Things Can Only Get Worse?: Twenty Confusing Years in British Politics

Things Can Only Get Worse? chronicles British politics from 1997 to 2017, picking up where O'Farrell's previous book Things Can Only Get Better left off. The book follows the author's personal experiences and observations through the New Labour years, coalition government, and Brexit referendum. O'Farrell, a former Labour Party speechwriter, recounts his involvement in local and national politics during this turbulent period. His narrative spans Tony Blair's premiership, Gordon Brown's leadership, and the Conservative Party's return to power. The book combines political commentary with personal anecdotes from O'Farrell's life as a party activist and parent. Events covered include the Iraq War protests, financial crisis, and dramatic shifts in Britain's political landscape. The memoir examines themes of idealism versus pragmatism in politics, and questions how progressive values survive in changing times. Through humor and reflection, it explores the personal cost of long-term political engagement.

Readers view this as a partisan but humorous account of British politics from 1995-2015 from a Labour supporter's perspective. Many found it worked as both political commentary and comedy, with particular praise for O'Farrell's self-deprecating style and willingness to criticize his own side. Likes: - Accessible explanations of complex political events - Balance of humor and serious analysis - Personal anecdotes from the author's time in politics - Strong historical context for modern issues Dislikes: - Some felt it was too focused on Labour Party perspective - Later chapters seen as more bitter in tone - Several readers noted repetitive jokes - Some found it dated quickly after publication Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (291 ratings) Amazon UK: 4.2/5 (168 ratings) Amazon US: 3.9/5 (42 ratings) "A good mix of laughs and insight" is a common thread in positive reviews, while critical reviews often mention it being "too one-sided politically."

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📚 John O'Farrell is one of Britain's leading political satirists and was a lead writer for the comedy series "Spitting Image" and "Have I Got News For You" 🗳️ The book's title is a play on the Labour Party's 1997 campaign song "Things Can Only Get Better" by D:Ream, which became synonymous with Tony Blair's victory 🏛️ The memoir covers the period from 1997 to 2017, tracking the author's journey from New Labour optimism through the Iraq War, financial crisis, and Brexit referendum ✍️ O'Farrell previously stood as a Labour Party candidate in the 2013 Eastleigh by-election, an experience he details in the book with both humor and self-deprecation 🌍 The book serves as a sequel to "Things Can Only Get Better," O'Farrell's earlier memoir about being a Labour supporter during the Conservative-dominated 1980s and early 1990s