❌ DNF – I want to preface that this is is not a bad book at all, it just wasn’t for me.
Format: Audiobook (BorrowBox)
Read: January 2024
The Secret Barrister has/had a popular anonymous blog about his experiences working as a barrister in UK courts, and commentary on the UK legal system. I had heard of him but didn’t know much beyond that as someone who doesn’t have to interact with the courts (and hopes I never do!).
When I borrowed this it was on complete impulse, and I didn’t realise this was actually his third book. The earlier ones are probably more coherent, I found this to be rather aimless and meandering, and when I realised after 5 hours I really wasn’t engaging with it I gave it up.
If you are interested in the UK legal system then I’d definitely start with The Secret Barristers other books. If you have read those and enjoyed them you’ll probably enjoy this one.
REVIEW SUMMARY
I LIKED
- I enjoyed SB’s voice and his humour as an “outsider” not from a traditional background.
- Explains many of the vagueries of the legal system in an accessible way.
I DIDN’T LIKE
- He gives the premise early – his changed opinions and politics as he went from law student to practising barrister – and then I just found a series of loose anecdotes that lacked punch.
- I just don’t think I’m the audience, I’m not in law in any way and so I’m never going to retain the most interesting parts, thus I concluded I was wasting my own time with it!
