An Improbable Life: The Autobiography

by Trevor McDonald

Sir Trevor McDonald is an extraordinary man - and he has led an improbable life. Now in his 80th year, he is known and loved by people the world over for his humility, charm and natural ease. As a natural storyteller and communicator, he has few equals.

In An Improbable Life, Sir Trevor recounts his personal experience of world events and interviews with globally famous - or notorious - figures. He has witnessed war and death and risked his own life to meet and talk with despots and liberators. We read about his first trip to South Africa, and obtaining the first British television interview with Nelson Mandela; his reflections on the Windrush generation; and experiencing Barack Obama's momentous inauguration as President of the USA. We are also present at his dramatic meetings with Saddam Hussein (the first and only one by a British television correspondent) and Muammar Gaddafi.

Engaging, intimate and moving, this is the life story of an exceptional journalist and broadcaster who over decades has expertly revealed to us history in the making.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Autobiography, Memoir, History

Audible Audio

Published October 17, 2019

Reviews

[Andrew Bentley · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who has lived in the UK, Trevor McDonald is a name and face that they know well.
He is a skilled news reader and interviewer who like the best of them is able to draw in both his interviewees as well as his audience.
I approached the book rather jadedly as I see him as representative of the mainstream media, with which I am fairly disgusted at present. However, all his views and opinions always seem to be tempered with a gentle awareness of alternative views.
In fact it is heartening to hear from a man who has rubbed shoulders with so many establishment figures and essentially been part of the msm, condemning things like the Iraq war, Thatcher's stance on Mandela, the bombing of Libya and the foreign policy of UK and USA.
His stories of following his dream and his reflections regarding being a black immigrant in UK are riveting.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5* Sir Trevor McDonald brings together many of his experiences of major world events from the heart, focusing mainly on political history.
I would have liked to have found out a little bit more about his life and the man himself, his family etc as this would make this book more like an autobiography rather than an historical recount.

[Rosie Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Improbable Life is the autobiography of journalist and broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald. Born in Trinidad in 1939, Trevor talks candidly about his humble beginnings and his love for reporting. He opens his story with thoughts about what drives a journalist, and how seeking the truth, however difficult or shocking it may be, has been a fundamental part of his broadcasting life. 


This was a fascinating book that offered a great insight into multiple themes from cricket to politics. I enjoyed reading about some of the people Trevor interviewed, as much as his work as a front line journalist. I smiled when he said that he always took his passport and toothbrush to work because he never knew where he might be sent for a newsworthy event. 

This was one of those books which I kept going back to, dipping back into the next chapter when I had a few spare minutes.  It is well worth the read.

[Onik Chowdhury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! Trevor McDonald gives a great account of his time in journalism, recounting his coverage of The Troubles in Ireland, being the first to interview Nelson Mandela after release from prison and much more.

I liked learning about his life growing up in the West Indies, and the reflections from this that shaped the rest of his life and career. Genuinely a book not to miss

[Stephanie Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Trevor McDonald and this is a fascinating look at his life and career. I loved the detail with which he described certain assignments and trips he was sent on, the build up to huge political events and the work I involved in getting a story.

It was also good to see how he addresses the issue of racism and racial inequality in the media and in general - his discussions of empire and the reverence felt by West Indians for the 'mother country' really brought to light how England has treated those of the Windrush generation.

It would've been nice to read a little more about his family and life away from journalism, but all in all a brilliant read.

[Lali Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A disappointing read. Despite his interesting early years, the rest of the book was more about events and who he has interviewed. Would have liked to know more about him, his family and thoughts.

[Stephen Donovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thoughtful and deeply arresting account of the exceptional broadcasting career of Sir Trevor McDonald, from the early beginnings in his native Trinidad to becoming something close to a national institution in the United Kingdom. Written with honesty and the utmost eloquence, it provides a sophisticated social commentary and a collection of unlikely stories, yet all of which happen to be true.

An absolute trailblazer in the world of television, McDonald moved to London in 1969 and eventually went on to join ITN news as its first black reporter. In his long association with ITN, he became the sole presenter of News at Ten in 1992 and continued in some capacity until retirement in 2008, specialising on international politics.

That enabled him to work on some of the most notable historical events of the late twentieth century, and gain unprecedented access to the world's leading figures. In this book he discusses the experience of being the only foreign journalist to interview Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussain, and at the other end of the spectrum, having the opportunity to speak to Nelson Mandela within hours of his release from prison in 1990.

Those are two of the highlights, but each and every story relayed by McDonald makes for essential listening. To hear of his close encounters with terrorists during the Troubles in Northern Ireland was quite the eye-opener, as were meeting criminals on death row and having a gun pointed at him by members of the Mafia. It all goes to show his life has been just as improbable as the title suggests.

The writing is impeccable and listening to it on audio brings it up another notch, for the simple reason that it is narrated by the author himself. As he did for so many years on the television, McDonald speaks with a calm and reassuring authority that leaves you hanging on every word, all of them enunciated with perfect clarity.

Along with occasional descriptions of the goings-on behind the scenes at ITN and his increasing career trajectory, most chapters are devoted in in-depth recollections of working in a particular country. In doing so he makes reference to numerous contemporary affairs and humanitarian issues, and although his opinions are unmistakeable, they are always very well reasoned.

The great thing about these opinions is that I found myself agreeing with pretty much every single one of them, for example his views on the current consumption of news and the virulent spreading of misinformation. Another section I liked was his time as a sports correspondent, where he writes lovingly of his passion for cricket and the iconic West Indies side of the late 1970s.

As one of the first black voices to earn mainstream recognition on British television, the topic of race is unsurprisingly prominent, with McDonald emphasising the importance he placed on being allowed to work on the same kind of stories as white colleagues at the beginning of his ITN career. Just like everything else, it is discussed here with great intelligence and meaning, while choice of opening with the inauguration of Barack Obama as US president in 2008 was an inspired way to set the scene.

Overall, journalistic memoirs surely do not get any more interesting than this. Trevor McDonald is a man of huge distinction and every single story he tells is extraordinary, while exuding first-rate knowledge and genuine humility. It meets all expectations and was a thoroughly enjoyable listen from start to finish.

[just_agirlwholikestoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this on audio.
It was read by Trevor Mcdonald himself, which I felt just added to the impact to the listeners/readers of his autobiography.
I think the physical book would also be good as I believe it has some images of Trevors reporting experiences.

What an amazing, brave, and ambitious reporter. A truthful and interesting look into his life. Trevors voice, I find, is calming and one I felt have known for a very long time. His story is very informative and covers lots of key events in history. Amazing to hear about the people that Trevoir has crossed paths with and the stories he has been able to report on. What an interesting life he has lived and is still living. Trevour talks about fulfilling his ambitions, and he certainly does. I found it interesting listening to how he wrote about his reports of the documentaries that I have previously watched, prisonerson Death Row, Mafia, and the mafia wives.
I always find it endearing hearing someone talking about their parents, which Trevor does recall them fondly.
ITN (ITV news at 10) is something I remember watching or hearing about from a young age. Trevor Mcdonald, a name and voice known in most UK households. A well-respected gentleman by many. Sir Trevor Mcdonald, now 85 with true determination, ambition, and dedication. He has most definitely gone above and beyond out there in what can be a very dangerous life as a reporter.
A really good and interesting look into this well-known reporters life.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sir Trevor Mcdonald sharing his experiences as a journalist, aspiring for this career in his childhood in Trinidad, and having amazing opportunities to meet and report on events, occasions and people all over the world. Highlights include Obama, Saddam Hussein, religious war in North Ireland, Windrush politics and issues and much more. He reflects on his own practice, how lucky he has been, and how he could have approached some interviews better. Overall an interesting read and sheds some light on the life and attitudes of a country under colonial control.

[David Hodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Focusing more on the career of Sir Trevor McDonald, an improbable life gives a fascinating insight into many aspects of his career in journalism. The inauguration of Obama, growing up in Trinidad and trying to find his feet within journalism, to conversation with serial killers on death row - which I found strangely fascinating.

Although I would’ve like to read more about his life growing up, I did enjoy reading about his career. He’s a very fascinating man.

[Isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Trevor McDonald the Trinidad/British journalist and news presenter is a national hero in the UK. You just know even before starting the book that he has integrity.

The book provides a fantastic detailed account of his career, including his encounters/reflections of Obamas inauguration, his interview with Sadam Hussain (yes terrible first question), meeting Gaddafi and discussions with/on Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King. His time in Northern Ireland. Also, about his interactions with serial killers and disgust with the Windrush generation.

The only reason it is not a 5 is that he could given us a little bit more about himself. He talked about his childhood and his love of cricket but I would have liked to know more about himself personally as an adult.

Great to hear his voice on the audio book. There is an interview with him after the acknowledgements.

Trevor you are respected and loved 🥰

[mrsbookburnee Niamh Burnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened and read this book, so nice to hear his voice again! I loved him on the News at ten.

Such a fascinating life! Really enjoyed reading of his earlier career.

Well worth a read!

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an interesting life. Focuses on his journalist
career and very little on personal life. Audiobook read by author. Fabulous author interview at the end.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating read from his early life in Trinidad to how he came to England and how he ended up as one of Britain’s most loved newsreaders.
Really enjoyed the descriptions of him interviewing famous people and how they came about. Also how life has changed in the years
A must read for people

[Rebecca Fell · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Consciously or not, we create glowing images of ourselves and insist we did what we did with the best intentions and for the loftiest reasons. We are desperate to have our work seen in the best possible light. We crave self justification."

Aptly titled, McDonald describes in immense detail the rich and diverse texture of his journalistic life. From being a war correspondent during the troubles in Northern Ireland to being the first journalist in interviewing renowned figures such as Nelson Mandela after his release from prison on Robben Island and Saddam Hussein, a figure that not even his closest employees had ever seen, McDonald certainly has lived a very full life. McDonald impressively makes this story almost cyclical; commenting on the experience he had during the inauguration of Obama in 2008 and the impacts it had on civil rights in the beginning of the novel before outlining the hostile reality of the Windrush scandal in Britain in the end, suggestive of how although progressive attitudes have became almost a norm, ultimately abrasive prejudices still exist. Compared to other autobiographies this is very different, and I think that is my one criticism of it; Some of the moments McDonald illustrated are, I feel, often detached of feeling, mirroring more of a neutral, novel length journalistic report. This made my reading experience slow and less immersive. However, one of the best decisions I made with this book was that I alternated between reading it physically and listening to the audiobook, voiced by McDonald himself. From primarily listening to the audiobook, it felt like I was listening to one of McDonald's iconic documentaries or new reports, his voice reminiscent of childhood and current nostalgia to seeing him on the television.

[Sue Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sir Trevor writes with an easy style that draws the reader in. He was at the front of reporting some of the major events of the 20th Century. Reading his own story in his own words was so interesting.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trevor McDonald holds a privileged position in the pantheon of British news broadcasters and reporters of the second half of the 20th Century. When he started his career the ethnic mix of his profession was decidedly monochrome. To achieve what he did over a sustained period of time was remarkable and well worthy of the honours he received.

This autobiography is an informing and entertaining read for anyone of my generation who regularly watched the news stories that McDonald writes about appearing on their television screens evening by evening. McDonald begins by writing with great affection about his early days in Trinidad, his love of radio and his ambition to pursue a career in radio journalism.

As he moves to London, fuelled by a naïve passion to succeed in his chosen career, opportunities come his way, first at the BBC, then at ITN and later at Channel 4. He takes us through some of the headline news stories that became a part of his working life, most notably Northern Ireland ‘troubles’, the Falklands War and Palestine. There is an extended chapter on South Africa and his first meeting with Nelson Mandela, for McDonald a seminal moment.

Interviews of Saddam Hussein and President Gaddafi are memorable for very different reasons. Documentaries investigating the dreadful crimes of the nurse Beverley Allitt and the plight of death row prisoners in the States are mentioned as a significant part of McDonald’s career.

Whilst enjoying this book I was occasionally frustrated with McDonald’s tendency to let a story fall flat. A good example comes towards the end of the book in a section about meeting various Mafia killers in the US. One of these was Greg Scarpa. The story involved Scarpa’s daughter, Linda, who witnessed her father’s car being shot at by gunmen. McDonald tells us that she was following with her baby in the car. On reading this I immediately feared the worst! McDonald then writes,

“She (Linda) had been unable to tell whether her father had been hit, and in the general confusion of the attack one of the gunmen ran away from her father’s car, crossed to the other side of the road and came face to face with Linda. He stared directly at her.”

And then, no more. Was Scarpa hit? Was the baby OK? How did this affect Linda? No idea. Maybe, McDonald is the consummate, objective, old style newsman. Don’t dress up the facts in speculation and storytelling. Tell the viewer/reader what you know, nothing more, nothing less.

[Kleri _reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that I feel that I am in no position to rate someone's autobiography and I definitely don't have enough political and historical knowledge to be able to speak about the accuracy of all the events mentioned in this book. As a result, I will rate this book solely for the inspiration and the enjoyment I got from reading it! 🙂
And, based on that this book was a solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5star) read! I am not a huge fan of autobiographies, but that was incredible! I loved the humbleness and the matter of fact approach that Trevor McDonald followed in this book.
I found this book inspiring on many different levels. On a personal level, we see the life journey of someone who against all odds managed what most people would think impossible. A man who dared to dream big, who didn't allow himself to believe that his colour or status is enough to define the trajectory of his life, and who worked hard to make his dreams come true.
On a wider level, this book reminded me of all the political and historical events of this century, that I was aware of from news titles and stuff...but never really searched deeper... because in our busy age of information overload, nothing sticks in our brain for long enough unless it hits home 😞😱🤯
This book, for me, was eye-opening. If nothing else, it awakened me to the fact that I know more about ancient history than I know about events that happened in my lifetime! And it made me wonder why?!

Before I close my review, I would like to add that the audio format of this book was really enjoyable!

If you want to read something different and thought-provoking, then I would recommend you give this book a go!

[Miriam Morgans · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝔸𝕟 𝕀𝕞𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕓𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕃𝕚𝕗𝕖
By Trevor Mcdonald

Editorial Reviews
Sir Trevor McDonald is an extraordinary man - and he has led an improbable life. Now, in his 80th year, he is known and loved by people the world over for his humility, charm, and natural ease. As a natural storyteller and communicator, he has few equals.

Blurb
In An Improbable Life, Sir Trevor recounts his personal experience of world events and interviews with globally famous - or notorious figures. He has witnessed war and death and risked his own life to meet and talk with despots and liberators. We read about his first trip to South Africa, and obtaining the first British television interview with Nelson Mandela; his reflections on the Windrush generation; and experiencing Barack Obama's momentous inauguration as President of the USA. We are also present at his dramatic meetings with Saddam Hussein (the first and only one by a British television correspondent) and Muammar Gaddafi.

Engaging, intimate, and moving, this is the life story of an exceptional journalist and broadcaster who, over decades, has expertly revealed to us history in the making.

My thoughts...
A fascinating read.
An interesting/risky job.
A brave and bold man.
An inspiration.
A man who has been there a pongiont points in history.

Thought-provoking listen.

Irs ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me! 🤓

[Ashutosh SHUKLA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trevor Mcdonald was the news presenter for the ITN networks famous News at ten. The book is really well written, Trevor coming from the background of Media and Entertainment.
He captures the essence of his life, centered around the pivotal events that happened at different times in the world. To name a few.. Bloody Sunday on 1972, US and Britain's invasion of Iraq(citing Saddam Hussein has access to Chemical and Biological weapons, and as a consequence damaging the fabric of the Middle Eastern nation forever), South Africa's Apartheid revolution.
He takes a closer look at all of these events and cites the part he played and arriving at the TRUTHS(which are inevitably many).
He starts the book from a personal view of a West Indian, an ex-british colony, and having a lots of similarities with them.
Really interesting read, although I was hoping that as an autiobiography it would have some more details about his spouse and family, that seemed like a missing piece.
A very detailed book about his interactions with people at frontlines of different conflicts, a must read to understand the events, not the author!

[Alysha · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Audiobook*

I'm fairly ashamed that this took me so long to finish - it is certainly a reflection of me, not of Sir Trevor Macdonald!

This is an incredibly interesting account of Sir Trevor's life as a journalist and news presenter. He provides snippets of major stories he covered, and the experiences that these interviews led him to have.

Admittedly, I found the later chapters (on Saddam Hussein, Death Row, and the Italian Mafia) more engaging, but this was purely due to the fact that these are events that I remember and have a greater knowledge of.

His account is very humble -he often mentions how lucky he feels looking back at his life experiences- and leaves you in awe of people that he has come face to face with. The icing on the cake for me was the fact that he reads his autobiography himself; his soothing tones were a common occurance in our house when I was young (and waiting for him to finish, so we could watch Bad Girls...).

[Kate Hendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened on Audio. I thought it an extremely well written memoir, apparently written primarily for his Grandchildren, to give them some context of his extraordinary life. He is very adept at describing his personal emotions aswell as the possible consequences for International relations of the global wars, conflicts, inhumane situations in which he is flown by ITN to report on . He sets the scene of his life by describing his early years in Trinidad , constantly referring to Great Britain as the "Mother " country, and how we let down so many of our Commonwealth equals by not providing them with equal status / citizenship when they emigrated here. He also describes in some detail many of the Political situations surrounding world events, eg invasion of Iraq, , Afghanistan , release of Mandela and the inauguration of Obama. He was a man involved in so so many world events. I was never a fan while he was broadcasting , but gained a huge respect for the man who is Trevor McDonald.

[Graham Brownett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trevor McDonald comes across as a really humble man, a genuine gentleman whose parents gave him the tools and guidance to go on to become a success in his chosen profession. He tells some really interesting stories, especially in Iraq, Russia and South Africa. He first worked in the UK for the BBC World Service and later moved on the ITN where he made his name and became a national treasure.
The book is interesting throughout and well written, however I did finish it with a feeling that there were bits left untold. He expands in detail on half a dozen interviews and interviewees but it leaves huge gaps between them, apart from the Acknowledgements chapter there is little mention or anecdotes about the people he worked with, perhaps there is scope for another book in the future.

[Linda Amos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read a biography for years, but I'm so pleased I picked this one up. Sir Trevor's life may be improbable but it has been very interesting. His recall of meetings with various world figures is quite understated, but all have received respect as well as a few awkward questions. What impressed me most is that, in a world where we cannot always trust the media and their reportage, he has stuck by his principles and said no wherever he can even if it puts him in a sticky wicket. I've always listened to his reports from home and abroad with interest, and have enjoyed his clear explanations of events.
I can recommend this book, and look forward to hearing the next chapter in his life.

[Megan Staunton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m always fascinated to learn about the lives of news presenters; people who we unconsciously let into our homes, who we spend hours listening intently to and whose opinions we’ve come to hold as sacred. People who, because of the consistency they hold in our lives and the familiarity and intimacy of seeing their face everyday we think we know. Listening to Trevor McDonald talk about his life, from career assignments to bold interviews, his opinions on how England treated those of the Windrush generation to condemning things like the Iraq war was both insightful and fascinating, made all the more enjoyable by listening to Trevor’s smooth voice broadcasting this himself.

[Samuel Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After giving a brief overview of his early life in Trinidad and his career up to joining ITN, McDonald delves into detail on a few areas of his journalism rather than trying to cover absolutely everything he has done.

Far from just a narrative account of where he has been and who he has interviewed, he takes time to reflect on the events he reported on and to give his own thoughts on everything from the troubles to the Iraq war, from interviewing Saddam Hussein to travelling around apartheid South Africa.

A fantastic read for anyone interested in journalism and/or international politics. Also a great read for any admirers of this great man. Highly recommended.

[Chris Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having grown up in Britain during the eighties and into the nineties Sir Trevor McDonald was a mainstay of television viewing during that time. His distinctive voice relayed the world's events with clarity and composure. Seeing his career, and indeed his personal views, on the subjects he reported on is fascinating. I thought I had a fair understanding of the work of this broadcaster but naturally I was wrong, there was much more than I could have known. This book is elegantly written by a man of great standing in the world of journalism. His humanity shines through as he relays tales of some of the biggest, and often darkest, moments of the past several decades. Simply, an excellent book.

[Cherryls Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

This autobiography, gives a collection of journalistic memoirs and many of Trevor’s own thoughts and opinions on them.

Accounts from Trevor's career eats up about 90% of the book, as well as snapshots into his childhood, growing up in Trinidad.

An Improbable Life is filled with journalistic tales from various locations and high profile world events, meeting all sorts of high profile world leaders - and it's interesting to hear him reflect on these in his own words, sharing his own opinions.

[Dominik Peksa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sir Trevor, what a man. This book isn’t your typical biography, instead of learning all the fine details about the author’s upbringing you are hurtled in a selection of events that shaped our recent history from as seen by Sir Trevor, a journalist. Obama, Mandela, the Troubles, Black Lives Matter, Windrush Generation scandal, Gaddafi, September 11, Saddam Hussein ... and more, through the eyes of a dreamer who beat the odds by moving to London from Trinidad & Tobago to become globally recognised journalist and a national treasure.

[Abz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trevor McDonald recounts his life through the lens of major events that he reported on. It's a brilliant way of going about an autobiography - there's a bit of history, politics and an insight into the life of a journalist. I'll admit it took me quite a while to get into this book but once I did I was hooked. It was a slow start but I found some chapters intriguing, my favourite being about his time in South Africa and the release of Nelson Mandela.

All in all a good book, don't give up -it gets better.