Reviews: The Nanny State Made Me (13)

Well, this is a very different kind of read for me, and it turned out to be far more political than I expected.

Stuart Maconie is slightly younger than I am, so much of what he says rings true and I can't disagree with his memories of how things used to be, although I feel he has rather cherry picked. I really enjoyed his visits across Britain to discover how different areas deal successfully with things in the here and now; however, there were many realities left untouched.

This is definitely book which will appeal to voters who lean to the left; it's very much a case of the labour party can do no wrong and the conservatives can do no right. I'm more of a hybrid voter myself, weighing up how each government performs before casting my vote.

I'm not here to criticise the content, but to review the book as a whole. It was consistent in the stance taken and, perhaps, the author should go into the political arena? It's well written although it does begin to blur at times. I can't say I loved it - or even liked it - but I got through it. For me, this is a 3* read.

Our lives are full to the brim with knowledge and wondrous opportunities that aren’t down to private enterprise but to the unique faculties & provisions that the state has provided for decades. Generations of citizens have had their lives enriched with the provisions of the NHS, public libraries, education and green spaces. We need to protect them at all costs as the privatisation of the railways and utilities companies have shown to the detriment of those industries. We are constantly told by certain sections of society that “The Nanny State” is destroying us when in fact it’s the naysayers that are robbing us of the true gems of our nation.

Maconie's wise words and dedicated research will have you nodding along in agreement and yet shaking your head in disgust at the way the Conservative governments and the media have twisted what the state has actually done and should continue to do.

I received a copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

I'm of a similar age to Mr Maconie and happy to acknowledge the nanny state made me too. I found this a well written book, although repetitive at times, that made me stop and think how privileged I was to have been born when I was and how many things I took for granted - health care, libraries, cheap buses etc, This in turn made me feel more angry and depressed at the present state of Britain. I don't think the author lived up to the "how to save it" part of the title though and was left feeling pessimistic rather than fired up for the fight.
Thank you to netgalley random house for an advance copy of this book.

This book looks at the state or welfare state and how it helps and made people (cira 1945-1979) and Maconie with his social history wit and charm navigates us through different parts of what was coined "The Nanny State" and how it has been eroded and chipped away at since the sweeping election of the Torys in 1979. As it looks at the NHS, schools, transport, leisure, social housing and how the labour government of Atlee tried to elevate the problems of poverty, ill health in establishing the welfare state. Enjoyed this book and makes you realise to those who grew up in the period pre 1979 how lucky they were. (less)

The Nanny State Made Me covers the trends of British politics from post-war social reform to current day career politicians. As Maconie is quick to point out early on in his polemic, the term ‘the nanny state’ was coined as a dismissal of over-interference by the state on the personal lives of the electorate. Yet he argues that the state’s progressive policies as we recovered from the war challenged the established order and brought about a golden era.

Those most likely to pick up The Nanny State Made Me will already be sympathetic to Maconie’s views. The purpose of his book, therefore, is to spur his readers into action before the hard-won gains made by The Nanny State, including the National Health Service, are lost forever.

Maconie writes with the voice of the people, but it is a voice that is informed, reasoned and full of enthusiasm. He backs up his statements with apposite references and anecdotes. For me, his argument most struck a chord in the chapter given over to libraries and literacy. One poignant example given was the Chinese government’s realisation, according to Neil Gaiman, that innovation in technology and science came through an exposure to science fiction and fantasy in childhood. Also, the American prison service’s algorithm used for planning future need for prison accommodation is based on the direct correlation between illiteracy and incarceration.

Stand with Maconie. Defend every Briton's right to a good education, an effective health service and affordable housing, as well as free access to books and green space.

My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House UK, Ebury Publishing, for the ARC.

I am always interested in book about social history and appreciated this one.
The style of writing is pleasant and it makes you understand what the welfare in the 70s.
It's a well researched and interesting book and even if I do not always agree with the writer's idea it's a book that gives a lot of food for thought.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for a free ARC of this ebook. What a great read! Maconie is a very well known and respected broadcaster. He also writes in a engaging and informative way. In this book he explores the past political movements which have given Britain the substance and survivability that I so hope it still has today. Some will find this an uncomfortable read, it will depend on your personal beliefs and what you uphold as being a caring society. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to Penguin Random House/Ebury Press for a hardback review copy of this book.
Stuart Maconie’s social histories are always fascinating, drawing parallels between what has gone before and the present day. Having grown up in the era (and area) he writes about here, so many things resonated with me. The narrative around the 1970s at the moment often paints a picture of unremitting grimness and despair so it is really refreshing to see the case made for it being a bit of a Golden Age for the welfare state. Of course, this wasn’t true of everywhere, but where it worked well, it provided many opportunities for the working classes that have been gradually, stealthily, dismantled since. So what’s left can appear a bit grey and oppressive, because as he points out, it needs investment, engagement and commitment to make it successful.
As always, he includes plenty of references to other voices and work which can be followed up. I felt Caitlin Moran was given a tad too much airtime (she’s not the only social commentator in town, after all) but I’m not going to dock a star for that, because the rest is just a superb unpicking of post-war policy and vision and an absolute thought-provoking wonder to read.
I found the sections on Education and Libraries the most interesting, because they reflect my working life, the roots of which are entrenched in precisely the system he describes. They were also the saddest sections when you look back at what libraries were originally intended to be and how they are the downtrodden, underfunded neglected mess they are now.

I decided to read this book because I was looking for a strongly held view on the nanny state. Personally, I consider myself to be apolitical and reasonably open minded but the relentless and incessant tub-thumping of the author gave me a thumping headache and so I moved on after reading 40% the book.

An Advanced Reader Copy review - free books never buy my opinion!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though at times I was furious! (not at the book but at the actions of some politicians who are supposed to work for the betterment of the country)

The book was well structured, each section focussing on a different aspect of the ‘nanny state’ Each section was a satisfying combination of facts, figures & history alongside witty stories about the author’s experiences growing up.

The wit & humour of the author brought some light to what may have been a very dry topic if just given the history. I do suspect that the writing maybe viewed as somewhat one sided but it is a side of the argument against privatisation that is worth a listen. If only our current politicians would listen!

I would’ve given this 5 stars but found the arguments being repeated a little across each section.

On the whole though a really well written and enjoyable book about politics and society. I would highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, in return for an honest review.

Stories are important. We saw that in the whole Brexit debacle, a compelling narrative developed over time can move masses. In Britain the narrative has shifted disturbingly towards the destruction of the State, a refusal to accept the principle of community and a shared common good and the elevation of the individual in a competitive, every man for himself culture.

In The Nanny State Made Me Stuart Maconie starts to describe a different narrative for our country and it is an inspiring one that can hopefully take hold. Maconie reflects on his own life and the provisions that the now derided Nanny State gave him at different stages of life to nurture and sustain him. It’s a story of healthcare, education, public assets such as libraries, leisure centres and parks and a willingness to bridge the different stages of our lives through the Welfare State.

To do this the author visits key examples of the different institutions and services of the State. The first NHS hospital, the first comprehensive school, a library that remains at the heart of its community thanks to the time and energy, partly paid and considerably volunteered, by its librarian. It’s a history lesson in the greatest civic achievements of the country alongside personal memories of Maconie himself and others he meets along the way. A shared story of a better way of life.

As we sit now in the aftermath of a General Election that appears to have rejected the civic society there are surely lessons to be learned for those of us who value community and have an empathy with our common man. Too many of the attempts to counter catchy right wing soundbites have been negative, playing on fear of what might happen if things change, rather than positive stories about a shared, inclusive country in which we can all play a part and all reap the benefits.

Those who know Maconie’s other books will recognise the readable, conversational style that makes his writing very accessible. It’s a style suited to the messages he is putting across, not a lecture or a political rally but a fireside conversation with family and friends. There is a certainly a place for the Bevins and Benns to rally the crowds, but there is a need too for a gentler revolution, a change of heart away from the stinginess of the current political debate that seeks to disqualify the meeting of genuine need as “sponging” towards a common kindness.

We are being shaped by our politicians and media into a miserly country built on the worst facets of our history, but The Nanny State Made Me shows that we are at our best when we turn our innovation to a common cause that leaves no one behind. Stuart Maconie has written a timely book that gives those of us bereft at the election of a divisive government a glimmer of hope. It is time to take stock, to understand the past, recharge our batteries and reach out to our communities in the spirit of the post war consensus that made us.

As soon as I read the first page of this book I knew I was going to devour it very quickly. It's so relevant to the time that we are living in now.
The Nanny State is a title used by the same people who talk about PC brigades and snowflakes. People who are so rich and, or so well connected that they don't need the Welfare State set up by the Labour government after WW2.
Using his own life as the basis of the book Stuart Maconie explains why people born between 1948 and 1979 had the best healthcare, education, libraries and housing all provided by the state and financed through proper taxation. Since Thatcher got to power in 1979 everything that was once state controlled has been privatised to its detriment even the beloved NHS is being sold off so that shareholders reap the dividends.
A relative of mine worked for BR for over 30 years and said that if the government had pumped as much money into the railways then as they have since privatisation we would have been the envy of the world for our rail transport.
This is a relevant read for the Coronavirus times when our beloved NHS is stretched to its limits and we need something, perhaps a nanny, to help the most vulnerable people.
Please read if you want to see how cavalier governments of all colours have been with the legacy of the far-sighted people like Nye Bevan, but don't blame me if your blood pressure goes through the roof!