"Margaret Thatcher is one of the most significant political figures of the twentieth century--a Prime Minister whose impact on modern British history is comparable only to Winston Churchill's. Like them or not, her radical policies made Britain the country it is today. And like her or not, Margaret Thatcher's legacy remains a massive political force, responsible for laying the groundwork for New Labour, Tony Blair, David Cameron, and being a strong ally to the United States throughout the Cold War. Now Robin Harris, for many years Mrs. Thatcher's speechwriter, close adviser and the draftsman of both volumes of her autobiography, has written the definitive book about this indomitable woman. In this international bestseller, he tells the compelling story of her life, from humble beginnings above her father's grocery store in Grantham, her early days as one of the first women in Westminster (she became known as "Thatcher Milk Snatcher" during her time in the Ministry of Education) and then on to her groundbreaking career as Prime Minister (by which time her reputation already demanded a more powerful epithet: "Iron Lady"). We follow Thatcher through hard-fought political battles and experience with her the tribulations of the miners' strike and the Falklands War, of her sometimes troubled friendship with Ronald Reagan and their shared staunch opposition to Communism. We learn of the intrigue behind the scenes at Ten Downing Street. And how during one of the darkest hours of her premiership she refused to alter course and, adapting the words of a British play, declared to her enemies, inside and outside the Government: "You turn if you want to. The Lady's Not for Turning." summing up for admirers and detractors alike the defiance and consistency of Mrs. Thatcher's approach. Throughout Not for Turning we sense the passionate intellect which fuelled her ambitions and drove her into the highest office in the land, and out again... Not for Turning is an unforgettable portrait of Britain's first female Prime Minister, written by one of her most trusted advisers, and a fitting tribute to an extraordinary leader. "--
"Margaret Thatcher is one of the most significant political figures of the twentieth century. With the possible exception of Winston Churchill, no other Prime Minister has had such an impact on modern British history. Like them or not, her radical policies made Britain the country it is today. Without Margaret Thatcher there could have been no New Labour, no Tony Blair and no David Cameron. Now Robin Harris, for many years Mrs. Thatcher's speechwriter, close adviser and the draftsman of both volumes of her autobiography, has written the definitive book about this indomitable woman. He tells the compelling story of her life, from humble beginnings above her father's grocer's shop in Grantham, her early days as one of the first women in Westminster (she became known as "Thatcher Milk Snatcher" during her days in the Ministry of Education) and then on to her groundbreaking career as Prime Minister. We follow Thatcher through, hard-fought political battles and experience with her the tribulations of the miners' strike and the Falklands War. We learn of the intrigue behind the scenes at Number Ten. We sense throughout the passionate intellect which fuelled her ambitions and drove her into the highest office in the land, and out again... This international bestseller is an unforgettable portrait of Britain's first woman Prime Minister, written by one of her most trusted advisers, and a fitting tribute to an extraordinary leader"--
This book focused more on Thatcher’s work and impact, not necessarily (I suspect) a straight biography and a day-to-day breakdown of every event that happened while she was in office. The major events that happened during Mrs. Thatcher’s time are presented thematically, which was helpful. It's accessible and quite engaging to read; I found I couldn't quite put it down.
I thought the presentation of Margaret Thatcher as a leader and as a person was balanced in that the author recognised and pointed out what critics and other biographies have stated about her. Critics may argue that her presentation is biased in this nook but I thought his book was insightful and at least he recognised some of Mrs. Thatcher’s weaknesses and failings.
Overall, I thought Not for Turning was an illuminating read, especially as it was the first book I’ve ever read on Margaret Thatcher. My favourite parts of this book was actually the anecdotes and stories about her personal life: her early years, balancing a personal life with her husband while working and leading a nation, etc. Students of British politics and contemporary British history may find this book especially interesting.
You can read this review in its entirety over at caffeinatedlife.net: http://www.caffeinatedlife.net/blog/2013/09/16/review-not-for-turning/
