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You Don't Know Me
It's easy to judge between right and wrong . . . Isn't it?
An unnamed defendant stands accused of murder.
The evidence is overwhelming. But just before the Closing Speeches, the young man sacks his lawyer, and gives his own defence speech. It is about the woman he loves, who got into terrible trouble. It's about how he risked everything to save her.
His barrister told him not to tell the full story.
Now, as he talks us through the eight pieces of evidence against him, his life is in our hands. We, the reader - member of the jury - must keep an open mind.
He swears he's innocent.
But in the end, all that matters is: Do you believe him?
An unnamed defendant stands accused of murder.
The evidence is overwhelming. But just before the Closing Speeches, the young man sacks his lawyer, and gives his own defence speech. It is about the woman he loves, who got into terrible trouble. It's about how he risked everything to save her.
His barrister told him not to tell the full story.
Now, as he talks us through the eight pieces of evidence against him, his life is in our hands. We, the reader - member of the jury - must keep an open mind.
He swears he's innocent.
But in the end, all that matters is: Do you believe him?
400 pages, Paperback
First published May 4, 2017
186 people are currently reading
3469 people want to read
About the author
Imran Mahmood
7 books266 followers Imran Mahmood was born in Liverpool in 1969 to first generation Pakistani parents. He has been working on the criminal bar in London for over 20 years and regularly appears in jury trials across the country dealing in serious and complex criminal cases.
He now lives in South East London with his wife and is currently plotting a second novel.
He now lives in South East London with his wife and is currently plotting a second novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 462 reviews
March 26, 2017
I had no previous knowledge of either the author or the book itself but having read the description while browsing on Net Galley felt compelled to know more.
The book features an unnamed defendant standing accused of murder, having sacked his lawyer just before the Closing Speeches. He decides to defend himself and tell all the truth even if it may harm his defence. There are eight pieces of evidence against him and as he talks us through them one by one, his life is in our hands. We, the reader and the members of the jury must keep an open mind till we hear the end of his story. His defence raises many questions, but did he do it?
This is a fascinating book that is very different to the style of books that are very popular at the moment. I enjoy the other books also but this book was an excellent debut novel by an author I am sure we will hear more of in the future. If you fancy reading something a little different then this is worth reading. A thought provoking book that is well written and keeps you guessing.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Penguin UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The book features an unnamed defendant standing accused of murder, having sacked his lawyer just before the Closing Speeches. He decides to defend himself and tell all the truth even if it may harm his defence. There are eight pieces of evidence against him and as he talks us through them one by one, his life is in our hands. We, the reader and the members of the jury must keep an open mind till we hear the end of his story. His defence raises many questions, but did he do it?
This is a fascinating book that is very different to the style of books that are very popular at the moment. I enjoy the other books also but this book was an excellent debut novel by an author I am sure we will hear more of in the future. If you fancy reading something a little different then this is worth reading. A thought provoking book that is well written and keeps you guessing.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Penguin UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2017
Once in a while you read a book that not only gets under your skin, but it leaves your breathless and gasping out loud. You Don’t Know Me is an incredible debut novel. Told entirely through Court Transcripts – a young man charged with murder sacks his lawyer and tells his defence story in his own voice to the jury over a period of ten days. Covering gang culture and social issues, our young narrator breathes life in his story and brings it vividly into the readers imagination. Keeping the reader interested for over 400 pages highlights the skill of this author. A truly fascinating, enthralling , thought provoking book which will stay in my thoughts for a long time. My thanks to the publisher Michael Joseph and Netgalley for the ARC.
June 1, 2017
An unnamed man stands accused of murder. Just before the closing speeches, the man sacks his lawyer and decide to give his own defence. We are told his barrister told him to leave some things out, but he thinks if he is going down for life, he might as well go down for telling the truth. With eight pieces of evidence against him, he takes us through piece one by one.
We never learn the name of the young man who stands accused of murdering a gang member. The evidence seems to prove the young man's guilt. However the more evidence we read the narrator got into my head and under my skin. The characters have all got a huge background that tells us exactly why they were involved in the case. As soon as I read the description for the book I knew I wanted to read it. With characters are believable I found this to be a thought provoking book and one that I will still be thinking about for a while after finishing it.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and the author Imran Mahmood for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
We never learn the name of the young man who stands accused of murdering a gang member. The evidence seems to prove the young man's guilt. However the more evidence we read the narrator got into my head and under my skin. The characters have all got a huge background that tells us exactly why they were involved in the case. As soon as I read the description for the book I knew I wanted to read it. With characters are believable I found this to be a thought provoking book and one that I will still be thinking about for a while after finishing it.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and the author Imran Mahmood for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2017
You Don't Know Me has an interesting premise well executed, a terrifically strong and authentic character voice and an intriguing and compelling story.
Its a little early to write up a full review I'll be featuring this on the blog nearer to publication, but I loved it for its differences, the fact that the reader is the jury for this one and whilst I felt the ending was slightly weaker than the rest, overall this was an entirely gripping narrative that you just want to binge read to the end. That is in fact exactly what I did. Beautifully done.
Clever. One to watch in June. In fact June is shaping up to be a top bookish month.
Its a little early to write up a full review I'll be featuring this on the blog nearer to publication, but I loved it for its differences, the fact that the reader is the jury for this one and whilst I felt the ending was slightly weaker than the rest, overall this was an entirely gripping narrative that you just want to binge read to the end. That is in fact exactly what I did. Beautifully done.
Clever. One to watch in June. In fact June is shaping up to be a top bookish month.
March 26, 2017
Perfection.
May 2, 2017
You can find all my reviews on www.itsbooktalk.com
The premise of this book really drew me in! The idea that someone would fire their lawyer before closing arguments in their murder trial and decide to give their own interested me. There are so many aspects of the criminal justice system that I have issues with that I thought a book about a defendant speaking out for themselves was something right up my alley.
We are immediately introduced to the defendant who remains unnamed the entire book. I thought I'd have a problem with this because I worried I might not connect or be able to picture him in my head without a name but that really wasn't the case at all. His voice and personality immediately struck me as realistic and pulled me into his story. He has decided he wants to tell the whole truth and nothing but...this is against the advice of his lawyer who seems to believe the truth will hurt his case. The defendant lays out the 8 key pieces of evidence against him and proceeds to go over each one explaining, in great detail and backstory for many, the "truth" behind the supposed evidence. The reader gets to be a part of the jury...are his versions of the "truth" to be believed?
As he begins detailing the pieces of evidence we begin to get a feel for his life and what led to his currently being charged with murder. What we hear includes racism, poverty, drugs, girlfriends, and quite a bit of dealings with gangs and the gang subculture. The defendant speaks using colloquial language and lots of urban street slang which on the one hand made him feel like an authentic character but on the other hand it started to make me wish I could hear from someone else. Which doesn't happen. The entire book is told in the first person and we only hear from the defendant. While initially I enjoyed this narrative structure, by about 35% into the story I felt myself becoming slightly annoyed with the constant, repetitive use of certain words like "innit" and the very detailed backstories started to bore me quite honestly. As the story went on, I found my mind wandering and I started skimming which is never a good sign.
Overall, this story started off so strong for me but lost steam by the halfway point and I never regained my interest. And the ending....not at all what I expected...don't get me started on that! What I'll say is that the author took a great risk with this narrative structure and story which I appreciate and while it didn't work for me, I'm very much in the minority because there are many highly rated reviews on Goodreads. If you're looking for a uniquely told story you might want to give this a try.
The premise of this book really drew me in! The idea that someone would fire their lawyer before closing arguments in their murder trial and decide to give their own interested me. There are so many aspects of the criminal justice system that I have issues with that I thought a book about a defendant speaking out for themselves was something right up my alley.
We are immediately introduced to the defendant who remains unnamed the entire book. I thought I'd have a problem with this because I worried I might not connect or be able to picture him in my head without a name but that really wasn't the case at all. His voice and personality immediately struck me as realistic and pulled me into his story. He has decided he wants to tell the whole truth and nothing but...this is against the advice of his lawyer who seems to believe the truth will hurt his case. The defendant lays out the 8 key pieces of evidence against him and proceeds to go over each one explaining, in great detail and backstory for many, the "truth" behind the supposed evidence. The reader gets to be a part of the jury...are his versions of the "truth" to be believed?
As he begins detailing the pieces of evidence we begin to get a feel for his life and what led to his currently being charged with murder. What we hear includes racism, poverty, drugs, girlfriends, and quite a bit of dealings with gangs and the gang subculture. The defendant speaks using colloquial language and lots of urban street slang which on the one hand made him feel like an authentic character but on the other hand it started to make me wish I could hear from someone else. Which doesn't happen. The entire book is told in the first person and we only hear from the defendant. While initially I enjoyed this narrative structure, by about 35% into the story I felt myself becoming slightly annoyed with the constant, repetitive use of certain words like "innit" and the very detailed backstories started to bore me quite honestly. As the story went on, I found my mind wandering and I started skimming which is never a good sign.
Overall, this story started off so strong for me but lost steam by the halfway point and I never regained my interest. And the ending....not at all what I expected...don't get me started on that! What I'll say is that the author took a great risk with this narrative structure and story which I appreciate and while it didn't work for me, I'm very much in the minority because there are many highly rated reviews on Goodreads. If you're looking for a uniquely told story you might want to give this a try.
March 17, 2017
6/10
What sounded like a really interesting prospect ended up being an above average legal thriller but not much more. I very rarely, if ever, request a title by an author I’ve never heard of or want to read but the premise of this hooked me so I took the plunge.
I had in my mind this would be more like a cross examination rather than a closing statement. I was thinking more Keyser Soze chit chat than young gangster monologue. The fact that the story unfolds from one viewpoint sort of makes it feel more straight down the line rather than a dodgy narrator trying to convince you and letting you make up your own mind. Only at the 95% mark is the opposition allowed to throw suspicion on the story and I feel this was a missed opportunity. If it was the witness on the stand and you were left to decide after both lawyers had given their best then it would have been an awesome idea.
This was still an interesting read about gang life in London and how some people don’t have the options to avoid it. But it felt a little lightweight. Never do you get the sense of danger for the main guy as you know, with it being in the past, that he comes out of it ok as he’s telling the story. I wasn’t overly convinced with the ending but I guess that was to allow you to throw suspicion on what was being said. One thing I was unsure of was why a judge would allow so much swearing in a closing statement. Little things.
I’d be interested to hear other peoples viewpoints of the book as it might just be my let down that didn’t allow me to fully invest in this. I would read more from the author so it wasn’t a waste of time.
I received a free copy from NetGalley
What sounded like a really interesting prospect ended up being an above average legal thriller but not much more. I very rarely, if ever, request a title by an author I’ve never heard of or want to read but the premise of this hooked me so I took the plunge.
I had in my mind this would be more like a cross examination rather than a closing statement. I was thinking more Keyser Soze chit chat than young gangster monologue. The fact that the story unfolds from one viewpoint sort of makes it feel more straight down the line rather than a dodgy narrator trying to convince you and letting you make up your own mind. Only at the 95% mark is the opposition allowed to throw suspicion on the story and I feel this was a missed opportunity. If it was the witness on the stand and you were left to decide after both lawyers had given their best then it would have been an awesome idea.
This was still an interesting read about gang life in London and how some people don’t have the options to avoid it. But it felt a little lightweight. Never do you get the sense of danger for the main guy as you know, with it being in the past, that he comes out of it ok as he’s telling the story. I wasn’t overly convinced with the ending but I guess that was to allow you to throw suspicion on what was being said. One thing I was unsure of was why a judge would allow so much swearing in a closing statement. Little things.
I’d be interested to hear other peoples viewpoints of the book as it might just be my let down that didn’t allow me to fully invest in this. I would read more from the author so it wasn’t a waste of time.
I received a free copy from NetGalley
August 13, 2017
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Ah, I feel so torn with this one. It was a book that I really wanted to love, and that I thought I was going to love. It was, after all, a courtroom drama, and I love those. To be honest though, I battled with this read.
Basically, this story is written as one long monologue. The defendant is giving his closing argument in his own trial after having fired his advocate. The way that the story is written didn't totally grab me. I would have enjoyed the whole experience much more if the structure had been different. I think the story would have been so much more engaging if the defendant had been in the witness box, giving evidence. Both advocates could have been asking questions, the defendant answering them and the reader left to decide whether they believed the defendant's version of events. Instead, the monologue seemed exceptionally long and drawn out.
This is another issue that I had. The monologue and in turn, the book itself, was too long. In real life, a closing argument would never last for the length of time that this one did. It just doesn't happen that way. And the language used by the defendant would never be allowed either. In real life, a court room is a very serious place, with tradition, a judge that everyone respects and a very intimidating atmosphere. In this story, the defendant, in using "street" language, swore at various times and throughout the monologue. As a reader, I have no issue with swearing, but in this case, it was unrealistic. It wouldn't happen in a real court. Every now and again, the defendant would apologise to the judge, but most of the time he didn't.
And lastly, I did battle with the "street" talk used in this book. I must give the author credit and say that he captured the character of the person perfectly by using this language, but for a girl like me, from a certain background, never having spent any time on the streets, or as part of a gang, the language was difficult. And yes, ultimately this is a story about gangs, street life, violence, drugs and young people growing up on the streets. And that didn't grab me.
Did I like anything about this book? Actually, yes. The author is clearly very talented. He created a main character that was really well formed and clear in my mind. By using street language, the reader is left with a very vivid understanding of who the main character was, and of the world he lived in. The structure of the book was also very different, and a novel concept. I've never read anything else quite like it before. And being innovative is always a good thing, even if it doesn't always work out perfectly.
Although this book wasn't for me, I will read the next book by this author. I think he has definite writing talent. Unfortunately, this story didn't work for me as I found it too long, a little dull and I couldn't relate to the whole gang vibe, but that doesn't mean that I wouldn't give this author a second chance. Something about his writing appeals to me, so I'll try one more.
My Rating: * *
Publication Date: July 2017 (South Africa)
Genre: Courtroom drama
Format: Trade paperback
Source: Review copy received from the publisher. Many thanks to author, Imran Mahmood and Penguin Random House SA for my copy.
Ah, I feel so torn with this one. It was a book that I really wanted to love, and that I thought I was going to love. It was, after all, a courtroom drama, and I love those. To be honest though, I battled with this read.
Basically, this story is written as one long monologue. The defendant is giving his closing argument in his own trial after having fired his advocate. The way that the story is written didn't totally grab me. I would have enjoyed the whole experience much more if the structure had been different. I think the story would have been so much more engaging if the defendant had been in the witness box, giving evidence. Both advocates could have been asking questions, the defendant answering them and the reader left to decide whether they believed the defendant's version of events. Instead, the monologue seemed exceptionally long and drawn out.
This is another issue that I had. The monologue and in turn, the book itself, was too long. In real life, a closing argument would never last for the length of time that this one did. It just doesn't happen that way. And the language used by the defendant would never be allowed either. In real life, a court room is a very serious place, with tradition, a judge that everyone respects and a very intimidating atmosphere. In this story, the defendant, in using "street" language, swore at various times and throughout the monologue. As a reader, I have no issue with swearing, but in this case, it was unrealistic. It wouldn't happen in a real court. Every now and again, the defendant would apologise to the judge, but most of the time he didn't.
And lastly, I did battle with the "street" talk used in this book. I must give the author credit and say that he captured the character of the person perfectly by using this language, but for a girl like me, from a certain background, never having spent any time on the streets, or as part of a gang, the language was difficult. And yes, ultimately this is a story about gangs, street life, violence, drugs and young people growing up on the streets. And that didn't grab me.
Did I like anything about this book? Actually, yes. The author is clearly very talented. He created a main character that was really well formed and clear in my mind. By using street language, the reader is left with a very vivid understanding of who the main character was, and of the world he lived in. The structure of the book was also very different, and a novel concept. I've never read anything else quite like it before. And being innovative is always a good thing, even if it doesn't always work out perfectly.
Although this book wasn't for me, I will read the next book by this author. I think he has definite writing talent. Unfortunately, this story didn't work for me as I found it too long, a little dull and I couldn't relate to the whole gang vibe, but that doesn't mean that I wouldn't give this author a second chance. Something about his writing appeals to me, so I'll try one more.
My Rating: * *
Publication Date: July 2017 (South Africa)
Genre: Courtroom drama
Format: Trade paperback
Source: Review copy received from the publisher. Many thanks to author, Imran Mahmood and Penguin Random House SA for my copy.
August 27, 2018
Comecei a ler «Vocês Não Me Conhecem» sem qualquer expectativa, mas acabei presa às suas páginas do início ao fim!
Original em mais do que um sentido, o livro traz-nos a história de um jovem acusado de homicídio que apresenta, ao tribunal e a nós, a sua defesa. Sendo ele proveniente de um ambiente social comprometido e criminoso, onde as escolhas são, desde cedo, condicionadas pela necessidade de sobreviver, este jovem tem também o preconceito a dificultar a sua tarefa.
Gostei muito do desafio que Imran Mahmood criou para nós neste livro. Adorei acompanhar a história fazendo os meus juízos de valor e tirando as minhas próprias conclusões… e o final - ainda que frustrante a início - completa a fantástica experiência que é ler «Vocês Não Me Conhecem».
Original em mais do que um sentido, o livro traz-nos a história de um jovem acusado de homicídio que apresenta, ao tribunal e a nós, a sua defesa. Sendo ele proveniente de um ambiente social comprometido e criminoso, onde as escolhas são, desde cedo, condicionadas pela necessidade de sobreviver, este jovem tem também o preconceito a dificultar a sua tarefa.
Gostei muito do desafio que Imran Mahmood criou para nós neste livro. Adorei acompanhar a história fazendo os meus juízos de valor e tirando as minhas próprias conclusões… e o final - ainda que frustrante a início - completa a fantástica experiência que é ler «Vocês Não Me Conhecem».
February 25, 2017
I love books hat tell a story in an unusual way, and You Don't Know Me is masterfully told by a young man on trial for murder, giving his final closing speech to the jury. It tackles many very real social issues that are often glossed over or ignored, because if it's not happening to you, why should you care? It delves into gang culture in a realistic and relatable way (kudos to the author for his research!). And shows how you can never really know or judge a person unless you've walked in their shoes. Expertly and poignantly narrated and a compelling read. Did he do it? Only you can decide!
Read
April 29, 2021DNF @ 63%
March 9, 2018
My Thoughts
First, I must congratulate the cover designer. The black, white and grey colour scheme adds additional brownie points and nudges the reader to pick up the book, following the initial intrigue generated by the blurb. Life is never black and white and I wanted to delve into all the ‘greys’ of the characters, right away. Also, I have to congratulate Imran Mahmood for writing a book in an unconventional format. The entire story is a first person monologue narrated by the defendant as a closing speech. The author did it with utmost ease and eloquence. Kudos to that!
Story
The story opens with the defendant sacking his QC a day before the closing speeches and decides to deliver it himself. There are eight pieces of evidence and the defendant discusses each one as he takes us through the lives of the three main characters and their back stories. He justifies how the evidence provided thus far could just be circumstantial. Along the process the narrator at times even self-incriminates. Then why does the narrator do it? You have to read the story to know the answer to the question.
From the very beginning the story is a riot with dark, uncanny reality of gangs, guns, drugs, prostitution, and how convoluted the justice system and its workings are. The writer takes us through the eerie lanes of crime and shows us how organized everything is, just like a war with stringent hierarchy! The blurb above says it all and so will not go into it.
Complete review @ http://www.literateidiotsclub.com/boo...
First, I must congratulate the cover designer. The black, white and grey colour scheme adds additional brownie points and nudges the reader to pick up the book, following the initial intrigue generated by the blurb. Life is never black and white and I wanted to delve into all the ‘greys’ of the characters, right away. Also, I have to congratulate Imran Mahmood for writing a book in an unconventional format. The entire story is a first person monologue narrated by the defendant as a closing speech. The author did it with utmost ease and eloquence. Kudos to that!
Story
The story opens with the defendant sacking his QC a day before the closing speeches and decides to deliver it himself. There are eight pieces of evidence and the defendant discusses each one as he takes us through the lives of the three main characters and their back stories. He justifies how the evidence provided thus far could just be circumstantial. Along the process the narrator at times even self-incriminates. Then why does the narrator do it? You have to read the story to know the answer to the question.
From the very beginning the story is a riot with dark, uncanny reality of gangs, guns, drugs, prostitution, and how convoluted the justice system and its workings are. The writer takes us through the eerie lanes of crime and shows us how organized everything is, just like a war with stringent hierarchy! The blurb above says it all and so will not go into it.
Complete review @ http://www.literateidiotsclub.com/boo...
February 10, 2018
I picked up this book because I was in the mood for a legal thriller, and it was just what I was looking for even though it was totally different from any other courtroom drama I’ve read. For one, it’s told completely in the first person, in the voice of a defendant on trial for murder. Most legal thrillers take the multiple perspectives approach, showing the players on both sides of the case, so I was curious to see how the author would pull off such a limited narrative. Trust me--it totally works!
Added bonus: the narrator’s voice was completely new to me: a young British man accused of murdering a gang member. I didn’t realize until reading this book that I have always thought of inner-city gangs as an American thing, so this book broadened my perspective and made me eager to learn more about urban British culture as it is today, as opposed to the Downton Abbey-ish British culture represented in most of the books and movies I’ve encountered. I loved all the slang and the cadence of the defendant’s words as he argued his innocence.
The text of the novel itself is made up of the defendant’s closing statement to the jury. He has abruptly fired his lawyer and says he wants to tell the whole truth of what happened. His lawyer advised him to leave some things out when he testified, but the narrator now thinks if he can lay himself bare and help the jury get to know him and his life, they’ll come to believe in his innocence. This structure was super fun for me as a reader--let’s be honest, who doesn’t love judging people? No spoilers here, but I will say that by the end, while I may not have bought every detail of his story, I definitely felt like the character had become a real person to me, guilty or not.
More book recommendations by me at www.readingwithhippos.com
Added bonus: the narrator’s voice was completely new to me: a young British man accused of murdering a gang member. I didn’t realize until reading this book that I have always thought of inner-city gangs as an American thing, so this book broadened my perspective and made me eager to learn more about urban British culture as it is today, as opposed to the Downton Abbey-ish British culture represented in most of the books and movies I’ve encountered. I loved all the slang and the cadence of the defendant’s words as he argued his innocence.
The text of the novel itself is made up of the defendant’s closing statement to the jury. He has abruptly fired his lawyer and says he wants to tell the whole truth of what happened. His lawyer advised him to leave some things out when he testified, but the narrator now thinks if he can lay himself bare and help the jury get to know him and his life, they’ll come to believe in his innocence. This structure was super fun for me as a reader--let’s be honest, who doesn’t love judging people? No spoilers here, but I will say that by the end, while I may not have bought every detail of his story, I definitely felt like the character had become a real person to me, guilty or not.
More book recommendations by me at www.readingwithhippos.com
July 26, 2022
Série na Netflix
December 11, 2017
This book had me hooked immediately, it's original, thought provoking and I was staggered that this was a debut - the writing, structure and pacing is spot on!
Going against the advice of his barrister the narrator decides to tell his truthful version of events, making his own closing speech to the judge and jury in a murder trial. Taking several days, he goes over each piece of the damming evidence of the prosecution to tell us his 'truths'. We learn about his upbringing, his friends, the lure of the gangs to young underprivileged youths, the brutality of the big players and the love he has for a gentle book loving young woman.
As a reader you are the judge and jury - what is the right verdict? A graphic, brutal and touching conundrum.
4.5 stars and I will be looking out for more from Imran Mahmood
Going against the advice of his barrister the narrator decides to tell his truthful version of events, making his own closing speech to the judge and jury in a murder trial. Taking several days, he goes over each piece of the damming evidence of the prosecution to tell us his 'truths'. We learn about his upbringing, his friends, the lure of the gangs to young underprivileged youths, the brutality of the big players and the love he has for a gentle book loving young woman.
As a reader you are the judge and jury - what is the right verdict? A graphic, brutal and touching conundrum.
4.5 stars and I will be looking out for more from Imran Mahmood
August 11, 2020
When I first heard about this book I thought it sounded so good. Couldn't get it around here so I had to order from eBay. Finally got to it and I have to say I am a little disappointed.
I liked that he was getting a chance to tell his side of the story and that everything isn't always as it seems. It was just so long winded at times. The language was hard to follow at times and the ending....what was that?
I liked that he was getting a chance to tell his side of the story and that everything isn't always as it seems. It was just so long winded at times. The language was hard to follow at times and the ending....what was that?
June 20, 2017
Book reviews on www.snazzybooks.com
You Don’t Know Me is a novel with a really interesting-sounding storyline but one which I unfortunately just didn’t get on with. The way the story told is unique – the defendant seems to have decided to represent himself and is giving his own closing speech at his trail. We hear the story of what led up to the shooting and murder that he’s on trial for as he tells the jury, often stopping to interact with them or comment on their reactions. I liked that this was a different method of storytelling and it meant that I was really interested at the beginning of the novel.
The story felt a little too long, and though there was plenty happening I felt that the narrative just dragged a little unfortunately. I suppose I expect there to be more of a ‘reveal’ as to what happened and why, but it felt like the narrative had a lot of detail that didn’t really tell me much or explain that much even about the defendant himself. I lost interest in the story around half way through and unfortunately didn’t find myself particularly intrigued, even in the last few pages with what is bound to be a rather controversial ending! The language is very informal, which in itself I have no problem with – however I did find it hard to stay focussed sometimes.
This is definitely something a little different but it just didn’t work for me and it failed to keep my interest. However I’ve seen lots of great reviews from others so it will like be a big success for some, just not for me.
Rating: 2.5/5 bumped to 3/5
Many thanks to the publisher, Michael Joseph, for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
You Don’t Know Me is a novel with a really interesting-sounding storyline but one which I unfortunately just didn’t get on with. The way the story told is unique – the defendant seems to have decided to represent himself and is giving his own closing speech at his trail. We hear the story of what led up to the shooting and murder that he’s on trial for as he tells the jury, often stopping to interact with them or comment on their reactions. I liked that this was a different method of storytelling and it meant that I was really interested at the beginning of the novel.
The story felt a little too long, and though there was plenty happening I felt that the narrative just dragged a little unfortunately. I suppose I expect there to be more of a ‘reveal’ as to what happened and why, but it felt like the narrative had a lot of detail that didn’t really tell me much or explain that much even about the defendant himself. I lost interest in the story around half way through and unfortunately didn’t find myself particularly intrigued, even in the last few pages with what is bound to be a rather controversial ending! The language is very informal, which in itself I have no problem with – however I did find it hard to stay focussed sometimes.
This is definitely something a little different but it just didn’t work for me and it failed to keep my interest. However I’ve seen lots of great reviews from others so it will like be a big success for some, just not for me.
Rating: 2.5/5 bumped to 3/5
Many thanks to the publisher, Michael Joseph, for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
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September 26, 2017ou Don’t Know Me is one book I’d been waiting to read when I’d heard the buzz surrounding it. Essentially, it is a legal thriller, but it is written in a very unusual style if you were to compare it to others in a similar genre.
We meet the defendant, unnamed, and accused of murder. Having fired his lawyer, he decides to give his own account of what happened. Eight pieces of evidence are used in the case, and the defendant talks the jury, and the reader, through each one.
Told in the first person, using his own colloquialisms, You Don’t Know Me is a very different book. The defendant takes us through how he ended up in the dock accused of murder. His tale is an epic one, with so many different characters being brought into the narrative.
Gang culture, morality and murder are all addressed in the defendants speech. How he got to where he is now is just one of the avenues explored in his testimony. The defendant is the only voice (until the end) and the reader comes to know him a little bit more through every monologue he gives.
You Don’t Know Me is different, and odd, but it is very compelling to read. Did he do it? Why is he there? Ultimately, the reader is left with some unanswered questions but the author has written a very clever novel. It is evident that he comes from a legal background.
Compulsive, clever, and more than a little frustrating at times, You Don’t Know Me is divisive, and definitely one to watch.
Recommended!
We meet the defendant, unnamed, and accused of murder. Having fired his lawyer, he decides to give his own account of what happened. Eight pieces of evidence are used in the case, and the defendant talks the jury, and the reader, through each one.
Told in the first person, using his own colloquialisms, You Don’t Know Me is a very different book. The defendant takes us through how he ended up in the dock accused of murder. His tale is an epic one, with so many different characters being brought into the narrative.
Gang culture, morality and murder are all addressed in the defendants speech. How he got to where he is now is just one of the avenues explored in his testimony. The defendant is the only voice (until the end) and the reader comes to know him a little bit more through every monologue he gives.
You Don’t Know Me is different, and odd, but it is very compelling to read. Did he do it? Why is he there? Ultimately, the reader is left with some unanswered questions but the author has written a very clever novel. It is evident that he comes from a legal background.
Compulsive, clever, and more than a little frustrating at times, You Don’t Know Me is divisive, and definitely one to watch.
Recommended!
April 1, 2017
https://anaslair.wordpress.com/2017/0...
You Don't Know Me was a curious, new experience that took me a while to get into but once I did I was hooked. The narrative style is unlike anything I have read, with so many colloquial expressions. Stuff like 'Blood, you coming to my yard, innit?' I don't know, I am making it up but yeah those words were all used in the book.
I don't know if young black people talk like that in England but after I got used to it I was entranced.
It got a bit repetitive, especially with the defendant asking to jury to have patience because there is a lot he needs to tell but that is all part of the character. He was a really well-built one. This unnamed young man obviously doesn't have much education but he can stay stuff like She was never going to get over it, just like you never really get over a death. All that happens is that the sorrow gets older. It's like a light that gets fader and fader. One day after years have passed maybe the sorrow is too covered in dust to see properly see what it is but it is still there. It's just harder to see.
He has a passion for cars and has made an honest living of them. He is not involved in a gang but people around him are and he is dragged into a plot that he didn't really choose.
I couldn't help feeling sorry for the guy because I am not sure how believable all that stuff is but that is part of the story - he is telling you his version of what happened and it is up to you to believe him or not.
Still, there was a few things I am still not sure I can buy, starting with a 10-day closing speech. I don't have information on whether that is possible but it doesn't seem like it, does it?
This book is thought-provoking and defies any prejudices the reader may have. It forces you not to stereotype this young man and really look at him as a person whose life is dependant on your / the jury's opinion on him. He tells you a story and, in the end, you decide if he lives or dies.
It is a truly compelling book and I highly recommend it.
Disclaimer: I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
You Don't Know Me was a curious, new experience that took me a while to get into but once I did I was hooked. The narrative style is unlike anything I have read, with so many colloquial expressions. Stuff like 'Blood, you coming to my yard, innit?' I don't know, I am making it up but yeah those words were all used in the book.
I don't know if young black people talk like that in England but after I got used to it I was entranced.
It got a bit repetitive, especially with the defendant asking to jury to have patience because there is a lot he needs to tell but that is all part of the character. He was a really well-built one. This unnamed young man obviously doesn't have much education but he can stay stuff like She was never going to get over it, just like you never really get over a death. All that happens is that the sorrow gets older. It's like a light that gets fader and fader. One day after years have passed maybe the sorrow is too covered in dust to see properly see what it is but it is still there. It's just harder to see.
He has a passion for cars and has made an honest living of them. He is not involved in a gang but people around him are and he is dragged into a plot that he didn't really choose.
I couldn't help feeling sorry for the guy because I am not sure how believable all that stuff is but that is part of the story - he is telling you his version of what happened and it is up to you to believe him or not.
Still, there was a few things I am still not sure I can buy, starting with a 10-day closing speech. I don't have information on whether that is possible but it doesn't seem like it, does it?
This book is thought-provoking and defies any prejudices the reader may have. It forces you not to stereotype this young man and really look at him as a person whose life is dependant on your / the jury's opinion on him. He tells you a story and, in the end, you decide if he lives or dies.
It is a truly compelling book and I highly recommend it.
Disclaimer: I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 27, 2017
Wow. What a great read, brilliantly written. It's great to read something with a fresh and different style. Although nothing like The Help, it reminded me of it insofar as it is also written in a particular vernacular, which I thought I might find tiring as a non-Brit, but didn't due I think to the talent of the author. This is a book I would never have assumed I would enjoy, on a subject matter (London gangs and drug scene) I would usually run a mile from, but I am glad I took a chance to read and review it. Although grittier than Tuesday Falling, I can imagine the same readership enjoying both books. I hope the (barrister) author uses his professional life to shape another novel soon - maybe on a completely different topic with totally different characters? I bet he would make a great job of it. 5 stars.
September 17, 2018
Refreshingly different approach. I am glad I listened to the audio version as you really feel you are in the jury listening to the defendant giving you his story.
May 30, 2017
I like a good legal drama/thriller so You Don’t Know Me was always going to be a book I just had to read, and I was very intrigued by the premise of the reader being a member of the jury. On trial for murder, the unknown defendant sacks his barrister just before the closing speeches and closes the trial himself. His reason for doing this … his barrister had told him to omit the truth.
I loved the unique way You Don’t Know Me is narrated. Mahmood uses the second person throughout so you really get the sense of being a member of the jury as the main character addresses you throughout. Not an easy style to pull off but Mahmood manages it with ease. As the defendant describes his life on the periphery of gang culture, his voice comes across as authentic and genuine with the use of gang slang words. It is clear that Mahmood has undertaken a lot of research in order to make You Don’t Know Me believable.
We do not find out the name or age of the defendant and omitting these details from the book is something I really liked. It makes the narrator enigmatic and intriguing, allowing your imagination to rule, and your ideas and feelings towards them constantly change as the story is unveiled. It also serves to ensure you are guided completely by the story that the narrator is telling and not caught up in any assumptions about the narrator that may occur if these details and descriptions were made available. You are completely reliant on the points of evidence the prosecution team have put forward and the defendant’s explanation for them. Of course, it also fits in perfectly with the title.
Mahmood’s experience as a barrister shines through the pages and many questions are raised in respect of our current justice system. While the jury system represents a fair trial by your peers, can this ever truly be the case? As the narrator describes a life that I am aware of via the media but have no direct experience of, can a jury ever be truly representative of your peers? It therefore begs the question as to whether or not this is really a fair system. The manipulation of evidence by the prosecution and defence is also apparent throughout this book. The defendant fired his barrister as he wanted him to omit parts of the truth and yet we are told to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. You Don’t Know Me also raises moral questions in relation to whether murder can ever be justified or understood. Mahmood has written a thought-provoking book as well as a great thriller.
As the defendant’s story progresses you are pulled wholeheartedly into the tale and what the defendant states is the truth about the murder. As all the pieces finally appear to fall into place I was shocked and stunned by the eventual conclusion. But can we believe what we have been told?
You Don’t Know Me is a great debut. Mahmood has written a thought-provoking page-turner that is unique, intriguing, believable and compelling. Guilty or innocent? What will your verdict be?
A huge thank you to Imran Mahmood, Michael Joseph and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.
I loved the unique way You Don’t Know Me is narrated. Mahmood uses the second person throughout so you really get the sense of being a member of the jury as the main character addresses you throughout. Not an easy style to pull off but Mahmood manages it with ease. As the defendant describes his life on the periphery of gang culture, his voice comes across as authentic and genuine with the use of gang slang words. It is clear that Mahmood has undertaken a lot of research in order to make You Don’t Know Me believable.
We do not find out the name or age of the defendant and omitting these details from the book is something I really liked. It makes the narrator enigmatic and intriguing, allowing your imagination to rule, and your ideas and feelings towards them constantly change as the story is unveiled. It also serves to ensure you are guided completely by the story that the narrator is telling and not caught up in any assumptions about the narrator that may occur if these details and descriptions were made available. You are completely reliant on the points of evidence the prosecution team have put forward and the defendant’s explanation for them. Of course, it also fits in perfectly with the title.
Mahmood’s experience as a barrister shines through the pages and many questions are raised in respect of our current justice system. While the jury system represents a fair trial by your peers, can this ever truly be the case? As the narrator describes a life that I am aware of via the media but have no direct experience of, can a jury ever be truly representative of your peers? It therefore begs the question as to whether or not this is really a fair system. The manipulation of evidence by the prosecution and defence is also apparent throughout this book. The defendant fired his barrister as he wanted him to omit parts of the truth and yet we are told to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. You Don’t Know Me also raises moral questions in relation to whether murder can ever be justified or understood. Mahmood has written a thought-provoking book as well as a great thriller.
As the defendant’s story progresses you are pulled wholeheartedly into the tale and what the defendant states is the truth about the murder. As all the pieces finally appear to fall into place I was shocked and stunned by the eventual conclusion. But can we believe what we have been told?
You Don’t Know Me is a great debut. Mahmood has written a thought-provoking page-turner that is unique, intriguing, believable and compelling. Guilty or innocent? What will your verdict be?
A huge thank you to Imran Mahmood, Michael Joseph and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.
June 27, 2021
Subcultura sau cultura gastilor dezvaluie un labirint in care faptele se succed cu rapiditate. Totul se bazeaza pe impuls si pe instinctul primar de a apara persoana iubita. Dar fara un plan gandit, asumat, totul e o inlantuire de belele. Poate fi maine mai rau decat azi? Da...
In 2021 se vrea o Europa verde dar nu se vrea o Europa educata pe toate palierele sociale. "Eu, acuzatul" va ramane actual si maine si peste 10 ani. Cat timp flagelul consumului de droguri dainuie, societatea se va schimba doar la suprafata iar puroiul va ramane sub pojghitele pseudo-libertatii.
In 2021 se vrea o Europa verde dar nu se vrea o Europa educata pe toate palierele sociale. "Eu, acuzatul" va ramane actual si maine si peste 10 ani. Cat timp flagelul consumului de droguri dainuie, societatea se va schimba doar la suprafata iar puroiul va ramane sub pojghitele pseudo-libertatii.
May 15, 2017
3.5 stars - As soon I read the synopsis for this book, I knew it was one I had to read, I was so intrigued – a young man fires his lawyer to deliver his own closing speech as he stands trial for murder.
I’m going to dive straight into the nitty gritty of my thoughts…
What I really liked about the narration style is, you really feel like a member of the jury, like the defendant is pleading his case directly to you – you hold the power; the book, the defendant, needs you, and equally you want to make the right decision so you pay close attention – you wouldn’t want to send an innocent man to prison, would you!?
However, at certain times the narration, for me, lost its authenticity and I believe this is purely subjective. This story is set in London and features a lot of street slang, for want of a better way to phrase it, in my personal and professional life, I have a fair insight into the life some young people live in London, how they can get caught up in ‘gang-life’ even if they don’t intend to. The point I’m trying to make is, I didn’t need a translation for the lingo. So, for me when the 10-year-old “gang-members” were referred to as “Tinies”, I was thinking no no no, they refer to them as “Youngers”; and using “vine” to mean gossip, I’ve never heard that one before; you get my drift [I hope]. There were certain times when I thought the language and “code of the streets” was spot on but other times I thought to myself, not quite. Now I am well aware this is my own personal knowledge/experience at play here so while this was an issue for me, I doubt it’ll be a [big] issue for many other readers so don’t put too much weight on my opinion. Also, every area in London uses their own phrases so again, Mahmood is likely spot of but it’s just not matching up with my experience. No two people read the same book so while this, at times, made the story seem false to me, it may well not to others.
I appreciate that the book was written in a colloquial style as if the defendant was talking to us, but at times, this felt really long winded and I don’t think the story needed to be quite so long. And I have to be honest, I didn’t like the ending, I like that it’s left up to the reader to decide but the conclusion of the defendant’s story just didn’t fit with all that came before, in my opinion. This is not the first time I’ve read a book using this colloquial/slang style narration and this one just didn’t stand out for me.
This is a believable story and I particularly liked the relationships displayed of the defendant, his friend, family and “enemies” and I like that some of the defendant’s speech evoked real emotion in me.
“I felt like a demolition building falling to the ground, where it did that collapsing thing. It was like my heart had collapsed from the inside.”
There’s one young person in particular, that immediately came to mind when I read that line. Here, I think the book was really close to home, in the sense, that everyone who knows me well, knows it’s my calling in life to work with 16-25-year-old vulnerable young people so in a way I think this was more than just a book to me, it was the voice of some of the young people I have previously worked with. And I think that clouded my mind a little and stopped me loving this book the way I, perhaps, could have. I do believe, Mahmood did an excellent job portraying just how complicated things can be “on the streets” and unless you’re in that life, you’ll never really understand it.
I realise I’m rambling, overall, I liked this book, I rated it 3.5 stars on Goodreads and if you haven’t read many books that push the boundaries on narration and structure, then I recommend this one. Did I love this book the way I thought I would? Sadly, no. Did the fantastic synopsis cause me to have exceedingly high expectations? Possibly. Would I read more from this author? Absolutely!
*My thanks to the author (Imran Mahmood) and publisher (Michael Joseph) for granting me access to a digital copy of this book via Netgalley*
I’m going to dive straight into the nitty gritty of my thoughts…
What I really liked about the narration style is, you really feel like a member of the jury, like the defendant is pleading his case directly to you – you hold the power; the book, the defendant, needs you, and equally you want to make the right decision so you pay close attention – you wouldn’t want to send an innocent man to prison, would you!?
However, at certain times the narration, for me, lost its authenticity and I believe this is purely subjective. This story is set in London and features a lot of street slang, for want of a better way to phrase it, in my personal and professional life, I have a fair insight into the life some young people live in London, how they can get caught up in ‘gang-life’ even if they don’t intend to. The point I’m trying to make is, I didn’t need a translation for the lingo. So, for me when the 10-year-old “gang-members” were referred to as “Tinies”, I was thinking no no no, they refer to them as “Youngers”; and using “vine” to mean gossip, I’ve never heard that one before; you get my drift [I hope]. There were certain times when I thought the language and “code of the streets” was spot on but other times I thought to myself, not quite. Now I am well aware this is my own personal knowledge/experience at play here so while this was an issue for me, I doubt it’ll be a [big] issue for many other readers so don’t put too much weight on my opinion. Also, every area in London uses their own phrases so again, Mahmood is likely spot of but it’s just not matching up with my experience. No two people read the same book so while this, at times, made the story seem false to me, it may well not to others.
I appreciate that the book was written in a colloquial style as if the defendant was talking to us, but at times, this felt really long winded and I don’t think the story needed to be quite so long. And I have to be honest, I didn’t like the ending, I like that it’s left up to the reader to decide but the conclusion of the defendant’s story just didn’t fit with all that came before, in my opinion. This is not the first time I’ve read a book using this colloquial/slang style narration and this one just didn’t stand out for me.
This is a believable story and I particularly liked the relationships displayed of the defendant, his friend, family and “enemies” and I like that some of the defendant’s speech evoked real emotion in me.
“I felt like a demolition building falling to the ground, where it did that collapsing thing. It was like my heart had collapsed from the inside.”
There’s one young person in particular, that immediately came to mind when I read that line. Here, I think the book was really close to home, in the sense, that everyone who knows me well, knows it’s my calling in life to work with 16-25-year-old vulnerable young people so in a way I think this was more than just a book to me, it was the voice of some of the young people I have previously worked with. And I think that clouded my mind a little and stopped me loving this book the way I, perhaps, could have. I do believe, Mahmood did an excellent job portraying just how complicated things can be “on the streets” and unless you’re in that life, you’ll never really understand it.
I realise I’m rambling, overall, I liked this book, I rated it 3.5 stars on Goodreads and if you haven’t read many books that push the boundaries on narration and structure, then I recommend this one. Did I love this book the way I thought I would? Sadly, no. Did the fantastic synopsis cause me to have exceedingly high expectations? Possibly. Would I read more from this author? Absolutely!
*My thanks to the author (Imran Mahmood) and publisher (Michael Joseph) for granting me access to a digital copy of this book via Netgalley*
October 7, 2017
A solid read about a young man accused of murdering a drug dealing gangster. The novel takes place in London but really could be describing any North American city with gang culture. The author cleverly uses the closing summaries to tell the story of how the protagonist came to be charged with murder and a desperate plea to be found innocent. As a reader, we are charged with the difficult task of determining whether we find him guilty or not.
The story is well written from the protagonist's perspective. It feels like he is actually talking to us, pleading his case. It is also an intricate look at gangster lifestyle and the risks of living amongst it.
The plot had its ups and downs. I found myself engaged for the most part but there were sections that seemed to drag on a bit. It also felt somewhat one dimensional (like that so-so movie that keeps going on and on and you wonder when's it ever going to end?) It probably could have been edited a little more. With that said, the storyline itself had a couple twists and turns that provided good entertainment.
Definitely a uniquely written book worth the time and effort to plunge in to. A sobering story about the realities of people's lives who are faced with poverty, addiction and little opportunity.
The story is well written from the protagonist's perspective. It feels like he is actually talking to us, pleading his case. It is also an intricate look at gangster lifestyle and the risks of living amongst it.
The plot had its ups and downs. I found myself engaged for the most part but there were sections that seemed to drag on a bit. It also felt somewhat one dimensional (like that so-so movie that keeps going on and on and you wonder when's it ever going to end?) It probably could have been edited a little more. With that said, the storyline itself had a couple twists and turns that provided good entertainment.
Definitely a uniquely written book worth the time and effort to plunge in to. A sobering story about the realities of people's lives who are faced with poverty, addiction and little opportunity.
November 1, 2017
The best books draw you in and give you an insight into other lives, letting you in as their story unfolds. You Don't Know Me does this brilliantly, as the narrator builds a picture of his life and the impossible choices that have led up him to be standing in court on a murder charge. A great idea, well executed - and a compelling narrative voice - makes this one really stand out from the pack. Excellent thriller - recommended.
August 6, 2021
I interviewed Imran Mahmood the other day and thought I would try and read a bit of his book before I spoke to him, as I'd heard nothing but good things.
I have now finished it, and it is one of those books, those rare ones that stand out, that will stick in the mind for a long time. It's simply stunning.
Imran is a very well spoken barrister, so it was hard to marry the very 'street' language used throughout this book with that man.
It is told in the first person, from the point of view of the accused in a murder trial. The whole book is his closing speech, but it takes you through the events that led to him being there.
It's such a unique take on a very flooded market. I couldn't stop reading. I felt like Kira and Curt were friends.
You get to almost exactly halfway through, and think it's wrapped up, the answer given, then bam, massive twist and off it goes again. The storyline is believable, it's easy to follow, it's not told using technical legal language and apart from the street language it's an engaging read.
Go and get it, and read it, that's all I can say.
I have now finished it, and it is one of those books, those rare ones that stand out, that will stick in the mind for a long time. It's simply stunning.
Imran is a very well spoken barrister, so it was hard to marry the very 'street' language used throughout this book with that man.
It is told in the first person, from the point of view of the accused in a murder trial. The whole book is his closing speech, but it takes you through the events that led to him being there.
It's such a unique take on a very flooded market. I couldn't stop reading. I felt like Kira and Curt were friends.
You get to almost exactly halfway through, and think it's wrapped up, the answer given, then bam, massive twist and off it goes again. The storyline is believable, it's easy to follow, it's not told using technical legal language and apart from the street language it's an engaging read.
Go and get it, and read it, that's all I can say.
August 26, 2018
The story has a different approach for a murder mystery. I found it kept me interested throughout the entire book.
It gave me some insight what it could be like growing up around a gangland culture. Definitely worth the read
It gave me some insight what it could be like growing up around a gangland culture. Definitely worth the read
November 1, 2021
Audio book This was brilliant. Different, but brilliant. This unknown young man states his case in closing arguments and opens up his world to the courtroom, no holds barred. No whitewash, no excuse for actions, but to prove his innocence and admit to all he did and was prepared to do for the love and safety of a girl. That good men are prepared to do bad things to protect and hold close those they love. We are the jury here. How would we vote?
October 3, 2022
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