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klmnz's review
1.0
There were parts of this book I actually found interesting, especially Paul Henry's experiences as a journalist in conflict environments, some of his reflections on his mental health, and the writing itself was relatively good. But absolutely nothing can make up for the fact that this is a self-indulgent and entirely unnecessary memoir by a deeply narcissistic, arrogant man who has not achieved anything that justifies an entire autobiography. Paul Henry possesses what I personally believe is one of the absolute worst personality flaws a person can have: he is a very intelligent man who believes that his intelligence makes him better than other people and entitles him to be cruel and demeaning towards others. He believes his intelligence means his opinions are always right and, worse, that the only reason one could hold a differing opinion is due to their comparative stupidity.
But he's not always right, and when he's wrong he can't admit it. Paul Henry finds it difficult to understand the point of view of people in different circumstances to himself. Even his characterisation of his mental illness is deeply offensive and narrow-minded: that he, through his work ethic, brilliant mind, and general greatness remains functional with a level of (self-diagnosed, by the way) OCD that would cripple mere mortals. Combine this breathtaking narcissism with a truly juvenile sense of humour that often wanders into the territory of casual racism or sexism, and I find him a truly unpleasant person. For these reasons, I couldn't enjoy his book even though I was determined to give it a try and hear his perspective. I remain unconvinced - Paul Henry isn't a victim of an overly PC society and media hellbent on limiting his freedom of speech. He's a bully.
But he's not always right, and when he's wrong he can't admit it. Paul Henry finds it difficult to understand the point of view of people in different circumstances to himself. Even his characterisation of his mental illness is deeply offensive and narrow-minded: that he, through his work ethic, brilliant mind, and general greatness remains functional with a level of (self-diagnosed, by the way) OCD that would cripple mere mortals. Combine this breathtaking narcissism with a truly juvenile sense of humour that often wanders into the territory of casual racism or sexism, and I find him a truly unpleasant person. For these reasons, I couldn't enjoy his book even though I was determined to give it a try and hear his perspective. I remain unconvinced - Paul Henry isn't a victim of an overly PC society and media hellbent on limiting his freedom of speech. He's a bully.
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