Boris Johnson’s much-anticipated memoir, Unleashed, is facing an unexpected rival on bookstore shelves—its own parody, titled Unhinged. Despite the former Prime Minister’s efforts to reclaim the narrative with his autobiography, the satire by The Thick of It writer Ian Martin is stealing some of the spotlight.
Boris vs. Boris: A Parody Challenge
The parody book, Unhinged, shares shelves with Johnson’s memoir at popular UK bookstores like Waterstones. With sharp humor, it pokes fun at the ex-PM’s controversial time in office. Martin’s work is described as “the perfect book for that selfish egomaniac in your life,” offering readers tongue-in-cheek advice on how to live like Boris—by “trivializing everything with buffoonery” and “smashing things to pieces only to fix them, and then smash them again.”
“Unhinged” Hits the Shelves
Priced at £12.99, Unhinged has quickly become a hit, marketed as a humorous Christmas gift. It has already made an impression, with some stores placing it strategically next to Unleashed. The satirical positioning encourages shoppers to see both sides of the Boris story—one that’s serious, and one that pokes fun at his persona.
Social Media Buzz
Social media users have eagerly shared photos of these side-by-side book displays. Some stores have even placed Unleashed next to other critical titles like Surrounded by Liars, The Psychology of Stupidity, and James O’Brien’s How They Broke Britain.
O’Brien himself has praised these clever placements, which highlight the contradictions in Johnson’s legacy. For those seeking a lighthearted alternative to the former PM’s memoir, Unhinged provides a comedic escape from the more serious political musings of Unleashed.
A Gift for Christmas or Satire Fans
Whether you’re buying Unleashed for serious reading or Unhinged for a laugh, the holiday season has brought a new battle of the books to the forefront. Johnson’s attempt to reshape his public image may now have to compete with a parody that mirrors his time in office—through a much less flattering lens.
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