30 Days: A Month at the Heart of Blair's War Book

30 Days: A Month a the Heart of Blair's War is a closely observed fly-on-the-wall record of political and domestic life at 10 Downing Street, and of Tony Blair's leadership throughout the war against Iraq--told by former Times editor Peter Stothard. On the whole Blair comes across as a man of strength, conviction and genuine integrity; he won't be disappointed with this book, but then neither will the reader. The events themselves naturally lend drama and pace but Stothard's narrative style--intimate, immediate and compelling--also manages to reveal something about the personality of the major players. The book is not just a study of the character of Tony Blair but also a fascinating set of personal observations about Alistair Campbell, John Prescott, Clare Short, Jack Short, Robin Cook, Sally Morgan, the American contingent--including Bush, Powell, Condeleeza Rice--as well as the Downing Street clock-winder and tea-lady. Those who have been reading the literature on the war such as The Guardian's recent The War We Could Not Stop and Dilip Hiro's excellent Iraq: A View From the Inside will find this an excellent complementary read. Those who like voyeuristic looks at powerful people, the political process through times of crisis or the Labour Party today should be delighted with it. --Larry BrownRead More