Political memoirs are frequently overlong, self-serving and only for junkies. Balls, by contrast, manages an entertaining mix of his own memoirs, reflection on the political process, self-criticism and gossip. Especially interesting are his claimed achievements (keeping us out of the euro/Bank of England independence) and personal struggles (his stammer, coping with defeat). He portrays his political life as over but this could be seen as a clearing of the decks just in case not.
(Tony Pratt - bwl 83 Winter 2017 ) |
