2008-07-17 Ignore the vitriol - this is a really good read

If you've already decided you hate Cherie Blair (as some previous reviwers clearly have - one star? Come on - that's just nasty) then there will be little point in you reading this. Your views will not be changed. Fortunately, lots of people don't have their opinions formed by the tabloids, nor their barometer for perfection set so high that human failings are not permitted in anyone with the temerity to be in the public eye. To you, I would say, go and buy it. I came to it with little in the way of opinions other than that Cherie Blair must have done something terrible in a past life to have had so much opprobrium heaped on her over the years, plus I was interested in hearing her speak for herself. It helps, obviously, that I am close to her age, have seen my children grow up in the same sort of period, and lived though the momentous political events that form the backdrop to much of this book. And I loved it. Indeed, I found it extremely difficult to put down. It's intelligently written, well constructed and thoughtful, with enough intimate detail to enlighten and entertain, but no mud slinging or sentimentality. Whatever others might suggest, she doesn't launch missiles at her 'enemies', simply tells it how it was from her point of view, with great dignity. Neither does she twitter on about Tony particularly. She loves her husband, clearly. She is loyal to him. Enough said.
I found the insights into life at Downing Street - and within government generally - fascinating (I was shocked to hear there is NO BUDGET for the premier's wife to dress appropriately, for example, though plenty of interference in what is deemed politically correct), but mostly I was just drawn to it because here's a very ordinary - albeit very bright - girl who achieved great things professionally, just happened to fall in love with a Prime Minister to be, and juggled home life and career like so many of us do. Only more so, of course. It possibly doesn't merit five stars (precious few books do) but I made my four five for the simple reason that a verdict of one star is not a review of the quality of the book on sale here, but would seem to be directed at its author, which feels unfair.