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Rather His Own Man

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Rather His Own Man

By: Geoffrey Robertson
Narrated by: Geoffrey Robertson
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About this listen

 In this witty, engrossing and sometimes poignant memoir, a sequel to his best-selling The Justice Game, Australia’s inimitable Geoffrey Robertson charts his progress from pimply state schoolboy to top Old Bailey barrister and thence onwards and upwards to a leading role in the struggle for human rights throughout the world.

He wryly observes the absurdities of growing up as one of ‘Ming’s kids’; the passion of student protest in the sixties and his early crusades for ‘Down Under-dogs’, before leaving on a Rhodes Scholarship to combat the British establishment, with the help of John Mortimer of ‘Rumpole’ fame. There are dramatic accounts of fighting for lives on death rows, freeing dissidents and taking on tyrants, armed only with a unique mind and a passion for justice – on display whenever he boomeranged back to Australia to conduct Geoffrey Robertson’s Hypotheticals.

His is an amazing life story of David and Goliath battles – riveting, laugh-out-loud tales filled with romance and danger, featuring a cast of characters ranging from General Pinochet to Pee-Wee Herman; from Malcolm Turnbull to Mike Tyson; from Nigella Lawson to Kathy Lette and Julian Assange. Throughout his exploits – recounted here with irreverent humour and dashes of true wisdom – Geoffrey Robertson has remained determinedly independent and his own man. He has also, in respect of human rights, changed the way we think.©2018 Geoffrey Robertson (P)2018 Penguin Random House Australia Politicians Politics & Activism Witty Human Rights
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If already you're a fan of Geoffrey Robertson's HYPOTHETICALS - as I am - you'll love this book which adds much colorful background to those shows. Regardless, anyone knowing little of Roberton's past will be enthralled by his story-telling, including loud page-turning noises, the occasional well placed expletive, and the name dropping, all of which reinforce certainly my impression of this unorthodox Queen's Council. His story is interesting, fast paced, and read by the author in his plummy Aussie-Pommy clipped English. I found this book a delight and easily would've listened for double the time were it that long. Subject, story and performance all exactly as I expected of Robertson: fascinating, unpredictable, enthralling and funny. What more can one ask or in a bio? Highly recommended.

Much enjoyed this book.

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Excellent memoir of one of the most brilliant lawyers of our time. Personal and real.
Fantastic narrative by the great man!

Wonderful tale

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What a fascinating, educational book! I'd never been sure of what exactly Mr Robertson did, but in this book he succinctly narrates his life and work in clear sometimes humorous chapters. I was never bored and his narration was clear and precise.
Highly recommended.

An amazing account of an amazing man

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One of the best books I’ve listened to in a very long time. Would definitely recommend.

Fabulous

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A Very interesting book about a fascinating and remarkable Australian legal giant and genius whose prolific work for more than 50 years speaks for itself. The only negative is that his voice has lost its youthful sound and it is sometimes difficult to hear what he is saying but the content is fascinating and enlightening and he reveals a beautiful soul full of compassion humanity wisdom and humour. He is a shining light in an otherwise boring dull selfish and arrogant profession.

A true Australian legal legend

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An extraordinary reflection of an incredibly broad legal life as lived by Geoffrey. It's staggering to behold the many areas of justice that he has been so very involved with - focusing initially upon his earliest times growing up & onward toward his eventual life within the judicial system at the highest levels, he self-narrates in his own inimitable style. An incredible book that comes very highly recommended for anyone with even a remote interest in the workings of judicial systems around the globe, & inequities of so many for whom Geoffrey has given his time, focus & expertise in the defence of many along with his ongoing, steadfast fight for human rights all around the globe.

Geoffrey's superb accounts of his huge legal life

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I am listening in stages as the recording is painful but I want to "read".

Brilliant man, worst sound track ever

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But some memoirs are exactly that. I've always admired Geoffrey.

A shame he and Cathy broke up.

rather boring and overly self indulgent

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The story is very interesting but Jefery Robertson's narration is very stultifying and instead of making this book interesting to read it has the efect of putting the listener into a kind of stuper.
It's better not read out loud.

An interesting story would be interesting if the reading of it was more interesting

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Enjoyed the reminisceneing about a life lived well. The great range of timbre in the reading from booming to a gentle whisper is well suited to a court room but not so conducive to an Audible book with the need to adjust the volume throughout. Hearing the turning of the pages was a quaint touch.

Cracking story

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