WTF?

Robert Peston examines the economic and social forces that led to Britain's decision to leave the European Union in 2016. The analysis is structured through personal letters to his late father Maurice Peston, connecting family history with national transformation. Through interviews and data, Peston traces how changes in technology, globalization, and economic policy created divisions in British society over several decades. He explores the frustrations of communities left behind by these shifts and the growing disconnect between political institutions and citizens. The narrative provides context for both the causes and implications of Brexit while avoiding partisan positions. Peston draws on his experience as a prominent economic journalist to break down complex factors into clear explanations. The book serves as both a historical document of a pivotal moment in British politics and a broader examination of how democratic societies respond to rapid economic change. Its personal framing adds depth to the analysis without compromising its scholarly rigor.

Readers describe Peston's analysis of economic populism and Brexit as thorough but at times repetitive. The book's personal narrative style connects with readers who appreciate Peston sharing his own journey of understanding recent political shifts. Liked: - Clear explanations of complex economic concepts - Balanced perspective on Brexit voters' motivations - Strong data and research backing key points - Personal anecdotes make topic more accessible Disliked: - Meandering structure - Too much focus on author's own views - Some passages feel like padded journalism articles - Limited solutions offered Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (287 ratings) Amazon UK: 4.1/5 (168 reviews) Amazon US: 3.9/5 (42 reviews) Notable reader comment: "Peston excels at breaking down economic factors behind voter frustration, but struggles to maintain focus in later chapters" - Amazon UK reviewer

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Identity: Contemporary Identity Politics and the Struggle for Recognition by Francis Fukuyama Connects economic transformation to the rise of identity-based politics in democratic nations.

🔷 The author's father, Maurice Peston, was a renowned economist and Labour life peer who passed away shortly before the Brexit referendum - making the book's epistolary framework deeply personal. 📊 Peston served as Business Editor at both the BBC and ITV News, giving him unique insider access to the economic forces he analyzes in the book. 🌍 The concept of "left behind" communities explored in WTF? became a widely adopted term in political discourse, used to describe areas experiencing economic stagnation despite overall national growth. 📚 The book's analysis draws parallels between Brexit and other populist movements worldwide, including the election of Donald Trump in the United States. 💷 Through detailed economic data, Peston reveals that real wages in Britain were lower in 2017 than they were in 2007, a crucial factor in the public mood leading to Brexit.