I must admit that I had high hopes for this book. Coming into politics at this level without any former relevant experience is a daunting prospect, and the induction processes for MPs provided by Parliament have been woeful. I began the book hoping to learn some pearls of wisdom that I could apply in my own context.

Unfortunately, I have not been able to glean much. It may be that I am still too new and not entrenched enough to appreciate what is being offered, but I felt that the author’s context in Westminster, UK prevented much relevance. There is a chance that I may have osmosed some of the warning, tips, and suggestions and will apply these at a later stage. But this book has not been my favourite companion thus far on my many commutes back and forth from Johannesburg to Cape Town.

Is it funny? Sometimes. Is it smart and incisive? Yes. Did it increase my understanding of the UK electoral and Parliamentary system? Absolutely. Would I recommend it to another MP? Unlikely. Would I recommend it to a friend who is not a politician? No.

Time spent in the company of more experienced local MPs, especially with a few who I have enlisted as unofficial mentors, has vastly outstripped the usefulness of this book.