Unleashed

De: Boris Johnson

Narrado por: Boris Johnson

Shattering the mold of the traditional political memoir, Unleashed is a candid, unrestrained, and revealing book by Boris Johnson, the Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

In Unleashed, Johnson takes listeners through all the big decisions during his time in power and why he took them. The challenges and crises, how they were resolved—or not—and how he nearly died from COVID; riots; crime; the London Olympics, and so much more. Johnson writes about his role in Brexit and the constitutional sea-change in British politics in 2019 with his landslide election victory.

Underlying everything in the book is Johnson's belief that the UK is an extraordinary country and should have an exceptional future. Unleashed stands out as a rare glimpse into the inner workings of leadership at the highest levels of power.

©2024 Boris Johnson (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

Great story from a great man!

Thank you Boris for this highly literate and fascinating view into your time (so far) in British politics. Britain was lucky to have you as PM but they don’t realize it yet. And as an aside, I have listened to hundreds of audiobooks and yours is probably the most enjoyable of almost all of them, not only the text but also the ‘performance’. Thank you again!

A Captivating Journey Through Politics and Personal Reflection.

Listening to "Unleashed," the memoir of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, was a remarkable experience that kept me captivated throughout its lengthy narrative. I opted for the Audible version, and there were moments when arriving at my destination became a nuisance, as I found myself wanting to keep the story going. The way Johnson narrates his journey feels akin to listening to the most charismatic attendee at a party sharing fascinating anecdotes.

Johnson's deep love for England is palpable in every line. His witty and engaging writing style transforms what could be a dry political discourse into an entertaining account filled with insights. He unapologetically addresses the imperative need for Brexit, always with the interests of the British people at heart. His unconventional approach to politics shines through; he seems more focused on getting results than maintaining a polished public image.

Interestingly, Johnson discusses figures like Donald Trump with a mix of admiration and critique, recognizing Trump's challenge to conventional norms and his disregard for public opinion. This mirrors Johnson’s own embrace of a "Britain first" policy, reflecting his belief that Western nations have become too passive in the face of autocrats like Putin. He argues that the constraints imposed by the EU hinder Britain's sovereignty and economic interests, detailing the struggles of Brexit negotiations and the almost punitive terms initially proposed by the EU.

Moreover, Johnson tackles the sensitive issue of immigration, advocating against uncontrolled illegal immigration which, he argues, depresses wages and opportunities for British workers. He emphasizes the need for education and training to enhance the competitiveness of the British workforce, rather than relying heavily on foreign labor.

He also shares touching encounters with Queen Elizabeth II, revealing his profound admiration for her wisdom and leadership as Britain’s longest-serving monarch. Johnson takes pride in Britain’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting how the nation led the way in vaccinations and developed the first effective vaccine.

Throughout the memoir, he reflects on his tenure with humility, acknowledging mistakes and moments of arrogance. He astutely notes that both love and hate from the public can be misleading. As he concludes, Johnson offers recommendations for shaping future policies to meet modern challenges, echoing the sentiments of historical figures like Churchill in expressing a desire for more time in public service.

Overall, "Unleashed" is an entertaining and insightful listen that I thoroughly enjoyed. Johnson's passion for his country and his candid reflections on his political journey make this audiobook a worthwhile experience for anyone interested in contemporary British politics.

Excellent, love this book

Anyone who thinks they understand British politics needs to read this book.

Most people don’t know who Boris Johnson is and what he stands for, this book helps to shed light on his political and philosophical beliefs and the kind of leader he actually is and was. Wish he was still leading the Conservative Party.

New little so learned a lot

Solid memoir of a controversial person. He seemed genuine and straightforward in his recounting of the good and bad of his term

Entertaining read

Whatever one thinks of his politics, this is a thoroughly entertaining read by Boris Johnson.

A True Statesman

This is the second book I have read by Boris Johnson, the first being, “the Churchill factor”. He is a fabulous writer, great historian, able to achieve goals, and I loved, once again, his narration. He is a true Statesman, and I hope he is able to return as PM, in the future.

Boris Johnson being Boris Johnson

If you only read one book on UK politics, don’t let it be this one, as you’ll leave with the impression that the UK has only had one elected official in the 21st century - namely, the author. Dilyn the Dog gets more mentions than Dominic Raab. That being said, it’s a romp, though more in the vein of magical realism than political autobiography.

Superb narration and fascinating content.

Superbly described and narrated! A truly wonderful listen ! Narrated by the author himself in his typical prose….

Witty Memoir of Triumphs, Blunders, and Big Dreams

Boris Johnson’s Unleashed is a surprisingly enjoyable read, even if, like me, you don’t align with many of his positions on global politics, including much of his approach to the Ukraine-Russia war. What stands out most is Johnson’s unmistakable personality and wit, which permeate every page. His knack for colorful descriptions of people and events—referring to Theresa May as “Old Grumpy Knickers” or suggesting Emmanuel Macron might prefer vaccines delivered in unconventional ways—is both amusing and quintessentially Boris. It’s classic old-boy humor, and while it may not resonate with everyone, it does make for a lively read.

The book isn’t without its flaws, of course. Johnson dedicates significant space to justifying his missteps, admitting to various gaffes, and revealing the naïveté of trusting colleagues in an environment as ruthless as modern politics. Yet, these confessions highlight the extraordinary pressures faced by newly appointed leaders thrust into the unforgiving spotlight of high office. The cutthroat nature of politics spares no one, demanding instant mastery of complex systems and the loyalty of often self-serving allies. In this way, Johnson’s reflections mirror the challenges faced by Donald Trump during his first term—an outsider navigating treacherous waters, grappling with betrayals, flawed personnel choices, and the overwhelming demands of leadership under relentless scrutiny.

Johnson’s tenure as Mayor of London is one of the book’s highlights, and rightly so. It’s clear he relished the role far more than his time as Prime Minister. His chapters on London are a nostalgic look at a city transformed under his watch, with successes like the 2012 Olympics, improved cycling infrastructure, and reductions in knife crime. While not without criticism—issues like housing affordability remain debatable—his mayoralty left an enduring legacy.

In contrast, his time as Prime Minister feels less triumphant, and he candidly acknowledges the challenges of the role. He reflects on how the collaborative nature of Cabinet politics was a stark departure from the more autonomous role of Mayor, a miscalculation that ultimately contributed to his downfall. His belief that he could have won the latest election had he remained PM adds an intriguing layer of "what ifs" to the narrative, though one wonders if this is wishful thinking.

Ultimately, Unleashed is a portrait of a man who thrives in the big, bold, and chaotic, but perhaps falters in the more methodical and cutthroat world of national politics. Love him or loathe him, Johnson’s humor and storytelling make this memoir a compelling read, even if you find yourself shaking your head as often as you’re laughing.