James Cridland

Nicely researched and well written, it’s an eye-opening view of those who own the media - and why they do so.

I know terribly many people like Terry Pratchett. This book is okay. It’s one of those that isn’t really set in Ankh Morpok, and therefore doesn’t have any of the characters that we are familiar with. It’s fine. It’s a decent way to pass the time. It’s not fantastic.

I didn’t know much about Ben Elton, other than the gobby man on Channel 4, and apparently a writer of The Young Ones (a show which is best enjoyed in the memory rather than watching it again). He comes across as earnest and serious, some massive chips on his shoulder, but then has reason to. One chapter subheading is “Why does everyone hate me?”, but I am not convinced he ever works it out. I didn’t warm to him on reading, but learn a lot about him, and that is much of the point of an autobiography I suppose.

Very good, lovely read. Some funny bits, some warm bits, some gentle bits. It’s like going back and seeing all your friends again. Good job.

A little self-congratulatory, but an insight into a number of the reasons why Qantas, as an airline, is not what it used to be. Worth reading, though it’s made me even less keen on air travel!