At the age of 12, Theresa May wanted to become a Member of Parliament (MP). She waited 31 years before she was elected MP for Maidenhead in 1999; she became the longest-serving home secretary in British history. She rose to prominence after the surprising result of Britain’s vote to leave the EU and, in a dramatic turn of events, became the UK’s second female prime minister. Rosa Prince gives a detailed account of one of the most powerful Conservative women in British politics today who is not as much enigmatic as she is super resilient.
Self-control is another of Theresa May’s qualities. When Andrea Leadsom informed May that she was pulling out of the leadership race, she asked May to keep the information confidential until she had made it public. May had given her word and for an hour and a half, she kept the news to herself, without breathing a word or displaying the slightest facial expression. She neither informed her husband, nor her closest aides that she was about to become Britain’s second woman prime minister. To understand how she was able to remain so remarkably calm, self-composed and in control, you need to go back in time and see how Theresa May, née Brasier was brought up.
At the time she declared her candidacy for the leadership of the Conservative Party in June 2016, May said: “I grew up the daughter of a local vicar and the granddaughter of a regimental sergeant major. Public service has been a part of who I am for as long as I can remember.”
From an early age, May has been aware of the important role her father played in the community and she always felt obliged to behave in a way that would please her father. Being an only child also exposed her to an adult world at an earlier stage. She often took part in her parents’ discussions about the state of the world and this undoubtedly developed her interest in politics.
In an interview with the BBC Radio 4 she said: “The reason I wanted to be a Member of Parliament, it can be summed up very simply, I wanted to make a difference. I wanted actually to be doing a job where I was making decisions that actually helped to improve people’s quality of life. It’s about making life better for people, I think that’s fundamentally what drives me to politics.”
At the age of 15, May entered the Wheatley Park Sixth Form where she studied for three A-levels and an S-level. Patsie Davies, who was her schoolmate, wrote a letter to The Guardian where she recalls how she and a certain Theresa Brasier were in the same class. “How we all sniggered when she announced to our form teacher Mr. Montgommery that she wanted to be prime minister. Well, we’re not sniggering now…” Davies said.
However, her first attempt to forge a political career was far from successful. Her history teacher set up a debating society and May was part of a group chosen to take part in the first debate. Although she felt confident at the time, when May picked up a piece of paper with the subject of her speech, she had a brain block and had nothing to say.
Later that year, May left for Oxford University where she met Philip May, the love of her life. Like many aspiring politicians who attend this prestigious university, she formed an influential circle of friends, including with Ian Duncan and Damian Green who would both serve her for the rest of her political career.
“I’ve known her since we were both 18. Theresa is perfectly good fun. She’s been a friend of mine for more than 40 years. The key to Theresa is what you see is what you get. Part of the secret of Theresa’s appeal is that there’s not a secret part of her character that the public doesn’t see. Everyone sees a hard-working, hugely intelligent, hugely conscientious woman, and that’s what she’s like. That’s what she’s always been like. She has no side,” said Damian Green in a July 13, 2016, interview with BBC News. A year after her marriage to Philip May, Theresa lost her father in a tragic car accident in October 1981 and a few months later, her mother succumbed to multiple sclerosis. This brought the couple even closer. Theresa May acknowledges the huge support she received from her husband whom she describes as “a real rock for me.”
Soon after moving to Wimbledon where they bought a house, the Mays joined the Young Conservatives. From thereon, May forged her plan to take the first step of a political career that would finally take her right up to 10 Downing Street. She succeeded on her first attempt and won a seat on Merton Council. She was not even 30 years old. But five years later, she had not made any progress; furthermore, after 13 years in power, it seemed almost certain that the Conservative Party would lose the elections. This thought only rekindled May’s desire to become an MP. The party selected for her a constituency where she was not expected to win rather to show her talents. It was considered a “rite of passage” before she would be given a winnable constituency.
“While she had never been expected to win, she helped ensure that the Conservative tally dropped by only 38 votes. At a time when the Conservative vote was falling nationally, it was an indication of how effective she had been as a campaigner,” writes Rosa Prince
Finally in 1995, she was chosen to fight the seat of Maidenhead at the general elections. She finally won but true to her character, she declared in an interview with the local paper that she will work hard and do her best to fulfill the expectations placed on her.
Her first decision was to buy a house in her new constituency. She decided to sell her house in Wimbledon and made Sonning, a beautiful village, her home. She was known to refuse to have her groceries delivered so she can meet people while doing her shopping. She also had her hair done at the local hairdresser and she even memorized the entire rail timetable for trains running between Maidenhead and London so when a new timetable came out, she would know if her constituents were getting a better or worse service.
“She was one of a number of the 1997 intake, including Eleanor Laing and Damian Green, who thanks to the Conservatives’ sheer lack of numbers following the election, were promoted to the front bench with dizzying speed,” wrote Rosa Prince.
About a year after she became a Member of Parliament, she was appointed first as a junior member of the shadow education and employment team by William Hague, who was the leader of the Conservative Party. Two years later, she would become the shadow secretary of state for education and employment.
Battling a challenging schedule, unpredictable hours and forced to eat most of her meals away from home, May realized she had to lead a healthy lifestyle. She hired a personal trainer and exercised several times a week at a gym near her home. May has never hidden her interest in clothes, and shoes in particular. In an Oct. 9, 2015, interview with the Guardian, she admitted, “You can be clever and like clothes, you can have a career and like clothes.”
Over the following years, May’s shoes, however, became a regular fixture in the parliamentary life. And when she gave her famous “nasty speech” at the 2001 Conservative conference, her choice of leopard skin kitten heels galvanized the attention.
Female politicians are continuously scrutinized for the way they dress. A recent meeting between May and Nicola Sturgeon made the “Legs it,” headline on the front page of The Daily Mail. Jo Ellison in her excellent column for the Financial Times rightly said: “Even when women dress the part, even when they wear all the right things and conform to every boring stereotype, they will get stripped bare in the end,” by both men and women from all walks of life.
May’s breakthrough came on May 12, 2010. When David Cameron appointed her home secretary, she told Andy Coulson, the communication director, “I can’t quite believe it” and probably for the very first time she showed her feelings. It was indeed a surprise for her because she had never been appointed shadow home secretary.
Three years later, her visible weight loss (she went from wearing size 14 to 10) sparked rumors and speculation. Theresa May was eventually diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. In an interview with Liz Anderson for the Mail on Sunday, she declared that this would not affect in any way her ability to do her job.
David Cameron’s decision to hold a referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU paved the way for May to become the next leader of the Conservative Party. George Osborne, Former Chancellor of the Exchequer, clearly understood what was at stake; he pressed Cameron not to go ahead with the referendum as this would divide the Conservative Party. His beliefs proved to be right. Cameron’s remaining camp lost and his subsequent resignation put an abrupt end to Osborne’s ambitions of becoming the next Conservative Party leader.
Theresa May beckoned the opportunity and on June 24, 2016, announced her candidacy for the leadership of the Conservative Party: “My pitch is very simple. I’m Theresa May and I think I’m the best person to be prime minister of this country.” On June 30, in an astonishing turn of events, Michael Gove, secretary of state for justice, explained in a statement that “Boris Johnson cannot provide the leadership or build the team for the task ahead. I have therefore decided to put my name forward for the leadership.”
Gove had not realized that this blatant act of treason had virtually killed off his prospective chances of winning the highest office. The rest is history. On Monday, July 11, 2016, Theresa May became prime minister. In her first speech to the country, she said: “The government I lead will be driven not by the interest of the privileged few but by yours. We will do everything we can to give you more control of your lives. When we take the big calls, we will think not of the powerful, but you.”
May promised to serve, something she was taught to do from a very young age. She also proved that she was very much in control. She surprised everybody by appointing Boris Johnson foreign secretary. It took her less than two minutes to inform Michael Gove: “There is not going to be room for you.” And she also showed her noble-heartedness when she invited Andrea Leadsom to become energy secretary.
After you read this detailed biography, May no longer appears as the enigmatic prime minister. This is a very human portrait of a woman who was brought up with the concept of serving the community and helping people in need. Rosa Prince has produced an extremely well-researched account of the rise of a woman who had to fight her way right to the top: “I know I’m not a showy politician … I don’t wear my heart on my sleeve. I just get on with the job in front of me and you can judge me by my record.” So far, Theresa May is doing just that.
Book Review: No one is sniggering at Theresa May now
Book Review: No one is sniggering at Theresa May now
What We Are Reading Today: The Disappearing Act
Author: Florence de Changy
Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, carrying 239 passengers, disappeared into the night, never to be seen or heard from again.
Writing for Le Monde in the days and months after the plane’s disappearance, journalist Florence de Changy closely documented the chaotic international investigation that followed, uncovering more questions than answers.
The mystery, until now, is riddled with inconsistencies, contradictions and a lack of basic communication between authorities.
De Changy draws together countless eyewitness testimonies, press releases, independent investigative reports and expert opinion, to offer an eloquent and deeply unnerving narrative of what happened to the missing aircraft.
REVIEW: ‘S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl’ tells a story of resilience and survival
LONDON: “S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl,” developed by Ukrainian studio GSC Game World, stands as both a gripping survival adventure and a reflection of real-world resistance in the face of adversity.
The game’s development faced significant challenges, with the studio partially relocating to the Czech Republic due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This struggle has imbued the game with poignant cultural references and an atmosphere shaped by the harsh realities of its creators’ circumstances.
Players assume the role of Skif, a Ukrainian Marine Corps veteran drawn into the “Zone,” a dystopian take on the Chernobyl exclusion zone. In this alternate universe, the infamous nuclear disaster unleashed not only radiation but also space-time anomalies and a host of mutated threats.
The Zone is merciless, and so is the gameplay. Stalkers — explorers of this treacherous area — must navigate its dangers in pursuit of adventure, profit or ideology. The game emphasizes survival, with a steep learning curve that demands careful planning. From radiation and traps to scarce resources and malfunctioning weapons, every step is fraught with danger. Deaths are frequent and the game tracks your fatalities, adding to the sense of vulnerability.
The game shines in its atmospheric design and mechanics. The 64 sq. km open-world setting is a stunning yet haunting playground for chaos. Weapon handling is top notch, and the enemy AI is intelligent and challenging. The various human factions and mutant creatures add layers of unpredictability to the experience, while side missions pile up in classic open-world fashion.
However, the game is not without its flaws. Some elements feel restrictive, limiting creativity in problem-solving. For instance, mutant dogs may attack you relentlessly while ignoring nearby enemies. Invisible anomalies that kill instantly and radiation-related deaths can feel arbitrary, especially early on when resources like health kits and food are scarce. Additionally, the dialogue leans on cliches, which may detract from the storytelling for some players.
Despite its challenges, “S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl” offers a deeply rewarding experience for those willing to persevere. The unforgiving difficulty and grounded survival mechanics create a palpable sense of tension, while the evocative setting offers a mix of chaos and beauty. Fans of open-world games, particularly those craving a grittier and more challenging experience, will find much to appreciate.
Born out of extraordinary circumstances, it is more than just a game — it’s a testament to the resilience and creativity of its developers. Stick with it, and you will discover a truly unique title forged in the most difficult of times.
What We Are Reading Today: ‘Japan: The Natural History of an Asian Archipelago’
Author: Mark Brazil
This richly illustrated guide is the first comprehensive and accessible introduction to the extraordinary natural history of the Japanese archipelago.
It explains how Japan’s geology, geography, climate, seas and currents have forged conditions supporting a diverse range of species—from cranes, bears, eagles and monkeys to plants, butterflies, dragonflies, frogs and snakes—many of which are found nowhere else in the world.
Engaging and authoritative, this book is a must-have for anyone who wants to explore or learn about Japan’s natural wonders, from the Japanese Macaque—the famous snow monkeys—to the magnificent Steller’s Eagle.
Book Review: ‘The Condiment Book’ by Claire Dinhut
When presented with a plate of piping hot French fries, what condiment do you reach for to slather, drizzle or dip into?
If you’ve ever wondered about your choice, there is a new book that will speak to your soul.
“The Condiment Book,” published late 2024, is a comprehensive guide celebrating the unsung heroes and supporting stars of our meals.
From timeless staples like ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard and butter (in their various iterations) to more adventurous hot sauces, ferments, pickles, dressings, oils and dips, the book explores the myriad ways in which condiments enhance our everyday dining. Add a little squeeze, a giant dollop or a sprinkling and it completely changes the whole meal and your experience.
Packed with recipes, flavor pairings and historical insights in an Instagrammable-ready format, each page is a love letter to a condiment.
Author Claire Dinhut, better known as “Condiment Claire,” describes herself as not a chef but a “flavor adventurer.” She has built a loyal following with her engaging content, particularly on TikTok, where she taste-tests and rates everything from jams to butters.
“This book is about curiosity,” she writes. “What excites our taste buds? How can we evoke feelings with every bite? How can we travel the world while sitting at a table?”
Dinhut begins by addressing the fundamental question: What is a condiment? She explains how the term originates from the Latin “condire,” meaning “to preserve, pickle, season, spice, render pleasant or enhance flavor.” In ancient Rome, a “condominium” referred to any sauce — an addition not strictly necessary but which always elevated the dish.
However, she clarifies: “This is not a cookbook. Instead, think of this book as a flavor manual.”
While it includes recipes for homemade condiments, Dinhut reassures readers that store-bought is perfectly fine. In her words, the book serves as a “personal diary of fun eats to tantalize our taste buds and keep life exciting.”
And it is does not simply provide a sprinkling of recipes; it delivers historical gems, too.
For instance, did you know the first ketchup had a fishy story? Originating in Hokkien Chinese as “ke-tsiap,” the original version was likely made from fermented fish. It was not until 1812 in the US that tomato ketchup as we know it made its debut.
Dinhut’s non-cookbook is an invitation to embrace curiosity, creativity, and flavor in every bite and is itself a complementary condiment for your collection of recipe books.
Book Review: ‘White Nights’ by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “White Nights” is a hauntingly beautiful novella that captures the delicate interplay of dreams and reality, love and loneliness.
Written in 1848, this early work by the Russian master offers a poignant exploration of human emotions, showcasing his remarkable ability to delve into the complexities of the heart.
Told in the first person, the novella invites readers into the world of a nameless narrator, a dreamer who yearns for connection yet struggles with isolation.
Set against the ethereal backdrop of St. Petersburg’s white nights, where the sun barely sets and time feels suspended, the story unfolds over the course of four evenings and one morning.
The narrator, a solitary figure lost in his own fantasies, encounters Nastenka, a young woman whose vitality and vulnerability draw him out of his shell.
What begins as an unlikely meeting blossoms into an intense, fleeting relationship, marked by confessions, shared hopes, and the bittersweet promise of love.
Dostoevsky’s prose is lyrical and evocative, capturing the dreamlike atmosphere of the city and the emotional turbulence of his characters. The narrator’s voice is filled with longing and naivety, his idealism and vulnerability making him both endearing and tragic.
Nastenka, meanwhile, is a figure of contrasts — at once strong-willed and dependent, hopeful and heartbroken. Together, they create a dynamic that is as tender as it is heartbreaking.
At its core, “White Nights” is a meditation on loneliness and the human desire for connection. Dostoevsky paints a vivid picture of the narrator’s internal world, a place filled with grandiose dreams but devoid of real companionship.
The fleeting relationship with Nastenka becomes a mirror for his yearning, offering him a taste of the intimacy he craves while underscoring its impermanence. Their encounters are imbued with a sense of fragility, as if the story itself might dissolve with the dawn.
The novella also explores the tension between reality and fantasy, a theme that runs through much of Dostoevsky’s work.
The narrator’s idealized view of love clashes with the complexities of Nastenka’s situation, creating a narrative that is as much about disillusionment as it is about hope.
In this way, “White Nights” reflects Dostoevsky’s early interest in the psychological struggles that would later define his great novels.
Though brief, “White Nights” is rich in emotional depth and literary beauty. It captures the universal experience of longing, the ache of unfulfilled dreams, and the bittersweet nature of human connections that are as fleeting as the white nights themselves.
For readers new to Dostoevsky, the novella serves as an accessible entry point to his work, while longtime admirers will recognize the seeds of the psychological insight and moral complexity that define his later masterpieces.
In “White Nights,” Dostoevsky creates a timeless portrait of the human spirit — its capacity for love, vulnerability to heartbreak, and endless yearning for something just out of reach.
It is a story that lingers in the mind, much like the soft glow of a St. Petersburg summer night, leaving readers both moved and reflective.
