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Politically Homeless
- Narrated by: Matt Forde
- Length: 6 hrs and 32 mins
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Politically Homeless
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Summary
Part memoir, part behind-the-scenes insider view, Politically Homeless is both a fascinating and funny book for anyone who feels annoyed by the current state of politics. Which should be around 65 million people in the UK alone.
Matt Forde has been obsessed with politics ever since he was 9 years old. Raised by a single mum on benefits in inner city Nottingham, he joined the Socialist Workers Party as soon as he could, foisted issues of Marxism Today on innocent bystanders and attended his first political party conference. From then on, despite some career suicide moments such as chatting to the Prime Minister at Number 10 while badly drunk, Matt's whole future looked wedded to the Labour Party as he started working for MPs in dingy back rooms in Nottinghamshire.
But then Labour started to fall apart, and so did Matt's sense of purpose. With the rise of Corbyn, Brexit and Trump, his love for politics that had been so profound began to quickly crumble.
Exploring themes such as tribalism, the curse of complacency and why some politicians refuse to speak normally, Politically Homeless is a hugely entertaining book of (often hilarious) personal stories and thought-provoking insights into this complicated world. And despite everything, Matt's passion is still there. Through hosting his award-winning weekly podcast, 'The Political Party' (over 5 million downloads) involving interviews with some of politics' most powerful and notorious figures including Tony Blair, Nicola Sturgeon, Sadiq Khan, Michael Heseltine, Nigel Farage and Jacob Rees-Mogg and performing critically acclaimed stand-up comedy shows, Matt has been able to keep enough faith that politics will get better. Maybe.
(P)2020 Quercus Editions Limited
Critic reviews
"Rarely is such an important book this funny. And rarely is such a funny book this important." (Richard Osman)
"Funny, fierce and genuinely moving." (J. K. Rowling)
"The second funniest book I have read about being a Labour supporter from Blair to Brexit." (John O'Farrell)
"Matt Forde is brilliant at finding the comedy which often accompanies political life. This book made me laugh out loud - and wince in recognition." (Tony Blair)
What listeners say about Politically Homeless
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Don't leave your toaster in the rain
- 12-10-20
Intetesting follow on from his podcast interviews
Part memoir and part explanation of his own political journey.
He was a party organizer and this level of politics is seldom described: chair stacking and soothing overwrought candidates.
Forde is a declared admirer of Blair and is withering about the Labour left. This has lead to sour reviews on Amazon. He relates his politics to his upbringing in an ordinary poor household and the conviction that only politicians who can manage competence and get elected accomplish anything.
Forde reads his own book with passion and rueful reflection.
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7 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- David
- 20-11-20
Very enjoyable
I am a regular listener to Matt’s book so was always going to buy this. The book is excellent and gets better as you go through.
Really enjoyed Matts review of the Labour Party over the last 5 years and thought he articulated the antisemitism part extremely well.
Lots of witty insights throughout.
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5 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Tony McNulty
- 16-11-20
Politically astute whatever his political home will end up being
This book should be a must read for anyone interested in politics. Depending on your own political home you will love or hate Forde’s own views but stick with the book because it is as much about what the art and craft of politics should be than it is about him. It is a cry from the heart for politics to be taken seriously again by serious people and not left to the fringes on both sides - for, as he shows, that way lies madness, brutality, bullying and chaos. It is very fashionable to decry politics as a base and rudderless endeavour - Forde shows that it should be central to all that is virtuous about our humanity - and that it can be. Oh, and it is very funny in parts too - give it a go.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jordan Fleming
- 18-10-20
A fantastic exploration
This was a great listen. I knew matt was funny from his podcast, but I gained an even greater respect for his insight.
At times funny, at other times poignant, but always compelling. Matt reminds us that politics isn’t a game- being elected matters because people need your help, and he takes a swing at the virtue-signalling hard left who have so badly let down the country the last few years under Corbyn.
Highly recommended.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- MJ West Midlands
- 09-06-21
Take the chance
This audiobook felt like a gamble. However, Matt delivers his book with a blend of heartfelt fun and emotional insight. The book itself zips along through modern politics with plenty to interest, regardless of your own political views. It’s a pleasant journey as you walk with Matt through his timeline. For me the gamble pays off, so take the chance.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Lee Griffin
- 15-10-20
Excellent book
Thoroughly enjoyed this audible book. It was well narrated and the topics well thought out. I don’t agree with Matt’s stance on the EU, but in the spirit of the book. You don’t have to agree in politics but it’s good to listen to opposing views and respect that we don’t always agree.
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17 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 18-10-20
sensible guy and funny stories
amazing narrator. a must for pp listeners. a couple of chapters were pretty angry, but justifiable. matt forde is now part of the British political scene. Read if you love the stories of politics and politicians
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Rowan Savage
- 23-10-20
Even better than his fabulous podcasts
If you enjoy the podcasts this is a fascinating look at his life and thoughts on politics. One of my favourite books for years .
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Loulou
- 27-10-20
Excellent
Really bloomin' enjoyed this book. I've seen Matt's live comedy several times and love his enthusiasm for politics. It shines through during this book as well and is a great listen.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Sharon
- 31-05-21
Well it made think differently about UK politics
It’s refreshing to listen to a book that, whilst being on a differing side to what I’m normally thinking of, gives honest views, opinions and insights without telling how ‘wrong’ I might be.
Keep up the great work. I’d love to see (hear) your thoughts on the current situation!
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