A Woman Like Me

by Diane Abbott
A Woman Like Me cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Biography and Memoir
Technical
  • ID: 3971
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9780241993675
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2024-09-19
  • Reviews: 3

A Woman Like Me chronicles Diane Abbott's remarkable life, from her early years as a bright and restless child in North London to her groundbreaking role as the first Black woman elected to the UK Parliament. Abbott's memoir offers a vivid portrayal of her upbringing, her struggles, and her triumphs, including her unwavering advocacy for education, refugees, and immigrants. /n/n Written with frankness and wry humor, the book celebrates Abbott's extraordinary legacy and her fearless advocacy in the face of adversity, from media scrutiny to political opposition. It's a testament to her resilience and the enduring impact she has had on British public life.

Reviews
The Guardian · 2024-09-24
inspiring 4.50

The memoir is praised for its rich and complex portrayal of resilience and determination, offering an absorbing and frank account of a remarkable life. The reviewer highlights the absence of gossip and the humorous moments that make the narrative engaging.

This review from The Guardian celebrates Diane Abbott's memoir as a rich and complex record of her life, emphasizing her resilience and determination. The reviewer appreciates the absence of gossip, finding the memoir to be frank and, at times, funny. The narrative is described as absorbing, painting a vivid picture of Abbott's journey. The reviewer also notes the memoir's ability to highlight Abbott's significant contributions and the challenges she has overcome. It's a compelling read that offers insight into her life and career without delving into unnecessary drama.

Quick quotes

    A rich and complex record of resilience and determination.

    The memoir paints an absorbing picture of her remarkable life.

    It is gossip-free but frank and, at times, funny.

The Telegraph · 2024-09-19
disappointing 2.50

The memoir is criticized for being rushed, unfocused, and impersonal, despite Abbott's groundbreaking career. The reviewer finds it lacks depth and coherence.

The Telegraph's review of Diane Abbott's memoir is somewhat critical, describing it as rushed, unfocused, and impersonal. Despite acknowledging Abbott's groundbreaking career, the reviewer finds the memoir lacking in depth and coherence. The narrative is seen as disjointed, failing to capture the essence of Abbott's experiences and contributions effectively. The reviewer suggests that the memoir could have benefited from a more structured approach and a deeper exploration of key moments in Abbott's life.

Quick quotes

    Her memoir reads as rushed, unfocused and impersonal.

    While her career has undeniably broken new ground, the memoir lacks depth and coherence.

    The narrative is disjointed, failing to capture the essence of Abbott's experiences.

LabourList · 2024-09-09
engaging 4.00

The memoir is described as a readable and likeable guide to the life and politics of an iconic Labour figure. The reviewer finds it eye-opening and candid, offering valuable insights into Abbott's political journey.

LabourList's review of Diane Abbott's memoir praises it as a readable and likeable account of her life and politics. The reviewer finds the memoir eye-opening and candid, providing valuable insights into Abbott's political journey and her impact on the Labour Party. The narrative is engaging and offers a unique perspective on her experiences and contributions. The reviewer appreciates the honesty and depth of the memoir, making it a compelling read for those interested in politics and social issues.

Quick quotes

    A readable and likeable guide to the life and politics of an iconic Labour figure.

    The memoir offers an eye-opening and candid insight into Abbott's political journey.

    It provides a unique perspective on her experiences and contributions.

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