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Beyond Ugly
From the Number One Bestselling author of Ugly : Despite her mother’s constant physical and psychological abuse, Constance Briscoe has gained a place at Newcastle University to study law – a long-held ambition. She finances her studies by several jobs at weekends and during the holidays, including working with the terminally ill in a hospice. She also finds the money to pay for several cosmetic surgery treatments in an attempt to transform the face that her mother has convinced her is ugly, ugly, ugly. With the degree achieved, Constance takes up Michael Mansfield’s invitation to become a pupil in his prestigious chambers. But she didn’t find the support and encouragement she expected.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
48 people are currently reading
818 people want to read
About the author
Constance Briscoe
12 books90 followersConstance Briscoe (born 18 May 1957) is a former barrister, and formerly one of the first black female recorders in England and Wales. In May 2014, she was jailed for three counts of doing an act tending to pervert the course of justice in R v Huhne and Pryce.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
November 18, 2024
I didn't find this one as interesting as the first book, it felt like a book two for a book two's sake unfortunately.
Two stars.
Two stars.
November 15, 2009
Actually - 2 and one half stars.
I liked this but not wholly so. The writing was very clear, straightforward and simple, just as one would expect a good lawyer would write.
The story was interesting and, I suppose if I had read Ugly, I might not be left with so many questions; or perhaps, I still would. It seems that Constance Briscoe reveals quite a lot, but actually, she reveals very little. And there's no cohesion to the story (I guess there's no cohesion in life). Particularly aggravating was that she never gave closure on the cosmetic surgery theme - so dominant in the first half of the book and then completely forgotten in the second. Had she come to terms with the scars? Had she decided not to go ahead?
I get a sense that CB is a formidable woman, and an unforgiving one (perhaps understandable with her history). She could not be described as compassionate or warm but her story demands respect and I am left wondering how many people she hurt on her way to success. She gives you a sense of her relationship with people with whom she did not get on, but no real sense of her relationship with the people with whom she did get on, and there are clearly many.
I liked this but not wholly so. The writing was very clear, straightforward and simple, just as one would expect a good lawyer would write.
The story was interesting and, I suppose if I had read Ugly, I might not be left with so many questions; or perhaps, I still would. It seems that Constance Briscoe reveals quite a lot, but actually, she reveals very little. And there's no cohesion to the story (I guess there's no cohesion in life). Particularly aggravating was that she never gave closure on the cosmetic surgery theme - so dominant in the first half of the book and then completely forgotten in the second. Had she come to terms with the scars? Had she decided not to go ahead?
I get a sense that CB is a formidable woman, and an unforgiving one (perhaps understandable with her history). She could not be described as compassionate or warm but her story demands respect and I am left wondering how many people she hurt on her way to success. She gives you a sense of her relationship with people with whom she did not get on, but no real sense of her relationship with the people with whom she did get on, and there are clearly many.
September 4, 2009
Some said that mirror is never wrong, never lied, that it shows whatever it is reflected to. But for Constance, the mirror confirms what her mother and Eastman, her vicious step father, had said throughout her childhood. That she's ugly, ugly, ugly, utterly ugly!
It takes more than bravely to deal the life that she has. To work various part-time jobs to earn money, not just for the surgeries but also for the law school because her mother wouldn't sign the grant for her university. She works hard to be a Barrister, yet two Chambers denied her for stupid reasons -jealousy and prejudice- until she was interviewed by nice people who warmly greet her.
I'd rather work with those who respect me rather that famous-lordly Chambers who think they already know everything about life, yet they're born in comfortable childhood unlike some.
***
Ada kan yang selalu bilang cermin tidak pernah berbohong? Tapi dalam kasus Constance, kata-kata kejam sang ibu dan ayah tirinya yang berulang kali mengatakan dia sangat sangat sangat jelek membuat dia berpikir memang begitulah adanya.
Kehidupan yang dijalani Constance begitu sulit, dibesarkan tanpa cinta dia terbiasa menyimpan semuanya sendiri. Ini menjadikannya perempuan yang kuat dan tabah, melakukan berbagai pekerjaan sampingan untuk membiayai operasi hidung dan bibirnya. Dan juga untuk membiayai hidup dan kuliahnya karena sang ibu tidak mau menandatangani cek yang ia butuhkan.
Keinginannya menjadi seorang Barrister menghadapi begitu banyak tantangan, diperlakukan layaknya pembantu oleh beberapa anggota junior di Chamber tempat dia magang lalu mengalami penolakan di Chamber yang sama untuk alasan bodoh, rasa cemburu, karena para Barrister senior selalu melibatkan Constance dalam kasus-kasus yang mereka tangani. Di Chamber yang lain dia ditolak karena prasangka buruk dan 'tidak memiliki cukup pengalaman hidup'. Mereka lahir dan dibesarkan dalam keluarga yang mapan, seberapa banyak 'pengalaman hidup' yang mereka tahu?
Toh akhirnya Constance bergabung dengan kelompok yang menyambutnya dengan hangat, yang berhak mendapatkan rasa hormatnya karena mereka juga menghormati Constance sebagai perempuan, manusia dan Barrister handal.
It takes more than bravely to deal the life that she has. To work various part-time jobs to earn money, not just for the surgeries but also for the law school because her mother wouldn't sign the grant for her university. She works hard to be a Barrister, yet two Chambers denied her for stupid reasons -jealousy and prejudice- until she was interviewed by nice people who warmly greet her.
I'd rather work with those who respect me rather that famous-lordly Chambers who think they already know everything about life, yet they're born in comfortable childhood unlike some.
***
Ada kan yang selalu bilang cermin tidak pernah berbohong? Tapi dalam kasus Constance, kata-kata kejam sang ibu dan ayah tirinya yang berulang kali mengatakan dia sangat sangat sangat jelek membuat dia berpikir memang begitulah adanya.
Kehidupan yang dijalani Constance begitu sulit, dibesarkan tanpa cinta dia terbiasa menyimpan semuanya sendiri. Ini menjadikannya perempuan yang kuat dan tabah, melakukan berbagai pekerjaan sampingan untuk membiayai operasi hidung dan bibirnya. Dan juga untuk membiayai hidup dan kuliahnya karena sang ibu tidak mau menandatangani cek yang ia butuhkan.
Keinginannya menjadi seorang Barrister menghadapi begitu banyak tantangan, diperlakukan layaknya pembantu oleh beberapa anggota junior di Chamber tempat dia magang lalu mengalami penolakan di Chamber yang sama untuk alasan bodoh, rasa cemburu, karena para Barrister senior selalu melibatkan Constance dalam kasus-kasus yang mereka tangani. Di Chamber yang lain dia ditolak karena prasangka buruk dan 'tidak memiliki cukup pengalaman hidup'. Mereka lahir dan dibesarkan dalam keluarga yang mapan, seberapa banyak 'pengalaman hidup' yang mereka tahu?
Toh akhirnya Constance bergabung dengan kelompok yang menyambutnya dengan hangat, yang berhak mendapatkan rasa hormatnya karena mereka juga menghormati Constance sebagai perempuan, manusia dan Barrister handal.
September 12, 2021
A poorly written book most of which made little sense and I can’t imagine who would honestly be interested in it.
The first half concentrates on all the plastic surgery she says she had … as a student and travelling back and forth from Newcastle Uni. Goodness knows how she afforded all that!
The second half concentrated on court cases she worked on (very boring indeed) and how other females in her chambers disliked her.
Lots of things did not add up in the book and only then did I google her and discovered she was jailed in 2014 and thrown out of the legal profession.
The first half concentrates on all the plastic surgery she says she had … as a student and travelling back and forth from Newcastle Uni. Goodness knows how she afforded all that!
The second half concentrated on court cases she worked on (very boring indeed) and how other females in her chambers disliked her.
Lots of things did not add up in the book and only then did I google her and discovered she was jailed in 2014 and thrown out of the legal profession.
April 24, 2013
Review:
(I have not read her book: UGLY, oh please would someone lend me?)
Constance Briscoe's life, after reading it, opened my eyes to the world of law, trials, courts, magistrates, and anything else about her job in Tooks Court. I liked how she managed to stand up after being physically and emotionally abused by her mother. As a young girl, living in a little country, with no experience outside the box (yet), and challenged nothing yet, Constance is really strong. She became strong throughout her College Life--and beyond to that as well.
I rated her book three stars, I admired her consistency in her career, but her mind is negatively lead sometimes. I think, she was not happy after the cosmetic surgery. But other than that, she is determined with what she really wanted, and in the end, she had taken complex cases such as rape, child abuse, and murder.
Reflection:
Personally, her life pushed me to challenge myself. I dare myself to take opportunities and career chances for my profession growth and experience. I believe through God I can make it happen. Maybe that's something me and author Constance differ, I acknowledge God, she doesn't. But that's not the issue.
Her setbacks and mindset is also the means of her perseverance. It challenge me to use my weakness as an opportunity to be strong while taking every opening. :)
(I have not read her book: UGLY, oh please would someone lend me?)
Constance Briscoe's life, after reading it, opened my eyes to the world of law, trials, courts, magistrates, and anything else about her job in Tooks Court. I liked how she managed to stand up after being physically and emotionally abused by her mother. As a young girl, living in a little country, with no experience outside the box (yet), and challenged nothing yet, Constance is really strong. She became strong throughout her College Life--and beyond to that as well.
I rated her book three stars, I admired her consistency in her career, but her mind is negatively lead sometimes. I think, she was not happy after the cosmetic surgery. But other than that, she is determined with what she really wanted, and in the end, she had taken complex cases such as rape, child abuse, and murder.
Reflection:
Personally, her life pushed me to challenge myself. I dare myself to take opportunities and career chances for my profession growth and experience. I believe through God I can make it happen. Maybe that's something me and author Constance differ, I acknowledge God, she doesn't. But that's not the issue.
Her setbacks and mindset is also the means of her perseverance. It challenge me to use my weakness as an opportunity to be strong while taking every opening. :)
Read
July 30, 2011I read this immediately after reading "Ugly". I was not impressed by the plastic surgery but I also sympathised with Constance. Sometimes we may tend to think that we have lead loveless childhoods in whatever ways and through whatever experiences, but her story has opened by eyes and made me overwhelmingly grateful. I like that she stayed focused and accomplished her dream despite the obstacles in her way. We really have no excuse and it goes to show that where and how you start is not essential. Ultimately, it's the choices we make in life that determines where we finish. Yet though Constance seems to have it together career wise, I'm not convinced that she has been healed holistically... well at least where the book is concerned.
May 27, 2018
Personally I feel like the mixed reviews for this book are based on the expectation of what the reader thinks the story will be about. Perhaps the grammar or the punctuation is s bother in this way also.
But this is a simple story - retelling - of someone who survived something most (I hope) people don’t endure.
For me it was -
tragic and yet... yet there’s was more. And I like the more that came from it all.
Fml I cried.
And cried and cried.
But this is a simple story - retelling - of someone who survived something most (I hope) people don’t endure.
For me it was -
tragic and yet... yet there’s was more. And I like the more that came from it all.
Fml I cried.
And cried and cried.
July 30, 2011
The follow up to the book Ugly, it was wonderful to see how Constance managed to achieve academic success and professional fulfilment without any support from anyone. Certainly not an ugly person.
June 10, 2012
Once again a remarkable read from the judge
March 28, 2021
The way her life seems to have gone is 5 star, the 2 star is the content on the book. I dunno, like it's good to find out she became a lawyer and stuff but it's basically a list of cases that stuck out to her during her pupillage. I think it would have been interesting to go further and find out how she felt about being a mother and being in a relationship, but maybe she likes to keep the life of her own family very private.
Can't believe (well I can... but you know) that even after the fact of surgery she didn't tell the doctor how she could still feel during twilight anaesthesia. I bet she didn't in case he wouldn't operate again or it would cost more for full anesthesia but to go back again, knowing she was likely going to feel what is going on really shows how badly she thought she needed it. I'm glad it made her feel better about herself and she was so lucky to not die or get long term complications after getting literal shit rubbed in the wound on her lip, and she had medical knowledge, and she just carried on, not even telling the doctor/nurse what it could be when she had to go to the infirmary and was kept in for a time. Again, it would be interesting to know more about how she feels after thinking back on these events.
Can't believe (well I can... but you know) that even after the fact of surgery she didn't tell the doctor how she could still feel during twilight anaesthesia. I bet she didn't in case he wouldn't operate again or it would cost more for full anesthesia but to go back again, knowing she was likely going to feel what is going on really shows how badly she thought she needed it. I'm glad it made her feel better about herself and she was so lucky to not die or get long term complications after getting literal shit rubbed in the wound on her lip, and she had medical knowledge, and she just carried on, not even telling the doctor/nurse what it could be when she had to go to the infirmary and was kept in for a time. Again, it would be interesting to know more about how she feels after thinking back on these events.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2018
This book is gripping, thought-provoking and honest to the point of heart-wrenching. This demonstrates a side of life which most of the priveleged children are unaware of.
It talks about how cruel a mother could be, which on the first note itself feels rubbish, but Constance is a living proof of that statement. She had to deal with a childhood full of painful experiences, which added up to the underprivileged living conditions which she had to cope up with. It makes me wonder how could someone make peace with such a difficult past. It is surely an endearing journey.
But the best part about this book is the gleam of hope which it leaves with you in the end. Such powerful is her journey that it empowers you to believe in yourself in every single way. The independence and courage that she has portrayed as a woman is commendable.
It talks about how cruel a mother could be, which on the first note itself feels rubbish, but Constance is a living proof of that statement. She had to deal with a childhood full of painful experiences, which added up to the underprivileged living conditions which she had to cope up with. It makes me wonder how could someone make peace with such a difficult past. It is surely an endearing journey.
But the best part about this book is the gleam of hope which it leaves with you in the end. Such powerful is her journey that it empowers you to believe in yourself in every single way. The independence and courage that she has portrayed as a woman is commendable.
January 11, 2025
After reading 'Ugly', I was eager to dive into 'Beyond Ugly', and it didn’t disappoint. This sequel continues Constance Briscoe’s powerful journey, offering even more insight into her personal growth and healing.
What struck me the most was how she expands on the themes of self-acceptance, resilience, and finding strength in vulnerability. It’s a continuation of her story that’s both inspiring and uplifting, showing the journey from pain to empowerment.
'Beyond Ugly' is a must-read for anyone who appreciated 'Ugly' and for those seeking a powerful story of overcoming hardship and embracing personal transformation, career motivation and family development.
What struck me the most was how she expands on the themes of self-acceptance, resilience, and finding strength in vulnerability. It’s a continuation of her story that’s both inspiring and uplifting, showing the journey from pain to empowerment.
'Beyond Ugly' is a must-read for anyone who appreciated 'Ugly' and for those seeking a powerful story of overcoming hardship and embracing personal transformation, career motivation and family development.
October 14, 2024
Ugly is a deeply emotional memoir that pulls at your heartstrings. Constance Briscoe shares her painful story of growing up with an abusive mother who constantly called her "ugly" and made her feel worthless. It’s heartbreaking to read how she endured cruelty, neglect, and emotional abuse, but what’s truly inspiring is her strength. Despite everything, Constance pushes through, chasing her dream of becoming a lawyer. Her journey is one of survival, resilience, and finding self-worth against all odds. Ugly is raw, honest, and will leave you feeling so much admiration for her courage.
April 15, 2019
While this book did remind me of previous jobs I have had and the frustrations they incurred. The book was only so so. It seems so cold. Kind of matter of fact. The surgeries were descriptive enough that I could barely get through them. The end was quite wrapped up. It would have been more interesting to hear more on her personal life. I wanted to know what was up with Jay but I guess she didn’t know either. Anywho..... on to another book!!!
December 27, 2023
This was an easy read and still enjoyable. I guess I just expected much more that was similar to the first book but this seemed more like a memoir of a very specific stage of life and career. Nonetheless, I appreciate the authors resilience, determination and bluntness, even with themselves. I do wonder though how they were able to remember such specific details to their story such as what food was served here or there and who wore what.
March 17, 2020
It has been a long time since I have read the authors first book. But this book just wow. It was a waste of my time. It was almost a mini reflection on her early career. It was so boring. It was not worth being published. The book and more could have googled if anyone was that interested in her life.
I do not recommend this book.
I do not recommend this book.
December 26, 2019
Really struggled with this book, it took me a while to read and I did not really get into it, I did not like the overuse of people names and it was a bit repetitive. I appreciate the work that has gone into the book and even though it was not for me am glad I read it
December 28, 2017
The writing was very simple, so I read this very quickly. However, it was an interesting read, and an insight into a world I have no experience of, so very enjoyable fire and forget book
February 17, 2019
After reading the first one i was a little disappointed with how this one ended.
September 1, 2019
A simple yet insightful read, about a woman's journey to survive and prosper when the cards were so heavily staked against her!
October 22, 2019
Barely touches on the subject matter it says it will. But if you're looking for a woman's journey of becoming a lawyer in the UK, I recommend it.
May 21, 2020
A great read and a great chance to read about what she achieved after her abuse!
It gives an insight into the understanding of the challenges mixed race and black people face.
It gives an insight into the understanding of the challenges mixed race and black people face.
September 27, 2020
I am very impressed with the book yet I want more. I'm kinda hanged in there but all in all, I love it. This is also one of the reason I liked to be a barrister.
August 15, 2021
I read this many years ago. Was a very emotional book.
August 13, 2023
Couldn't put it down, excellent reading
June 18, 2024
Interesting read
November 11, 2024
As a former law student who decided to go into HR it was interesting to read how she struggled getting pupilage as a black woman.
It was interesting but I think there were missing elements there was a huge focus on her appearance which disappeared near the middle and didn’t return and there was a short paragraph with what happened after but it didn’t really give any context.
It was a good read overall and you felt like you were walking the streets of London with her.
It was interesting but I think there were missing elements there was a huge focus on her appearance which disappeared near the middle and didn’t return and there was a short paragraph with what happened after but it didn’t really give any context.
It was a good read overall and you felt like you were walking the streets of London with her.
April 9, 2014
So not quite what i was expecting. though it wasnt at all boring, i had just hoped it would be on a women learning to cope with the aftereffects of server childhood trauma and learning to accept one's self. Sadly that was not the case, in fact Contance seem to get over it remarkably well as soon as she started lawyer school which i think is very unrealistic. though i did see some lasting side effects - she put to much importance on someone's appearance (most of the time that was the first thing she would note) and she was at times delusional. Thinking, hearing things that she obviously couldnt - which wasnt a completely bad thing, most of the time i thought it may of been her consciousness trying to communicate with her the only way it knew how.
Constance is also very emotionally stunted or just skipped over the feelings part when it came to other people. She was also rather self-centered, i know this book is about her and her life.... but still.
The law cases where very interesting though i feel Constance may of broken some confidential laws by telling us so much?! lol.
I havent read a book like this before that i can recall and i have to say im glad this was my first. It was interesting seeing the world through someone's real eyes for once. I also enjoyed trying to guess what was the actual truth and what Constance perceived to be the truth. It would interesting if i could find out what Contance's perception had changed.
The writing was well done and i believe i only came across one or two grammar issues.
Looking forward to reading more Biography's like this.
oh and just for my own curiosity, i actually Googled Constance to see her before and after surgery pictures - the surgeon was write, she was perfectly fine before hand, nothing weird or monstrous.
Constance is also very emotionally stunted or just skipped over the feelings part when it came to other people. She was also rather self-centered, i know this book is about her and her life.... but still.
The law cases where very interesting though i feel Constance may of broken some confidential laws by telling us so much?! lol.
I havent read a book like this before that i can recall and i have to say im glad this was my first. It was interesting seeing the world through someone's real eyes for once. I also enjoyed trying to guess what was the actual truth and what Constance perceived to be the truth. It would interesting if i could find out what Contance's perception had changed.
The writing was well done and i believe i only came across one or two grammar issues.
Looking forward to reading more Biography's like this.
oh and just for my own curiosity, i actually Googled Constance to see her before and after surgery pictures - the surgeon was write, she was perfectly fine before hand, nothing weird or monstrous.
January 16, 2021
'Finally when happiness came knocking on my door, I'd be waiting. I'd open the door and say: Where have you been? What took you so long? And if you just give me a moment I'll pack and go with you.' // Constance Briscoe.
PLOT// Constance Briscoe was one of the first black women to sit as a judge in the UK. Beyond Ugly traces her life as a victim of child abuse, who sets on her path to become a lawyer. The book begins with a disturbing description of Constance contemplating cosmetic surgery. This is followed by her time in University, the several jobs she undertakes to finance her studies and her experiences while working in a prestigious set of legal chambers.
WHAT I LIKED // I've read very few memoirs so I can't really relate this book to the others. But I liked learning about Constance's life and for that she has all my respect. I think reading such books really diversifies one's shelf. The book is well-written and the author does a nice job telling her story and connecting with the reader.
WHAT I DISLIKED // I think I should've read the author's other book Ugly before this one, because the book somewhat felt incomplete. You could say the ending was a good enough closure for the ups and downs of her career, but I kinda wanted a resolution to the painful relationship she had with the scars on her body. The cosmetic surgery storyline was so prominent in the first half but it just vanished by the end.
CONCLUSION // I don't think I'm gonna remember this book forever, but I'll surely remember reading about the fighter Constance Briscoe is. I adore her spirit, and hope she has realized what a hell of a beautiful woman she is.♥️
PLOT// Constance Briscoe was one of the first black women to sit as a judge in the UK. Beyond Ugly traces her life as a victim of child abuse, who sets on her path to become a lawyer. The book begins with a disturbing description of Constance contemplating cosmetic surgery. This is followed by her time in University, the several jobs she undertakes to finance her studies and her experiences while working in a prestigious set of legal chambers.
WHAT I LIKED // I've read very few memoirs so I can't really relate this book to the others. But I liked learning about Constance's life and for that she has all my respect. I think reading such books really diversifies one's shelf. The book is well-written and the author does a nice job telling her story and connecting with the reader.
WHAT I DISLIKED // I think I should've read the author's other book Ugly before this one, because the book somewhat felt incomplete. You could say the ending was a good enough closure for the ups and downs of her career, but I kinda wanted a resolution to the painful relationship she had with the scars on her body. The cosmetic surgery storyline was so prominent in the first half but it just vanished by the end.
CONCLUSION // I don't think I'm gonna remember this book forever, but I'll surely remember reading about the fighter Constance Briscoe is. I adore her spirit, and hope she has realized what a hell of a beautiful woman she is.♥️
February 14, 2017
showed me another side of plastic surgery
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews