The Real Iron Lady: Working with Margaret Thatcher

by Gillian Shephard

There are many myths about Margaret Thatcher's extraordinary personality and political career. But what was it really like to work with her? In The Real Iron Working with Margaret Thatcher, Gillian Shephard speaks to an eclectic and distinguished range of Mrs T.'s former colleagues; all offer a unique insight into what the Iron Lady was really like at close quarters. Among them are John Major, Geoffrey Howe, Douglas Hurd and other Cabinet colleagues, alongside an ambassador and senior civil servants. In addition, prominent Conservative Party members, distinguished journalists and a leading trade unionist add their views, as well as MPs, political advisers and Downing Street staff. A French perspective is even provided by Hubert Védrine, foreign minister to erstwhile President François Mitterrand. Gillian Shephard has laced this miscellany of recollections of the Iron Lady with her own sparkling wit and acerbic comments - resulting in a fascinating close-up portrait of Britain's first woman Prime Minister. Most importantly, it is a portrait painted by the people who were with her throughout the dramas of her political the Falklands conflict, the miners' strike, the Brighton Bomb outrage and, eventually, her downfall. The book, with its wealth of previously unpublished material, portrays Margaret Thatcher as a woman of courageous, kind, ferocious, feminine - and so far, unsurpassed.

Genres: Politics, History, Nonfiction

288 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2012

Reviews

[Ravi Singh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although a little dry and not many exciting or riveting sections, it is a true account by real, first hand eye witnesses. The socialist/communist/marxist faction in the UK who hated her for they could not defeat her, have constantly played the role of victim and keep pushing their fantasised and imagined poverty and trials to the fore. Things were not that bad for them but they revile Lady T so much that they have capetted bombed media coverage with how evil she was. She was a devout and deeply caring woman doing a very tough job in a man's world and was indeed the first to do so. Nowadays when the smallest perceived slight has women up in arms and opportunist politicians calling for resignations, Lady T held her own and excelled. Three elections undefeated and the greatest PM in British history.
Read this to get the truth, not more lies from Labour supporters and hippies.

[Reza Amiri Praramadhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is an old saying that says the mirror to yourself is through other people's eyes. This book is written on that principle, by explaining Mrs. Thatcher through the eyes who had worked with her during throughout her political career. Meticulous, unsinkable, principled are only few of her traits that make her such an influential leader of United Kingdom, and indeed, in this world. Undeterred by her status as a woman, which undoubtedly was a handicap in her time, she broke a glass ceiling and proved that women can also thrive in a political world dominated by men, and the most important thing, WITHOUT ANY KIND OF POSITIVE DISCRIMINATION WHICH SHIFTED THE BALANCE IN HER FAVOR.

[Frederick Colbey · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was a little boring at points, and I really disliked the whole paragraphs in italics.
However, it gives a strong account of Thatcher. After reading this book, it's impossible not to respect her, even if you (like me) may disagree with her politically.

[Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5 stars)

Rather repetitive at times, but it contained some really interesting firsthand accounts of working alongside Thatcher. A worthwhile read despite your politics.

[Fiona Robson · Rating 4 out of 5]

“There are many myths about Margaret Thatcher’s extraordinary personality and political career. But what was it really like to work with her? In The Real Iron Lady: Working with Margaret Thatcher, Gillian Shephard speaks to an eclectic and distinguished range of Mrs T.’s former colleagues; all offer a unique insight into what the Iron Lady was really like at close quarters. Among them are John Major, Geoffrey Howe, Douglas Hurd and other Cabinet colleagues, alongside an ambassador and senior civil servants. In addition, prominent Conservative Party members, distinguished journalists and a leading trade unionist add their views, as well as MPs, political advisers and Downing Street staff. A French perspective is even provided by Hubert Védrine, foreign minister to erstwhile President François Mitterrand. Gillian Shephard has laced this miscellany of recollections of the Iron Lady with her own sparkling wit and acerbic comments – resulting in a fascinating close-up portrait of Britain’s first woman Prime Minister. Most importantly, it is a portrait painted by the people who were with her throughout the dramas of her political career: the Falklands conflict, the miners’ strike, the Brighton Bomb outrage and, eventually, her downfall. The book, with its wealth of previously unpublished material, portrays Margaret Thatcher as a woman of contrasts: courageous, kind, ferocious, feminine – and so far, unsurpassed.”

As a member of the Conservative Party, of course I found this book fascinating, especially the way the author drew on many different people’s memories and opinions. I couldn’t help feeling that Mrs. T was a little bit strange, though. Perhaps this helped her to keep driving Britain to be better, I don’t know, but it was still a fascinating insight into the life of a remarkable lady.