In "Ten Years to Save the West," former minister Liz Truss delivers a strong message for conservatives: take bold action. Reviewing her political path that has lasted for a decade, Truss discusses limited government and personal freedom in the face of left-leaning and dominant agendas in many institutions.

Contending with the obvious denials of access and despite being displaced by the establishment to one side, Truss is a seasoned campaigner and a staunch conservative. She alerts that the authoritarianism trends and the global adoption of left ideas are rapidly becoming dangerous, persistently eyeing the economic and cultural freedoms of the Western nations.

The book contains useful anecdotes from Truss' public life. She tells us about her meetings with Queen Elizabeth, difficult talks with foreign regimes, contact with the Trump administration, and disappointment with the politicization of Brexit.

The book represents a message of urgency to conservatives, highlighting the problems and prompting a need for radical reform to protect the values and institutions that define the Western way of life. Truss' message shows that lessons from the recent event should be taken seriously to secure the West's bright future.

The Author

Despite her parents' left-leaning opinions, Truss, born in Oxford in 1975, had a politically impacted upbringing. Oddly, as a child, she frequently took part in protests against Prime Minister Thatcher, while later on, Thatcher became her role model.

Truss moved with her family from Paisley, Scotland, to Leeds, England, and finally attended Roundhay School. While she criticized the school's emphasis on teaching racism and sexism over core subjects, this view was contested by pundits and former students.

Truss pursued higher education at Merton College, Oxford, majoring in politics, philosophy, and economics. Initially involved with the Liberal Democrats, she shifted to the Conservative Party, influenced by classical liberalism.

She met her husband, Hugh O'Leary, in 1997 at a Conservative Party convention. Professionally, Truss held positions at Shell and Cable & Wireless Communications. She served at the think tank Reform. Despite a brief tenure, Truss' political journey is marked by notable shifts and achievements.

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A Tumultuous Tenure

According to The Guardian, in this candid account, the author recounts her brief and tumultuous tenure as the UK's prime minister, reflecting on the warnings and criticisms she received from those around her. Despite being advised against running for the Tory leadership by her constituency agent and husband, she embarked on a seven-week prime ministership, which she describes as marred by constant disappointments and challenges.

From issues with the prime ministerial residence to the unexpected death of the Queen, the author paints a picture of a difficult time in office. The book delves into the controversial 'mini-budget' that sent markets into chaos, with the author pointing fingers at various entities, including her own party members, for the failure.

Throughout the book, there is a notable lack of self-reflection, with the author attributing her downfall to external factors rather than taking responsibility. The book targets a specific audience, possibly the Trumpite right in the US, with frequent mentions of Donald Trump and an apocalyptic tone.

The reviewer concluded this book is a cautionary tale about leadership, hubris, and the consequences of ignoring advice.

Political Memoir on Leadership and Conservatism

In a review by Iain Dale, initially skeptical due to the title suggesting a neoconservative agenda, the reviewer was surprised to find insightful explanations for Truss' decisions during her short-lived prime ministership. However, the book lacks a genuine mea culpa, with Truss often deflecting blame for her mistakes.

The critique acknowledged Truss' valid point about a bureaucratic 'liberal blob' hindering politicians' effectiveness and reducing democratic accountability. Truss' observations about the challenges ministers face due to power dynamics within the government are echoed by her predecessor, Gillian Shephard. 

Nevertheless, Truss' tendency to overstate and oversimplify these issues weakens her arguments. The book's most compelling sections discuss contemporary conservatism and its challenges, questioning the compatibility of social liberalism with fiscal conservatism.

However, Truss' American-centric viewpoint overlooks the differences between American and British conservatism. Despite its flaws, the reviewer concluded that the book offers valuable insights into the complexities of modern political leadership and ideology.

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