A Journey

My Political Life

By: Tony Blair

Narrated by: Tony Blair

Tony Blair is a politician who defines our times. His emergence as Labour Party leader in 1994 marked a seismic shift in British politics. Within a few short years, he had transformed his party and rallied the country behind him, becoming prime minister in 1997 with the biggest victory in Labour’s history, and bringing to an end eighteen years of Conservative government. He took Labour to a historic three terms in office as Britain’s dominant political figure of the last two decades.

A Journey is Tony Blair’s firsthand account of his years in office and beyond. Here he describes for the first time his role in shaping our recent history, from the aftermath of Princess Diana’s death to the war on terror. He reveals the leadership decisions that were necessary to reinvent his party, the relationships with colleagues including Gordon Brown, the grueling negotiations for peace in Northern Ireland, the implementation of the biggest reforms to public services in Britain since 1945, and his relationships with leaders on the world stage—Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton, Vladimir Putin, George W. Bush. He analyzes the belief in ethical intervention that led to his decisions to go to war in Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan, and, most controversially of all, in Iraq.

A Journey is a book about the nature and uses of political power. In frank, unflinching, often wry detail, Tony Blair charts the ups and downs of his career to provide insight into the man as well as the politician and statesman. He explores the challenges of leadership, and the ramifications of standing up, clearly and forcefully, for what one believes in. He also looks ahead, to emerging power relationships and economies, addressing the vital issues and complexities of our global world.

Few British prime ministers have shaped the nation’s course as profoundly as Tony Blair, and his achievements and his legacy will be debated for years to come. Here, uniquely, we have his own journey, in his own words.

Extremely candid, very respectable

I just finished off this audiobook and have come to the conclusion that Tony Blair is an extremely principled and honorable fellow. I already knew that, no matter the media attacks, his personal vision completely changed politics in Britain for the better on both sides of the political spectrum because it caused everyone to honestly evaluate the way they do business. This book addresses the hard decisions and personal pain over making those decisions that Mr. Blair had to endure. I may not agree with the total sum of his politics; but after this book, I can respect his reasoning in addition to respecting the man. This is a very compelling listen. Mr. Blair is not the greatest narrator ever (kind of fast talking with sudden stops), but his reading this relays a very personal telling and is well worth it.

inside view of history

very well written and expertly narrated. Mr. Blair keeps you listening for the next element of history and his mind-set as it was transpiring.

Credible, Honest, Superbly Written

What a wonderful opportunity to hear first hand what it is to be a world leader from the world leader himself. The book is many things. It is a study in the qualities of leadership. It is humorous and at times painfully personal and touching. It provides an intimate glimpse of the personalities other important world leaders. It is a lesson in the recent history of british politics and world affairs.

Absolutely fantastic

If you could sum up A Journey in three words, what would they be?

Interesting
Thorough
Reveiling

Which character – as performed by Tony Blair – was your favorite?

Blair himself, of course, but I also liked his descriptions of his relationships with Bill Clinton and George Bush.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, but it was quite astonishing at times. And I sometimes felt like the author talking to me in the way he would do when revealing something to close friends.

Any additional comments?

I like his voice in general as I also like Bill Clintons voice when he reads his own books.

Blair's Side of the Story

Readers can like or dislike Blair (even as George Bush draws detractors). However, I approach each memoir willing to hear the author's side of the story. If you want to like Blair you'll find reason here. If you are a Blair hater, your mind will probably remain made up. So lets look at style. The book is a retelling of the breakdown of his administration over the ten year period in office. It comes across as deeply personal and reflective. The tone is uneven in the book, but I came away feeling this is a thougthful man who tried to take his responsibilities seriously. Sometimes, the book reads as though Balir is talking to a confidant rather than the mass market reader. I particularly enjoyed his discussion of his introduction to the Queen and his problems getting used to the Prime Minister's Questions. Other issues such as Iraq and Ireland's troubles are dealt with in an authentic manner. The book is read by Blair and his emotion comes through. It is as interesting as Clinton's book and more interesting than Bushes...for what it is worth.