Behind the Black Door

By: Sarah Brown

Narrated by: Sarah Brown

Length: 14 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's Summary

'Today, Gordon’s words are simple and heartfelt. He promises, as his own school motto said, "to do his utmost". I know that the same will go for me, too. We turn to the door, greeting the policeman on duty. It is time to play our part in contributing to what happens next in government and a new life behind the black door.'

In this personal memoir about life at 10 Downing Street, Sarah Brown shares the secrets of living behind the most famous front door in the world. Sarah gave up a successful career in business to serve the country and champion countless charities at home and abroad. A passionate campaigner for women and children, she mobilised hundreds of thousands of people through her early adoption of Twitter, where her legion of followers engaged with her on everything from repression in Burma to diversity in British fashion. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to travel with special branch, pack for a photo call with supermodels, or pause a speech in front of hundreds when the autocue fails, it’s all here - from what to do when the school play clashes with a visit to the White House to what it feels like to support the man you love as he takes tough decisions to stave off global financial meltdown. Intimate, reflective, surprising and funny, Behind the Black Door takes us backstage to reveal what it’s like to be an ordinary woman, wife, and mother in extraordinary circumstances.

©2011 Sarah Brown (P)2011 Random House Audio Go

Too long!

Fascinating to hear about life from the PM's partner's point of view - but it just went on for too long. I was so relived when it ended, which is a shame as I actually enjoyed most of it

Brilliant

This book in just one word, Brilliant. Sarah Brown provides a great insight of life in number 10.

Mrs Browns Boys

Would you try another book written by Sarah Brown or narrated by Sarah Brown?

Possibly so long as we stuck to matters of substance

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Good insight from a fiercely loyal wife, however the book didn't need the constant updates on what she was wearing. That may have been pertinent at the time for magazine articles but it diluted the gravitas of the story of the her time at No 10

If this book were a film would you go see it?

I would, Gordon Brown is a hero of mine and from this angle he seems so much more human for the masses.

Any additional comments?

Maybe if it had been written with some hindsight it could have had more balance, it seemed a bit defensive and there was no need to be. All humans err and that's what makes us human.