The Path to Power

What makes a book interesting is the emotional content of the story. Mrs Thatcher wants to avoid that. It is not entirely possible. But by judicious pilling on of verbiage she manages very well.You will have to admit after working your way through it that the last 30% is just padding that says a lot but tells you nothing.What is interesting is the level of intellectual division there is to Mrs. Thatcher. She is a Conservative, therefore she loves the monarchy and is big on the idea of how important her father was to her life. However it is worth noting that Mrs thatcher is the one prime minister who had the worst relations with the queen, and everything she did personally after she reached adulthood was an inversion of his principles. She was raised one way, she raised her children in an exactly opposite manner. Her father was a methodist and the Thatcher household was notorious for the level of alcohol consumed. She was a Conservative, but also she was the most revolutionary leader since Disraeli.What makes this an interesting book is the level of internal conflict in her mind. This from a lady mostly notorious for "knowing her own mind" on everything.It is obvious that the lessons taught by Alf Roberts to his younger daughter stood her in good stead. She was a hard worker and sweated all the details every step of the way. That is how she reached the top. She had no patience for those around her who didn't work as hard as she did. This sort of explains her very good relations with many Labour party leaders who had similar work habits, and the poisonous relations for several Conservative party leaders who tried to coast on manner and privilege.What makes an autobiography worth while is the confessions along the way. Like President Grant she makes no bones that in her early days she made lots of mistakes and she learned several lessons the hard way. Like with General Grant, she often explains the lesson learned. For many people the lessons she took from an event are not ones they would take from the same circumstances. But they explain many of the responses to events over her time in office. For example, the Heath cabinet was notable for its Comity. Comity that lead them into destruction. The Thatcher governments were chiefly notable for their level of quarrelsomeness all through the eleven years she ran the country.As with any autobiography as much is explained even more is obscured. There are definite places she does not want to visit. Which is an interesting insight in itself.One of the delights of the book is the level of dry humor involved. She makes many wry observations all through the book. They are a very nice dividend.So on balance, I would recommend the book for its wit, the way is reveals and sometimes reveals through concealment the levers that motivated one of the most interesting leaders of the modern era. If you pick it up with your eyes and mind open it will explain a lot and you will get a lot out of it.

This book is quite attractive, has a nice cover & would make a very nice gift, or addition to a library. The print is also large enough so you probably won't have to "squint".Anyone who has the faintest interest in politics, or the structure of policies & politics in Britain will find this book quite facinating. Margarets' autobiography is quite detailed, and depicts her life from childhood to her "primping & priming" for her Grandioso role as the "Iron Lady". What's even more gratifying is the fact that there are some great photos of family, friends, and also other political figures within the arena.A book that will interest you from the begining, to the very end. .

After seeing the movie, "Iron Lady", I wanted to understand how Margaret Thatcher got into politics in the first place. This audiobook answered all my questions, plus provided interesting insight into Thatcher's political and social beliefs that were the basis for her actions. I just wish the audiobook was on disk instead of cassette. Indeed, I thought I was buying it on disk. Fortunately, my car is old enough that it still has a cassette player.

I bought this book after seeing "The Iron Lady" film. This book gives you a real feel for what was going on in the UK in the 1970's. I also learned several things regarding the parliamentary system of government that I found very interesting.

I all ways try to purchase books that are written by the original author and not by someone else. A good book to read and enjoy. Would recommend this book to everyone.

Great !

This book is a really interesting read, with lots of pictures. It is not so "heavy" as The Downing Street Years..

Looked brand new

Margaret Thatcher requires no introduction, but this book brings back to life the hard work and dedication of the person.She had clear targets and did not detract from her goal, her strength of character and devotion to the British people are hallmarks of this, her standards are developed from her teachings in her young years, clearly influenced by her father.Margaret Thatcher was an intelligent woman, and an example to others who wish to achieve.This book is a good read, interesting and informative, and now a valuable asset to any collection.

I have read just 50 pages since the book arrived. It is a very well written book which rewards careful slow reading. It will be great

Thoroughly enjoying this book and the insight it gives into politics in early stages of a political career and in Opposition. Mrs T writes clearly and truthfully, not afraid to admit when she got things wrong. Well worth the read and also her first book about the Thatcher years in power.

Good quality

..... a bit heavy going, and far to complicated for my obviously small brain. Maybe it needs a second read or a better writer.