664X
- Environment：PC/Android/iPhone/iPad/Kindle
- Download
Summary
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。
Reviews
Lucy
，
An interesting insight into the mind of former Speaker John Bercow。Whilst I did like it， it took an age for me to read because it wasn't particularly gripping （I don't usually find autobiographies gripping anyway so that's not really his fault） and at times dragged on a bit。 An interesting insight into the mind of former Speaker John Bercow。Whilst I did like it， it took an age for me to read because it wasn't particularly gripping （I don't usually find autobiographies gripping anyway so that's not really his fault） and at times dragged on a bit。 。。。more
Aparna
，
A highly enjoyable and engaging autobiography。 Bercow not only recounts his career in Parliament and his observations of parliamentarians but also the general workings of Parliament， it's conventions and quirks。 It's a little biased， but I expect this from an autobiography。 Bercow acknowledges where he went wrong in the past， but also stands firmly on where he felt he made the right decisions。 Overall， it was very honest and sincere。 A highly enjoyable and engaging autobiography。 Bercow not only recounts his career in Parliament and his observations of parliamentarians but also the general workings of Parliament， it's conventions and quirks。 It's a little biased， but I expect this from an autobiography。 Bercow acknowledges where he went wrong in the past， but also stands firmly on where he felt he made the right decisions。 Overall， it was very honest and sincere。 。。。more
Mark
，
Greatly enjoyed this。 Written effectively in the style for which Mr Bercow has become famous。 He is a public figure of great inspiration and insight。
Emily Coventry
，
Being a fan of Bercow， it's an easy read。 He delivers a lot of interesting insight into the workings of our democracy。 His characteristic turn of phrase makes this a very wordy work in places but well worth the read as his humour， passion and humanity shine through。 This is a book that all young people should be encouraged to read as it serves as a good introduction to real life politics seen from the point of view of one who has had the courage to change his mind about his political beliefs and Being a fan of Bercow， it's an easy read。 He delivers a lot of interesting insight into the workings of our democracy。 His characteristic turn of phrase makes this a very wordy work in places but well worth the read as his humour， passion and humanity shine through。 This is a book that all young people should be encouraged to read as it serves as a good introduction to real life politics seen from the point of view of one who has had the courage to change his mind about his political beliefs and to be open about it。 。。。more
André Rodenburg
，
Bercow gives a detailed account of his personal development from a North London boy to the Speaker of the House。 Maybe a bit long on the enumeration of the many other MPs he has worked alongside during his career with their respective constituencies， party affiliations and committee memberships。 Bercow comes across as more of a reformer than a （small or capital C） conservative。 After striving for a long time to win himself a safe seat for the Tories in the House of Commons， he finally achieved t Bercow gives a detailed account of his personal development from a North London boy to the Speaker of the House。 Maybe a bit long on the enumeration of the many other MPs he has worked alongside during his career with their respective constituencies， party affiliations and committee memberships。 Bercow comes across as more of a reformer than a （small or capital C） conservative。 After striving for a long time to win himself a safe seat for the Tories in the House of Commons， he finally achieved this only when his party went into opposition。 The first part of the book is mainly about the author apologizing for most of his earlier views and standpoints。 He redeems himself by continuously applying himself to modernisation of the workings of parliament and for transparency in the political process， often going against his own party leaders and against some of his senior staff， before he moved into the spotlights of the parliamentary debates on Brexit。 I read the book in a Dutch translation， which sometimes misses the puns of the English language or the finer points of Westminster procedure: the prologue on the prime minister’s prerogative of prorogation doesn’t make easy reading。 There was a team of translators involved， who at some instances miss the essence （Bennite is not the name of an MP and White Cossacks are not a race）。 。。。more
Ilia Markov
，
Interesting “driver’s seat” account of British politics in the last 10 years。 I’ve always liked Bercow so I’m probably partial， but I have a lot of respect for the fact that he doesn’t mince his words。
Tici
，
I always love reading about Parl but unfortunately bercow is not a v nice man
Mike Taylor
，
A bit of a plod。 Interesting because it is largely about people you know。 There weren’t any big surprises。
Matthew W
，
Given this is the first， solely political memoir I have read， I have been hugely impressed from start to finish。 Based around Bercow's experiences getting into politics， his tenure as MP for Buckingham and later speaker from 2009-2019， the work is a must read for all aspiring parliamentarians。 With an eloquent， broad array of language， technical terms and parliamentary jargon， the book does a remarkable job of making the complex， simple， making the technicalities of the "Brexit imbroglio" colloq Given this is the first， solely political memoir I have read， I have been hugely impressed from start to finish。 Based around Bercow's experiences getting into politics， his tenure as MP for Buckingham and later speaker from 2009-2019， the work is a must read for all aspiring parliamentarians。 With an eloquent， broad array of language， technical terms and parliamentary jargon， the book does a remarkable job of making the complex， simple， making the technicalities of the "Brexit imbroglio" colloquial available to the reader and more。 I found the blend between personal opinion， fact and anecdotes pleasurable， with a substantial degree of insight given to not only John's personal life in Parliament， but too his views on key issues of the day and even other parliamentary members。Having said that and not wanting to spoil the book further， in true parliamentary style， I commend this review to Goodreads！！ 。。。more
Craig French
，
Very amusing with good gossip about British politics。 Some interesting history， and nice details about personal history。 Very cringe worthy when he is pontificating and reflecting on the future。
Philip Carman
，
Detailed as it had to be but not tedious as some political biographies can be。
Julia Smith
，
I really enjoyed reading this！ What an interesting person he is！
Warren Glover
，
When you see the name Bercow what is seen？ A moderate Tory and Brexit pantomime villian。 I don't strictly agree with him on everything but the understanding of different opinions is important。 Now I haven't completely decimated political integrity， we continue。The known Bercow style of speech is present in writing， coming across mildly ridiculous in the pompous nature of his language。 Despite this there still comes across a lack of ways to comment upon people， often essentially saying the same t When you see the name Bercow what is seen？ A moderate Tory and Brexit pantomime villian。 I don't strictly agree with him on everything but the understanding of different opinions is important。 Now I haven't completely decimated political integrity， we continue。The known Bercow style of speech is present in writing， coming across mildly ridiculous in the pompous nature of his language。 Despite this there still comes across a lack of ways to comment upon people， often essentially saying the same things in different ways when I would of preferred to be invited to judge personality from the stories。 Throughout the book preferred phrases will repeat to an annoying extent， such as playing the ball not the man and being embarrassed not by someone but for someone， all worded in a rigid format that one would not expect。 The structure of the book revolves around the two defining features of his tenure as Speaker， Prorogue and Brexit。 The former being the prologue （I must confess I failed to notice it was called the Prorogue until after I read the chapter） and Brexit being the last story before the conclusion/epilogue。 This lead to the more philosophical chapters that feel they should be giving way to the ending being followed up by the biggest story of them all。 Within that story I personally found it odd that he didn't mention the mood of the House when Theresa May lost her majority giving a speech。 There is an element that this was a disjointed write， with smooth transitions between chapters and clunky shifts in them。 The mentioning of titles， constituencies ect coming after first mention or even after playing a key role backed up the disorderly theory。 For a wider structural style， the book acts more as a collection of short stories with some threads of comments between rather than a full narrative of his life。 The early life section was as mercifully brief as it was dull， with the real intrigue coming from the inside and sometimes aloof of the Commans and parliament in general。 Despite my intentions， there's very little political campaigning within the book， an acknowledgement of beliefs and nothing more。 To start with these felt like he had minimal grasp on beliefs and was just what the Conservatives are， but as we continue his beliefs solidify and he becomes much more confident。 With this however comes the issue of him coming across like he thinks he's always right。 While this is to be somewhat expected and he remains critical of his very problematic beliefs of his younger years in Parliament， elements such as how he chased his wife to date him felt off to me but there wasn't a sense of humility in the face of success。 Even when emboldened， the instinct to be neutral doesn't play well， with failure to mention shortcomings of international figures such as Modi and condemning the genocide in Myanmar in remarkably light terms， saying the prime minister equivalent has lost international stock。 Bercow has had controversy in his time。 The biggest one felt very poorly handled。 In response to allegations of bullying he sites generic defences such as not being told or meaning no harm， without actually giving credence to those claiming harm。 Not even an apology for offense caused。 The way he talked about Angus Sinclair has the tone of disrespect without saying anything explicitly wrong， leading to a uncomfortable sensation。 This does reflect his way of handling adversary。 He seems to have a very emotional outlook and promotes the idea of people out to get him if they don't get along。 The biggest example is Andrea Leadsom， whom I detest as a politician， and their clash。 He seeks to show her as a dishonest and manipulate women but it feels extremely one sided and the idea a scathing remark from the chair could never affect her because of how she is in the Commans shows either a lack or a disregard for emotions。 I don't believe his account is wrong， just a bit more empathy would of made it feel less like an undefended attack。 An odd element I found is the lack of attention on his wife's affair。 A simple she slept with my cousin， it hurt， we moved on was surprising for such a massive transgression。 However once you see the acknowledgements， you'll notice how much oversight she had of the writing process so I feel it is plausible she gently hinted for a positive outlook and the affair was only noted because of how public it became and it's admission would have drawn greater attention。 To conclude （TLDR for all you who get bored after reading for 3 seconds （actually what are you even doing here））， the book has engaging parliamentary stories and interesting view points， with a slow opening and problematic elements either stemming from writing style or the fundamentals of the man。 Expect some uncomfortable moments but if one can look past that or lacks a moral compass， there's enough to make it a worthwhile read。 With it's repetition I'd recommend a slower reading style to not let it grate as it won't leave you behind。 。。。more
George
，
Started in 2020 but finished in '21。 A fascinating look into the role of Speaker and Bercows interpretation of the role。 Sure， he's a polarising figure for some but in this book he comes across as not just deeply knowledgeable but deeply respectful of the office， Parliament and the Commons。 Truth be told I did not know much of his personal history but his journey to the centre was quite a surprise to me。Read during lockdown and finished off with a beer。 First book of 2021 done！ Started in 2020 but finished in '21。 A fascinating look into the role of Speaker and Bercows interpretation of the role。 Sure， he's a polarising figure for some but in this book he comes across as not just deeply knowledgeable but deeply respectful of the office， Parliament and the Commons。 Truth be told I did not know much of his personal history but his journey to the centre was quite a surprise to me。Read during lockdown and finished off with a beer。 First book of 2021 done！ 。。。more
Ian
，
I've been reading this on and off for ages。 It's an intriguing account by the former House of Commons speaker of his political career。 It has a definite "he wrote it himself" feel， which makes some of the structure a bit idiosyncratic but definitely adds to the charm （how humiliated I will be if a secret ghostwriter is subsequently revealed）。 Bercow himself comes across as an interesting if perhaps somewhat difficult character。 One can see how his lack of circumspection might well have struck so I've been reading this on and off for ages。 It's an intriguing account by the former House of Commons speaker of his political career。 It has a definite "he wrote it himself" feel， which makes some of the structure a bit idiosyncratic but definitely adds to the charm （how humiliated I will be if a secret ghostwriter is subsequently revealed）。 Bercow himself comes across as an interesting if perhaps somewhat difficult character。 One can see how his lack of circumspection might well have struck some as inappropriate in a parliamentary speaker。 Part of the fun with this book is his judgement on his political contemporaries。 He is scathing about Theresa May， describing her as vying with Anthony Eden for the title of worst prime minister since 1945。 His real ire however is reserved for David Cameron， for whom he seems to have a deep personal loathing， hating Cameron as a privileged rich kid who coasted into a political career that was never more than a game （Bercow on the other hand was educated in a state-school and comes from a more humble background （though not really one that would be characterised as working class））。 He is less than fond of Boris Johnson for similar reasons but without the personal animus。 Politicians he is surprisingly fond of include Jacob Rees-Mogg and Michael Gove， on account of their good manners and respect for propriety （notwithstanding their lying to the Queen about the reasons for parliament's proroguing）。 He also makes gracious comments about Gordon Brown， Jo Swinson， Stella Creasy， and Bill Cash。 The last one there is surprising， given that Cash is an arch-Brexiter while Bercow let it be known that he voted remain; his praise of Cash is as a parliamentarian who successfully used his membership of parliament to advance his goal， the removal of the UK from the EU， which Bercow sees him as having done extemely effectively regardless of whether one thinks that goal was actually worth pursuing。Aside from the political stuff， the picture of Bercow's relationship with his wife Sally is also engaging。 Their relationship comes across as unconventional and not without its problems but Sally shows up repeatedly throughout the book to offer useful advice。 This is typically on matters administrative rather than purely political， though I think the fact that she was never a Conservative supporter must have played a part in Bercow's own political journey。I would have liked more about Bercow's relations with the parliamentary officials who provide him with procedural advice and handle the administration of the Commons。 There are some hints that these were sometimes fraught， with Bercow wanting to push reform of the Commons in directions the officials found distasteful， while on some key points Bercow declined to follow the officials' procedural advice。 In this regard I found the index particularly irksome - it is next to impossible to look up the officials by their titles， so there is no easy way of checking through the book for references to his relationship with them。 I suspect though that persons who do not share my professional interest will not find this a problem。 In short therefore I recommend this to anyone who is interested in a partial account of the political coalface during a momentous period of time （Bercow's stint as speaker saw three general elections， four prime ministers， the first UK coalition government since 1945， and the Brexit referendum）。 The one poignant moment comes when Bercow talks about his own future and suggests that he might occasionally contribute in the House of Lords on topics he is interested in， taking for granted that as a former speaker of the Commons he will be made a peer; alas， he reckoned without Boris Johnson's enmity and the blocking of his ennoblement。 。。。more
Connor Culshaw
，
Would recommend for any one who wants to know either about the position of speeker of the house or how he became a mp would read again
Lewis Virgo
，
John Bercow's autobiography was a struggle to finish and at best was an okay read。 Is that to say that it is without merit？ No， the discussion of his journey to MP， early Parliamentary career and rise to Speaker was interesting and enjoyable。 Sadly the book goes downhill once these parts are over。This book for the most part is a way of Bercow of settling old political scores as well as a way of giving his opinion on everyone and everything he can。 His criticism on many come off as petty and vind John Bercow's autobiography was a struggle to finish and at best was an okay read。 Is that to say that it is without merit？ No， the discussion of his journey to MP， early Parliamentary career and rise to Speaker was interesting and enjoyable。 Sadly the book goes downhill once these parts are over。This book for the most part is a way of Bercow of settling old political scores as well as a way of giving his opinion on everyone and everything he can。 His criticism on many come off as petty and vindictive but the is one individual that Bercow goes for at insinuating rate， David Cameron。 Cameron can be criticised for various reasons but the way Bercow does it is not from an objective standpoint but from a clearly deep hatred。 Bercow does not come off well。 I think this book would be enjoyed more by those who are of a remain or left political viewpoint but still there are much better political memoirs out there。 。。。more
Rich Lambe
，
As someone who is generally not a fan of John Bercow， I borrowed this book from the library with some nervousness。I found it extremely well written - he's an excellent communicator and explains the inner workings of Parliament in a clear way。 He is obviously a fan of our parliamentary system， and describes the various processes and quirks in a positive way。It deviates from this towards the end where he shares his personal opinion on some of the big political names - he is particularly scathing t As someone who is generally not a fan of John Bercow， I borrowed this book from the library with some nervousness。I found it extremely well written - he's an excellent communicator and explains the inner workings of Parliament in a clear way。 He is obviously a fan of our parliamentary system， and describes the various processes and quirks in a positive way。It deviates from this towards the end where he shares his personal opinion on some of the big political names - he is particularly scathing towards recent Conservative party leaders/PMs。 From a men who used to be an apologetic 'party player' and Thatcherite I found this to be refreshing。It took me some time to decide between a 4 or 5 star review， but the complete change of tone into MPs report cards was too jarring for me to enjoy。 。。。more
Barbara
，
This is quite a fascinating book。 It not only charts John Bercow's move from right-wing fighting dog to someone now promoting a liberal agenda on gender， race， social mobility etc。 but gives an amazing insight into the way Parliament operates。 He has staunchly stood up for the rights of Parliament against the executive and has been strongly criticised for doing so。 He has modernised the House of Commons and made a lasting contribution both to the way it is run and to the self-esteem of the colle This is quite a fascinating book。 It not only charts John Bercow's move from right-wing fighting dog to someone now promoting a liberal agenda on gender， race， social mobility etc。 but gives an amazing insight into the way Parliament operates。 He has staunchly stood up for the rights of Parliament against the executive and has been strongly criticised for doing so。 He has modernised the House of Commons and made a lasting contribution both to the way it is run and to the self-esteem of the collective of back-benchers。However it is also a bit wordy and ponderous， and he is at great pains to be even-handed in his praise of political figures from all parties。 But he is also even-handed in the criticisms he hands out， which are insightful and at times devastating。 。。。more
Ellen
，
So interesting！ I listened to the audio book， read in Bercow’s distinctive voice （which was posher than I excepted， for an Essex boy）。 For me， having lived in Britain since 2004， it was a valuable overview of domestic politics during that time。 It’s full of insights as well as juicy tidbits， Bercow’s views of fellow parliamentarians， and an inside look at how Parliament functions。 The evolution of the author’s political views is also fascinating。 I would love to hear from him again in a few year So interesting！ I listened to the audio book， read in Bercow’s distinctive voice （which was posher than I excepted， for an Essex boy）。 For me， having lived in Britain since 2004， it was a valuable overview of domestic politics during that time。 It’s full of insights as well as juicy tidbits， Bercow’s views of fellow parliamentarians， and an inside look at how Parliament functions。 The evolution of the author’s political views is also fascinating。 I would love to hear from him again in a few years， after the fallout from Brexit。 Recommended， especially to listen to。 。。。more
Roel Moeurs
，
Nicely written， good background and insight into the selection process and inner workings of British Political system。Scathing reviews of current conservative leaders included。
Harry
，
A really intriguing book into the goings on in parliament over the last 10 years。 Not only does it provide a interesting perspective into his political career， Bercow also provides a quick guide in how parliament works， and what it can be done to improve it。
John Eliot
，
This is the first book I've read written by a politician about their own political life。 I wanted to read this as I fell in love with the character of speaker。 Larger than life， arrogant in tha tit was wonderful to see politicians I disliked put in their place。 As Bercow tells when he was green and new to the job， an important minister upset him and he needed a talking to！ Bercow told his clerk he was going to see him。 "No，" the clerk said， "You call him to your office at a specified time and yo This is the first book I've read written by a politician about their own political life。 I wanted to read this as I fell in love with the character of speaker。 Larger than life， arrogant in tha tit was wonderful to see politicians I disliked put in their place。 As Bercow tells when he was green and new to the job， an important minister upset him and he needed a talking to！ Bercow told his clerk he was going to see him。 "No，" the clerk said， "You call him to your office at a specified time and you don't offer him coffee。" And that was the Speaker for the next nine years。 Though to be fair， tha tis all speakers。 The new one， dreadful with names， told Johnson off the other week for waffling and not answering the question。It is a fascinating read， even if you have no interest in politics。 It is a book of the times， namely Brexit。 I learnt about politicians， I like Jacob Rees Mogg more and I disklike May， Cameron and Johnson as much as I ever did。 Gove is as oily as I expected！His views on the state of the UK is very interesting。 I learnt a lot from this autobiography。My next will be the autobiography of Gordon Brown。 He made fish fingers and Chips for Bercow and the children！ Why are the British so inept at choosing their leaders？ 。。。more
Alex
，
Before I bought this book， I really did not know what to expect。 A lot of the reviews were very mixed - some absolutely scathing， and some gave top marks。 Notwithstanding my concern at the poor reviews （although this will teach me）， I decided to press ahead and I am glad I did。There is no doubt that John Bercow has an ego， and this was really what some of the poorer reviews of the book appeared to suggest - that this was all the book was about。 However， I did not find it at all about how "wonder Before I bought this book， I really did not know what to expect。 A lot of the reviews were very mixed - some absolutely scathing， and some gave top marks。 Notwithstanding my concern at the poor reviews （although this will teach me）， I decided to press ahead and I am glad I did。There is no doubt that John Bercow has an ego， and this was really what some of the poorer reviews of the book appeared to suggest - that this was all the book was about。 However， I did not find it at all about how "wonderful" Mr Bercow was in the world of Bercow。 I found a very honest， at times humble personal appraisal， firstly as a Conservative MP， then as Speaker of the Commons and finally as a man。 It is true that he certainly does not mix his words when describing his negative views of a number of politicians （mostly of whom， appear to have been Conservative！）。 But he is also fair， and can evidence why he holds those views。 He is also balanced， and acknowledges the strengths of his foes as well as his view as to their weaknesses。Above all， the read is a fascinating insight into the workings of the Speaker's office， Parliament and much of what we saw in the crazy Brexit debating months leading up to the last General Election， and why Bercow acted as he did are explained by Bercow in a clear and entertaining way。 I would urge those who are interested in politics and history to take a chance with this book。 I think in time （regardless of your political persuasion） Bercow will be remembered as one of the bravest and finest Speakers this country has ever had， and moreover， he should be remembered as a true democrat， at the very time when one was needed。 。。。more
Orlaith
，
In the early part， it is not as well written as I expected it to be。 I usually love hearing about people's childhoods but this dragged。 It picked up the pace once he got to parliament。 Clearly principled with a desire for reform， Bercow gives a good insight into the workings of the 'mother of parliaments'。 He is quite forthright - described Theresa May as the worst UK Prime Minister in history。 I wonder would he change that ranking now。 Some nice touches - he mentions but does not dwell on his w In the early part， it is not as well written as I expected it to be。 I usually love hearing about people's childhoods but this dragged。 It picked up the pace once he got to parliament。 Clearly principled with a desire for reform， Bercow gives a good insight into the workings of the 'mother of parliaments'。 He is quite forthright - described Theresa May as the worst UK Prime Minister in history。 I wonder would he change that ranking now。 Some nice touches - he mentions but does not dwell on his wife's affair。 Men often leave out their private life in memoirs and I think it took courage to include this in the book in a very appropriate way。 He also thanked the nanny and her husband of their children in the acknowledgements which I thought was a nice touch。This book probably won't have broad appeal but if you are interested in British politcs， you won't regret it。 。。。more
Hans
，
For as far as the MP’s are recognisable figures it is an historically interesting account。 The personal development in political sense is revealing。 The personal life story is just ordinary。
Barbara Ulfman
，
Bercow wekt geen sympathie。 De weergave van gebeurtenissen is saai。 Vaak lijkt het boek bedoeld om achteraf gelijk te halen。 Nergens ook maar een spoortje van humor of zelfspot。 Geen interessante inzichten。 Bercow geeft over veel collega's pittige oordelen。 Dat gebeurt in een van de laatste hoofdstukken。 Ik dacht: 'Waarom denkt hij het zich te kunnen veroorloven om een finale oordeel te geven？' Ook storend dat hij te vaak benoemt dat zijn vrouw （volgens anderen） te gewoon is en Labour steunt。 Bercow wekt geen sympathie。 De weergave van gebeurtenissen is saai。 Vaak lijkt het boek bedoeld om achteraf gelijk te halen。 Nergens ook maar een spoortje van humor of zelfspot。 Geen interessante inzichten。 Bercow geeft over veel collega's pittige oordelen。 Dat gebeurt in een van de laatste hoofdstukken。 Ik dacht: 'Waarom denkt hij het zich te kunnen veroorloven om een finale oordeel te geven？' Ook storend dat hij te vaak benoemt dat zijn vrouw （volgens anderen） te gewoon is en Labour steunt。 。。。more
Rebecca
，
John Bercow definitely writes how he speaks - it's definitely not concise and to the point！ There were some interesting anecdotes in this book but overall I felt like it could have been shorter！ John Bercow definitely writes how he speaks - it's definitely not concise and to the point！ There were some interesting anecdotes in this book but overall I felt like it could have been shorter！ 。。。more
Ray Akerboom
，
An interesting book for those of us who like to follow British politics as a whole and the Brexit in particulair。 Famous names and happenings pass the revue in this story， where we often find the personal opinion about them of Mr。 Speaker。 But in a style that is pleasant to read and certainly not boring。
Gary
，