Enjoyable, if terrifying!
Read more

A great insight into government particularly what you can’t do as a minister
Read more

The clearest thinking coupled to an unusualy broad knowledge of different peoples and parts of the world sets Rory apart. Refreshingly honest. I would give it 6 stars if I could.
Read more

Fascinating insight into the machinations of government and the power of the cult of personality in politics. A friend who sits in parliament once described it as "showbiz for ugly people" (he didn't lay claim to the quotation), and I'd always hoped this was hyperbole - Rory's account blows that optimism out of the water. This memoir manages to bring together discussions on development, politics, the inner workings of the civil service (which doesn't come out of this book magnificently), personalities and power-broking. Whilst Rory's opprobrium is directed at many obvious targets (who are named), a number of people are somewhat let off the hook due to his discretion. (That said, a bit of digging usually results in discovering who he was talking about - one of our local MPs appears to have been as odious as suspected). Anyway... fascinating, well-written and pacy. I read the whole thing in one Sunday and two evenings.
Read more

Truth about the ailing UK political and social systems delivered by a former politician. Now there's a statement likely to elicit incredulous guffaws. Yet Rory Stewart delivers such unflinchingly, even when at times he is the subject of how impotent these systems render those who would deliver that long lost social contract our politicians once had with those who elect them. This book is a must read miracle that ought to lead all those who still value what could be good about democracy to demand a better informed and strategic approach to governance. One which might counter the all too frequent knee jerk policy making that politicians of all colours resort to in our social media age which appears to vilify considered thought whilst rounding on those who do not consider deeply enough. I cannot commend this book enough to everyone who cares about our society and their part in building it.
Read more

I really enjoyed this book, depressing though it is to have one's views about the honesty and integrity of many politicians and the UK political system agreed with. The only reason I have given it 4, not 5, stars is that there's a lot in in that half educated people (like me) need to keep Googling and, in many instances even that did not produce answers in their context. ( 2 e.gs. McKinsey style management, Singaporean tax). The country needs people like Rory Stewart and I hope he ends up with a career that benefits us.
Read more

I do not usually read this type of book but after reading 'How Westminster Works and why it doesnt' I was intrigued to read an insiders view. A riveting read and Rory can write. Opens up the secretive world of intrigues, double dealing, lies and nasty tricks. Many in parliament behave like spoilt kids with playground tactics and do not put the country's needs first. For me the most shocking of all was the completely incompetent way ministers are chosen. Never mind how much knowledge/experience they have for the department in question, choices are made based on loyalty or old school/uni connections. One incident comes to mind where new ministers were needed for health and justice. The lawyer got health the medically trained doc got justice. Completely barmy. Clearly designed not to rock the boat filled with incompetent civil servants. The whole system needs overhauling to root out the incompetent and corrupt, not least the 1000 members of the Lords. Thank you Rory my eyes are well and truly opened by your book and thank goodness you didnt stay when Boris got to be PM.
Read more

An extremely well researched, descriptive and well written tale of Rory’s walk along Hadrian’s Wall which seemed to run out of steam through lack of historical records and which concentrated on Scottish feuds between the clans instead. This included the destruction of whole villages, cattle and setting fire to settlements during the Middle Ages which didn’t interest me in the slightest. I enjoyed Rory’s walk across Afganistan but I’m afraid I can’t recommend The Marches.
Read more

The memoir’s appeal lies in Stewart's transparency and willingness to critique not only his own political party but the entire system. He discusses his motivations for entering politics and how his idealism met with the realities of bureaucracy, party loyalty, and ideological rigidity. Stewart is especially critical of the deterioration of public discourse and the increasing influence of populism, which he argues has led to superficial debates rather than substantive problem-solving. His reflections on the inner workings of the British government reveal a system that, in his view, has strayed from its democratic ideals. Stewart’s portrayal of key political figures, including former Prime Ministers like David Cameron and Boris Johnson, is both revealing and at times unflattering, offering readers a window into how power is wielded and perceived within Westminster. His observations are often nuanced, as he acknowledges the strengths and shortcomings of colleagues across the political spectrum. He paints Johnson, in particular, as a figure emblematic of the troubling shift in British politics towards showmanship over integrity—a shift that Stewart finds deeply troubling. What sets Politics on the Edge apart from other political memoirs is Stewart’s philosophical and reflective approach. He doesn’t just recount events but probes larger questions about the purpose of government, the responsibilities of elected officials, and the possibility for reform. His writing is eloquent and earnest, as he grapples with his own disillusionment and considers what meaningful change might look like. For readers interested in British politics or the nature of political life in general, Politics on the Edge is a compelling read. It’s a rare, introspective glimpse into the personal cost of public service and a sobering reminder of the challenges facing democratic institutions today. Stewart’s memoir ultimately raises more questions than it answers, but his thoughtful, candid approach makes this a thought-provoking and valuable contribution to contemporary political literature.
Read more

Kurzweilig und witzig geschrieben und man lernt wie Politik in UK (nicht) funktioniert. Absolut empfehlenswert als Einblick in eine andere Welt.
Read more

Rory Stewart should have been the UK Prime Minister. His memoir successfully narrates his political career in an age of political turmoil in Britain. His writing style is always interesting and sincere. I have no doubt that every word is true.
Read more

Should be read in schools and universities, printed in whole in newspapers, everyone needs to know this. Respect to Mr Stewart for staying true to his principles.
Read more

A brilliant book of insights and classic pen-portraits of politicians and world leaders.
Read more