Monday Morning Blues [Paperback]

Hitchens' right wing ideals are nothing like the stereotype of the Daily Telegraph letters page: "No more respect for the Queen, no wars to fight, gays on TV". Indeed, they are thoughtful and examined in a way you might expect from a former Trostkyist with an understanding of the left-wing mindset but also the passion of a convert. Along with this rather rare combination comes the writing ability of a supremely talented tabloid columnist. The first sentence of each article is crafted to be controversial, and leads into the whole piece in an excellent way designed to attract as many people as possible to reading it. For all the author's criticisms of the soundbite culture Blairite politics has fashioned, he could hardly deny his own ability to craft an opening that grabs ones interest and keeps one reading.... There is much to contradict typical conservative opinion, and equally, there are occasional pieces that would have many a socialist nodding in agreement. Each column seems calculated to have made as many people as possible uncomfortable about their beliefs. Very few could read right through the work without feeling that any of their own ideals were being challenged. Peter Hitchens is a man who could break up any coalition. His convincing way of writing made someone like me not only move much closer to his way of thinking, but also feel slightly guilty when I disagreed with him.

The bold and controversial assertions of the book would suggest arrogance to many, but I really believe they represent nothing more distainful than the honest feelings of a very decent Englishman who fears what is happening to his country and hopes for a better world. When a man of strong convictions has too much respect for the truth to varnish his feelings with appealing but misleading language, he may appear arrogant, but arrogant Hitchens is not.

Inevitably, this is a book likely to be read almost exclusively by Hitchens' fans. This is a loss to all others, as this is a gripping and thought-provoking work which deserves a much greater audience.

I purchased this book in expectation of more of the same level headed, honest, to the point opinion. I found that I got more than I bargained for. The debate in this book is several levels of disgruntlement up from the previous book. Hitchens disappoints me in that he really manages to gripe and complain to excess about every matter I could possible think of. He covers familiar ground from 'The Abolition of Britain' and then a lot more. I have always felt that I myself could pretty much complain and pour scorn on almost every modern debatable issue, but this book left me feeling like the least quarrelsome man in the UK. I almost felt sorry for Hitchens after reading all his articles. He must have a heck of a time getting from day to day when so much about him causes disdain. I imagine Hitches must toss and turn in his sleep complaining about 'The Simpsons' and cry out over the state of our pre-packed meals.

I guess one thing that I should have taken into consideration is the fact that I don't hate Tony Blair. Being open minded I was quite prepared to over look the fact that Hitchens does, after all criticism is not a bad thing and we are all entitled to our opinions. However I did find the reference to 'Princess Tony' quite childish and unnecessary.

I didn't hate the book, and found many of the articles enjoyable to read and well argued, I simply got to a point of over load, even when having gaps between bouts of reading.

I learnt one thing from reading the book, and that is that when it comes to protesting over the direction this country is going we are all light weights compared to Peter Hitchens 'The King of the Complaint'.