A review by truculence
Speaking for Myself: The Autobiography by Cherie Blair

3.0

I will admit to getting this because the reviews in the British press were so entertainingly eviscerating. So is it as bad as they say? Yes and no. Blair WAY overshares personal details about her sex life--both with and without Tony--in a way that made me cringe. And the book itself just isn't that well done--it's sort a rote march through her entire history, without much thought to which parts would be more interesting for the reader. It's also striking how little reflection is in the narrative--about the only commentary on events is emphasizing over and over again how mean various politicians and media figures were to her. The only part of the reviews that I disagree with is what the British press called an embarrassing focus on money--I think it's probably a cultural difference, but I didn't think she went out of line in that respect at all. She does complain a bit about the financial pressures her family was under and how little support the government gives to the Prime Minister in his or her personal capacity, but judging from the examples she gives--invited by Laura Bush to take an official visit to Africa to raise awareness about various issues and charities there, Blair was told she would have to pay for the entire trip personally--I have to agree that her complaints are reasonable.

All in all, I found the book entertaining, but more from the perspective of "I can't believe she's writing that!" than for any insights into the Blair years as such.