Friends, Voters, Countrymen Book

Whatever you think of Boris Johnson's politics, it is hard to deny the man's ability to raise a chortle, as evidenced in Friends, Voters, Countrymen. Not content with gainful employment as a columnist for the Daily Telegraph, editor of the Spectator and regular contestant on Have I Got News For You, Johnson decided to turn his hand to politics on the principle that side-swiping at those in positions of responsibility didn't amount to much if one never had to make political decisions oneself. And despite the self-deprecating indignities of the trawling campaign trail recounted here, Johnson clearly has no regrets in taking up the challenge. The book chronicles his failures and successes over the course of two general elections: from humiliating failure in Clwyd South to glorious victory in Henley-upon-Thames. There are many hilarious episodes: his rivalry with golden boy "Hezza", the unforgivable incident at the village jumble sale and the time when, out running in the rain, he is stopped by several young men who call him a c**t. He turns on them, rather pitifully protesting that "things are bad enough, and now you call me a c**t--why do you say that?" only to be met with the simple, arm-round-shoulder response: "face the fact that you're a c**t". Such is life in the public eye as one of the representatives of a great democracy. A light and delightful romp, this is a thoroughly enjoyable eye-opener for anyone who's ever wondered what it's like to get into politics and why on earth people do it. --Rebecca JohnsonRead More