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The Secret Diary of Boris Johnson Aged 13¼
'Deliciously funny and highly impudent' - Jon Culshaw *** Extract from 13-year-old Boris's TEN RULES FOR LIFE : It's not lying if you don't bother to learn the truth. Many people - politicians, for instance - make the mistake of going about laden with facts and statistics. However, when studiously ignorant of the aforementioned, one may argue one's case with total conviction. A friend is just an enemy you haven't yet made. Some say there's no 'I' in 'team'. Well, I say you can't spell 'friend' without 'fiend'. No matter how dear your chum, you never know what sort of treachery they harbour inside. After all, there are many people who consider me a friend!
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2019
11 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 27, 2019
Whatever your political leanings, our current Prime Minister Boris Alexander de Pfeffel Johnson’s diary at 13 years old will provide you with much amusement.
Covering his time at Eton College, where privilege and a sense of entitlement comes as standard, we see how Boris, with his devious nature, honed his skills, and became adept at getting others to do his bidding. His ability to make others laugh gets him out of all sorts of bother, but when taken too far it has the opposite effect of landing him in hot water, along with receiving a thrashing with the cane from his teachers, resulting in numerous occasions where a sore backside was the result of his arrogance and audacity!
With mentions of former Prime Minister David Cameron, (who attended Eton College at the same time) and ditto current leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees- Mogg, (both of whom Boris disliked), it provides some amusing moments.
At 13 years of age Boris was wily,
audacious, mischievous, and if he was uncertain about the answer to a question, he would either distract his audience by making them laugh, or he would simply bluff his way through.
At 55 years of age Boris is wily, audacious, mischievous.................. you get the idea!
With Christmas just around the corner I think this is the perfect stocking filler!
* Thank you to Netgalley and Quercus Books for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
Covering his time at Eton College, where privilege and a sense of entitlement comes as standard, we see how Boris, with his devious nature, honed his skills, and became adept at getting others to do his bidding. His ability to make others laugh gets him out of all sorts of bother, but when taken too far it has the opposite effect of landing him in hot water, along with receiving a thrashing with the cane from his teachers, resulting in numerous occasions where a sore backside was the result of his arrogance and audacity!
With mentions of former Prime Minister David Cameron, (who attended Eton College at the same time) and ditto current leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees- Mogg, (both of whom Boris disliked), it provides some amusing moments.
At 13 years of age Boris was wily,
audacious, mischievous, and if he was uncertain about the answer to a question, he would either distract his audience by making them laugh, or he would simply bluff his way through.
At 55 years of age Boris is wily, audacious, mischievous.................. you get the idea!
With Christmas just around the corner I think this is the perfect stocking filler!
* Thank you to Netgalley and Quercus Books for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
November 11, 2019
This is a mildly amusing very quick read. Given the subject matter I was expecting much more comedy, the whole business of a privileged and ridiculous institution such as Eton is a gift to anyone wanting to get a satirical laugh. So much more could have been made of a mock diary by Borris that I felt this book did fall short. The recurring joke of Borris watching for his first public hair did feel like a lame joke but I did like the voice of Borris, it felt authentic and was funny and interesting to listen to.
A good idea for a light hearted comical read but it was over in a flash and could have been developed to much higher levels of humour. I was looking forward to teenage interactions between Boris, David Cameron and Jacob Rees-Mog but these passed without much as much humour and interest as I had anticipated. A nice idea but could have been developed much more. A good stocking filler for someone who doesn't read much perhaps.
A good idea for a light hearted comical read but it was over in a flash and could have been developed to much higher levels of humour. I was looking forward to teenage interactions between Boris, David Cameron and Jacob Rees-Mog but these passed without much as much humour and interest as I had anticipated. A nice idea but could have been developed much more. A good stocking filler for someone who doesn't read much perhaps.
January 20, 2020
Humorous fictional memoir "Floreat Eton**" set in WINDSOR
Jon Culshaw, who is known for his wonderful impersonations of the rich, famous and ludicrous (famously through Dead Ringers on BBC R4), calls this “memoir” “deliciously funny and highly impudent“. It is, and after all he is the narrator of the audiobook. So if you are a Johnson acolyte or a devotee of the British Public School system, then avert your eyes now and find something more edifying to read.
The inspiration for this book came, of course, from the wonderfully popular secret diaries of Adrian Mole series, penned by Sue Townsend back at the turn of the 21st Century. Adrian might have had eyes only for Pandora, Boris (who started out life at Eton as Alexander) has had his head turned by Rubella, who frankly couldn’t give a toss about him. This early rejection came to be a formative experience, denting the carapace crafted by this carefully coiffed and tousle-haired dilettante.
His diary entries chart his daily life, his innermost thoughts (you really don’t want to know the workings of this self-referring mind), and interspersed with the odd limerick. There are cameo appearances by David Cameron, he of the ‘ham’ complexion (of course there had to a porcine reference), beardy Jeremy Corbyn (who apparently attended a Peruvian Weaving Circle), and the Gigglemug (look it up, it’s intended ironically) of a Victorian Jacob Rees Mogg, all get a look-in. Corbyn obviously didn’t attend Eton but he was promoting workers’ rights in Windsor and the two happened to meet. The voice of each character is perfect.
And that is in part the trouble / the brilliance of this audiobook. You are likely to forget that you are in Lala Land as it all feels just a tad too credible. Jon Culshaw’s voice becomes the voice of Johnson, with the wheedling and whining, the self assurance, the pomposity and the swaggering persona of a sprouting young man who already has lost his kind side. You will learn new words along the way – find out what glabrous is – and you will learn the age old terms used at Eton, with a smattering of Latin.
And I cannot close without mentioning Johnson’s “go to” sustenance. The Curly Wurly chocolate bar, an iconic snack of the 1970s. It’s of its era.
Yes, it is puerile, it is funny, It is also sobering because so much of it just COULD be true. Why did we feature it on TripFiction? Well, it gives a humorous peak into life at Eton, that esteemed college in Windsor where the young men float around in gowns and traditional attire. It’s an elitist anachronism to which so many still aspire. It remains a slice of life in England.
There are drawings and cartoons in the book itself but I would favour the audio book because it is immersive, so well rendered and I found it entertaining. Ave atque vale* (Catullus)
* Hail and Farewell
** May Eton Flourish
Jon Culshaw, who is known for his wonderful impersonations of the rich, famous and ludicrous (famously through Dead Ringers on BBC R4), calls this “memoir” “deliciously funny and highly impudent“. It is, and after all he is the narrator of the audiobook. So if you are a Johnson acolyte or a devotee of the British Public School system, then avert your eyes now and find something more edifying to read.
The inspiration for this book came, of course, from the wonderfully popular secret diaries of Adrian Mole series, penned by Sue Townsend back at the turn of the 21st Century. Adrian might have had eyes only for Pandora, Boris (who started out life at Eton as Alexander) has had his head turned by Rubella, who frankly couldn’t give a toss about him. This early rejection came to be a formative experience, denting the carapace crafted by this carefully coiffed and tousle-haired dilettante.
His diary entries chart his daily life, his innermost thoughts (you really don’t want to know the workings of this self-referring mind), and interspersed with the odd limerick. There are cameo appearances by David Cameron, he of the ‘ham’ complexion (of course there had to a porcine reference), beardy Jeremy Corbyn (who apparently attended a Peruvian Weaving Circle), and the Gigglemug (look it up, it’s intended ironically) of a Victorian Jacob Rees Mogg, all get a look-in. Corbyn obviously didn’t attend Eton but he was promoting workers’ rights in Windsor and the two happened to meet. The voice of each character is perfect.
And that is in part the trouble / the brilliance of this audiobook. You are likely to forget that you are in Lala Land as it all feels just a tad too credible. Jon Culshaw’s voice becomes the voice of Johnson, with the wheedling and whining, the self assurance, the pomposity and the swaggering persona of a sprouting young man who already has lost his kind side. You will learn new words along the way – find out what glabrous is – and you will learn the age old terms used at Eton, with a smattering of Latin.
And I cannot close without mentioning Johnson’s “go to” sustenance. The Curly Wurly chocolate bar, an iconic snack of the 1970s. It’s of its era.
Yes, it is puerile, it is funny, It is also sobering because so much of it just COULD be true. Why did we feature it on TripFiction? Well, it gives a humorous peak into life at Eton, that esteemed college in Windsor where the young men float around in gowns and traditional attire. It’s an elitist anachronism to which so many still aspire. It remains a slice of life in England.
There are drawings and cartoons in the book itself but I would favour the audio book because it is immersive, so well rendered and I found it entertaining. Ave atque vale* (Catullus)
* Hail and Farewell
** May Eton Flourish
October 23, 2019
A great Christmas present for your brother/uncle - easy, quick read along the lines of 'Down with Skool'. Depending on your political leaning this is a hilarious caricature of our glorious leader or further proof that the country is in the hands of a lying, self obsessed buffoon.
As an aside I finally found use for my O'Level Latin!
As an aside I finally found use for my O'Level Latin!
February 13, 2022
laughing at tories is always fun
March 5, 2024
Phwauurrr phwaaauuuurrrrr blo- bloody BRILLIANT. I-i-i-i-i lOvED it!
December 21, 2019
Hilarious and timely, "The Secret Diary Of Boris Johnson" is a riotous satirical romp through the now Prime Minister's school days. In his case, I imagine the truth is stranger (and scarier) than fiction. I further imagine I may be rubbed out by MI5 for submitting a positive review. Lucien Young's latest offering is a quick, funny read and would make an ideal gift this Christmas. Unless you're on Universal Credit, in which case borrow a copy from your local library. Assuming Boris hasn't already closed it down.
October 31, 2019
I think this book is a great example of political satire and I laughed out loud more than once.
I loved the illustrations, the humour and the style of writing and how well the author was able to paraphrase Adrian Mole Diaries.
It was an excellent and entertaining read, an interesting read related to current political events.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I loved the illustrations, the humour and the style of writing and how well the author was able to paraphrase Adrian Mole Diaries.
It was an excellent and entertaining read, an interesting read related to current political events.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
October 17, 2022
As amusing as you’d expect with a few real laugh-out-loud moments. A great description of the moral and intellectual vacuum that is Boris Johnson.
December 29, 2019
This is a very quick read based on political satire. Based on Boris first year of Eton, how he met members of his current party and how this experience made him the Buffoon he is now.
I am not a fan of Boris but the book highlighted why he is how he is and is well written.
Thanks to Net Galley
I am not a fan of Boris but the book highlighted why he is how he is and is well written.
Thanks to Net Galley
January 7, 2020
More consistently funny than Johnson's own 'comic novel' (which I reviewed here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) this satirical diary of the young De Pfeffel's early months at Eton (with appearances by 19th century MP Jacob Rees-Mogg and some forgotten chancer named David Cameron) is an amusing read throughout.
At times, it's easy to get lost in it and forget it's satire, since the ineffectually self-important, grimly arrogant and massively privileged ramblings of the pretend teenage Johnson sound much like the actual words spoken and written by the supposedly real adult who, like that turtle on a post, found himself the ultimate expression of something staggeringly out-of-place.
At times, it's easy to get lost in it and forget it's satire, since the ineffectually self-important, grimly arrogant and massively privileged ramblings of the pretend teenage Johnson sound much like the actual words spoken and written by the supposedly real adult who, like that turtle on a post, found himself the ultimate expression of something staggeringly out-of-place.
February 13, 2024
Really fun light read, chuckled all the way through and i pick up from time to time for a quick giggle.
November 14, 2019
The book covers Boris Alexander de Pfeffel Johnson's time at Eton College, probably already showing all of his true colours. He immediately found himself at home there, with all his privileges and not accepting "no" as an answer. As the class clown, his ability to make others laugh used to get him out of all kinds of troubles, and really, the trashing with the cane from one of the teacher who simply had too much is only an exception proving the rule.
The book brilliantly portrays Boris's main personality traits and the way he honed them. Getting others to do as he wished must have been the easiest thing in the world for him, and I must admit, it may be a feature really worth an admiration. Other than that I couldn't spot any changes between Boris here and then, arrogant, liar, showing an impudent lack of respect and bluffing his way all the way through. So nothing has changed really, no?
I loved the mentions of some other characters, such as the former Prime Minister David Cameron or Jacob Rees - Mogg, who used to attend Eton at the same time and whom our main character couldn't tolerate, which led to some very amusing moments.
It was an undemanding, quick and entertaining read, rounded up with some illustrations that were equally funny. Maybe it was not the highest piece of art but it was for sure amusing and light read, whatever your political opinions. The title suggests that it's going to be as brilliant as "The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole", apologies, but this comes to mind immediately, and while it was a light - hearted and hilarious read, we can't compare those two books. Nevertheless, it was an entertaining novel related to current political situation that made me laugh.
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
December 13, 2019
Although I live in the States, I do hear rumblings about what is going on across the pond, and I’ve heard enough comments from those in the know about Boris Johnson that I was curious. So when I discovered this tiny book, supposedly recently recovered, of his unofficial diary from age 13 1/4, I knew I had to read it.
I was not disappointed.
It’s not a long book, but it is filled with the exploits and adventures of an entitled public school lad named Boris Alexander de Pfeffel Johnson. With lots of impressive wisdom (“It’s not lying if you never bothered to learn the truth”) as well as insights into keeping everyone on your side (keeping them all laughing is a good start), the young Boris’s personal writings sheds much light on the politician he will one day be.
Young Boris is a hoot to follow, and I really did have a lot of fun with this book. As a far of other Secret Diaries (I can’t tell you how many times I’ve reread those diaries of Adrian Mole!), I love this format as a way to get inside the head of a character and see where they go. And this young Boris is a character!
If you’re wanting to get to know more about Boris Johnson, or you’re just a fan of parody novels, The Secret Diary of Boris Johnson Aged 13 1/4 is a lot of fun to read.
I was not disappointed.
It’s not a long book, but it is filled with the exploits and adventures of an entitled public school lad named Boris Alexander de Pfeffel Johnson. With lots of impressive wisdom (“It’s not lying if you never bothered to learn the truth”) as well as insights into keeping everyone on your side (keeping them all laughing is a good start), the young Boris’s personal writings sheds much light on the politician he will one day be.
Young Boris is a hoot to follow, and I really did have a lot of fun with this book. As a far of other Secret Diaries (I can’t tell you how many times I’ve reread those diaries of Adrian Mole!), I love this format as a way to get inside the head of a character and see where they go. And this young Boris is a character!
If you’re wanting to get to know more about Boris Johnson, or you’re just a fan of parody novels, The Secret Diary of Boris Johnson Aged 13 1/4 is a lot of fun to read.
October 13, 2019
My thanks to Quercus Books for a digital edition of ‘The Secret Diary of Boris Johnson Aged 13¼’
by Lucien Young in exchange for an honest review.
From the publisher:
**STRICTLY UNOFFICIAL**
The newly discovered diary of Boris Alexander de Pfeffel Johnson, aged 13¼, provides a fascinating glimpse into how Boris, a lazy, bumptious and overweening child, comes to believe he should be Prime Minister. Along the way, we see him hone the techniques and persona that will one day hoodwink a nation.
This is hilarious! A work of pure genius that includes cameos from a number of well known future associates. The text is accompanied by the occasional illustration by Quinton Winter that were perfection.
I started reading and wondered if there was an audiobook edition. There was and as soon as I heard a sample narrated by Jon Culshaw, who is well known for his impersonations including of Boris Johnson, I knew that I had to compliment my reading with its audiobook.
I cannot remember laughing as much as I did for the duration of this book. This is satire at its best and proved good therapy.
by Lucien Young in exchange for an honest review.
From the publisher:
**STRICTLY UNOFFICIAL**
The newly discovered diary of Boris Alexander de Pfeffel Johnson, aged 13¼, provides a fascinating glimpse into how Boris, a lazy, bumptious and overweening child, comes to believe he should be Prime Minister. Along the way, we see him hone the techniques and persona that will one day hoodwink a nation.
This is hilarious! A work of pure genius that includes cameos from a number of well known future associates. The text is accompanied by the occasional illustration by Quinton Winter that were perfection.
I started reading and wondered if there was an audiobook edition. There was and as soon as I heard a sample narrated by Jon Culshaw, who is well known for his impersonations including of Boris Johnson, I knew that I had to compliment my reading with its audiobook.
I cannot remember laughing as much as I did for the duration of this book. This is satire at its best and proved good therapy.
January 7, 2020
Sometimes a good way to deal with someone that you don’t like is to read some amusing satire and spend an hour chuckling away at their expense. This book filled me full of glee. From the pompous pronouncements to the inept attempts at being a school legend, this book was a delight.
I received a copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a review
I received a copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a review
July 2, 2020
Many a true word written in jest
I can’t stand Boris Johnson at any price and have tried to read up as much as I can about him. Obviously this book is a spoof but it has some moments of real character analysis. Congratulations to the author.
I can’t stand Boris Johnson at any price and have tried to read up as much as I can about him. Obviously this book is a spoof but it has some moments of real character analysis. Congratulations to the author.
December 19, 2019
Hilarious
Bought one copy, laughed literally all night until it was finished, went out and bought 8 more for Christmas pressies. Brilliant - thank you Lucien.
Bought one copy, laughed literally all night until it was finished, went out and bought 8 more for Christmas pressies. Brilliant - thank you Lucien.
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