Give Me Ten Seconds [Audio Download]

I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the politics of the last 30 odd years - but having read the other reviews, perhaps it is only for those who like their politics with some added amusing anecdotes, the odd poke at those in positions of power and a healthy dose of witty comment.

As I am sure would be the case for anyone considering this autobiography, John Sergeant is a familiar figure through both his news broadcasts and his appearances on some of the most amusing programmes on TV and radio. His contacts, his intelligence and his wit were the reasons why I wanted to read his autobiography.

Unfortunately, there are very few occasions in this book where he is able to offer the insights that one might expect from someone as close to our political masters as he clearly is. Nor, more sadly, are there significant moments where he translates his lively and sophisticated sense of humour into print. He gives the impression that, whilst he could probably have provided greater detail including some degree of 'naming and shaming', to do so would have caused embarrassment and possibly affected his relationship with the contacts on which he relies for his ITN work. And so, the book becomes a series of anecdotes rather than an autobiography with sufficient detail to enthrall the reader.

What is missing is the 'colour' and sense of intimacy that can make an autobiography an enthralling read. All the stories one would expect are related, but without the passion that 'being there' should result in. It may be an unfair comparison, but I am now reading John Simpson's 2nd volume ('A Mad World, My Masters') and this provides a shining example of how it can - and should - be done.

I had high hopes for John Sergeant's autobiography. Unfortunately it fails to deliver. If you share an appreciation for his perspective and sense of humour, I suggest that you continue to follow his career on TV and Radio rather than in print. If you wish to read a fascinating autobiography from someone who has been at many of the main events of the past few decades, and has a skill in relating it to the reader, Simpson outshines Sergeant in all respects.