Book review: British Book Awards winner’s inside take on Brexit, democracy and the Conservative Party
Politics On the Edge: A Memoir from Within by Rory Stewart is an entertaining account of his turbulent decade in the United Kingdom Conservative Party.
The former serviceman, diplomat and now Yale University professor takes us along for the ride as he climbs the political ranks.
The bestselling Penguin Random House publication has won numerous awards including British Book Awards Book of the Year Non-Fiction Narrative.
So keep reading to find out more about this well-written memoir plus tips for your own life-story creating…
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What is Politics On the Edge about?
This 464-page memoir begins with Stewart considering entering politics after a career working in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
By a stroke of luck, he is selected to run for, and wins, the seat of Pentrith and The Border, in Cumbria county.
Soon he is navigating the turbulent world of politics as a Conservative Member of Parliament under Prime Minister David Cameron.
After five years he is appointed his first ministerialship and later stands for party leader against Boris Johnson following Theresa May’s resignation
“Being a civil servant was not enough; it was only via Parliament that I really had a hope of preserving what I still loved, and repairing what was shameful about British policy at home and abroad.”
Highlights from Stewart’s book
Politics On the Edge presents readers with many interesting and illuminating stories.
Undeniably, the behind-the-scenes accounts of the party are enthralling.
For example, the huge power and influence party whips have over MPs voting and career progression.
Second, is how minister positions are sometimes randomly assigned irrespective of an MP’s background, experience or skill.
And finally, readers learn much about the divisive Brexit battle and the implications for farmers and business owners.
“I left politics with a deep love for my constituency, respect and admiration for the intelligence, competence, imagination and courage of many of my colleagues, and enduring friendships. But my final sense is one of shame. And my regret is often not about my openness but about not being able to be more forceful in my condemnation.”
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Tips from Politics On the Edge
Politics On the Edge offers much of note for life-story creators.
For instance, the Author’s Note at the very beginning is perhaps the most strongly worded I’ve seen.
In short it addresses colleagues who will be rightfully angry by what Stewart has included, why he has or hasn’t identified individuals and how he has “not written what he knows to be false”.
Another takeaway is how the original first draft of 220,000 words needed to be cut in half for publishing.
Most importantly, however, the book offers us a masterclass on painting characters for readers by using eloquent, specific and highly creative descriptions.
“(Boris’s) hair seemed to have become less tidy, and his cheeks redder… as though he was turning into an eighteenth-century squire, fond of long nights at the piquet table at White’s. This air of roguish solidarity, however, was undermined by the furtive cunning of his eyes, which made it seem as though an alien creature had possessed his reassuring body, and was squinting out of the sockets.”
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Final say: Politics On the Edge
Politics On the Edge by Rory Stewart is a No. 1 bestseller about his rise as an unknown Member of Parliament to reportedly being the people’s choice as the next UK Prime Minister.
However, it is also a scorching look at the inadequacies of some MPs and elements of democracy.
Certainly read this memoir if you want to know more about modern politics.
But also if you want a glimpse of a politician who listens to his constituency.
Happy writing and reading!
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Your say
Have you had more than one career like Stewart? I’d love to know more! Drop me an email or leave a reply in the comments section at the end of this article.
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