This was such an interesting read. It shows that despite the rhetoric and the calls for justice, equality and peace, that very little has truly changed. This memoir highlights the struggle and survival of Nazir Afzal, a boy who grew up witnessing racism and violence all around him in Birmingham, It was this that head him to become a prosecutor, somebody obsessed with the justices and injustices of the legal system and who decided to devote his life to pursuit of justice, equality and reform. It is a great gread. Heartfelt and utterly unfair at times, but a very important read for the times we live in.

It’s hard to say why I love this book so much. I don't work in the law, or police, or politics. As far as I know there are no criminals in my family. Yet I found this a compelling, engaging, and positive, story of an amazing man and his professional life in a world I have no experience of, and hope never to, either. Mr Afzal is an exceptional man and a genuine hero and yet throughout the book, he is humble, self effacing and quick to credit others. He has been at the forefront of some of the biggest prosecutions in Britain but his name is not front of house.

As a child growing up in Birmingham, the author experienced racial violence and abuse and also family tragedy. As a result of these events and because his parents wanted the best for him, he studied law. But then he took a path into the Prosecution Service for which we should all be very grateful.

If you have any interest in how the law works in Great Britain and how one man with a true set of strong ethics can change the world, then you should read this book.

I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.

The Prosecutor is a memoir following Nazir Afzal's 25 year career as a prosecutor for the CPS. It first begins in Birmingham when Afzhal was a child, and from there explores his journey from a young man with a dream of being a lawyer, to Chief Prosecutor.

This book was extremely moving, specifically when Nazir Afzal recounts cases that not only defined his career but that were influential to British law and the current system we have.. I must warn that the recount of these cases can be at times rather graphic, upsetting and possibly triggering for some people, but Afzal's attempts to approach these are done with respect and dignity for the victims.

I would have liked some more explorations of the cases that didn't go the way Afzal planned, and how these impacted his career and life moving forward. There was some explorations but not as much as I would have liked in a book of this type.

Overall, this is a deeply moving memoir that does justice to an incredible career and life, full of both highs and lows. Would highly recommend for those who enjoy memoirs or books based around the legal system.

A mix of autobiography and insights into some well known cases and developments in the law. It’s very focused on ideas the author pushed forward.

I’m so impressed by this fascinating and important memoir. Nazir Afzal was born in Birmingham and grew up in a community that believed that justice was not for them. Always knowing that this was unfair, and having been inspired by those around him to work for a more fair society, Nazir studied law and originally worked his way up as a defence lawyer. However, realising that he was working within the realms of a flawed justice system, he switched to prosecution and from that point on did all he could to change the system from within.

The cases he worked on, while harrowing, are incredible examples of just how much we have to thank people like Nazir for. He used every crime and injustice as an opportunity to make society safer, laws more rigorous, and processes more structured. While the book doesn’t give much away about Nazir as a person outside of his vocation, his determination to make communities safer is clear, and you can see that his compassion and empathy are at the heart of everything he achieved.

The memoir takes us through some of the high profile cases that Nazir worked on and shows how he and his team made such admirable strides in the British legal system, as well as policing. We get glimpses, too, of the effect that such cases had on him as a result, making his perseverance all the more remarkable. I was absolutely captivated throughout, and would recommend this to anyone with an interest in the legal system and its progress over the last couple of decades.

My thanks to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for the arc to review.

The Prosecutor is an account of Nizar Afzal's life and career. Nizar has been responsible for raising awareness, and creating so much change within the legal system where an incredibly successful career within the CPS allowed him access to some of the highest profile cases in the UK. Our justice system is all the poorer since his retirement from the CPS in 2015.

Advocating on behalf of victims of domestic abuse, modern slavery, so-called honour killings and trying to be the voice of balance and reason within an increasingly polarised society was so inspiring to read about. The law has changed as a direct consequence of his work and systems are now in place to better understand complex cases, where, eg., there are cultural differences that require greater sensitivity to protect those who break their silence.

A truly honourable man who has gone above and beyond his duty in order to ensure justice is delivered to all.

With fascinating (and disturbing) case details, this is not a dry and tedious account of a legal system. Rather it is a passionate account of one man's fight to change things for the better for one and all.

Truly remarkable.

Wow what a book!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this memoir. It was a compelling and gripping read. I have read quite a few non fiction books focused on UK law and the criminal justice system and this one is certainly one of the best. Nazir is an inspiration to us all. His caring pastoral heart and the activist in him shone through. A visible leader pushing restlessly for change and continually trying to improve the system whilst building a stronger connection with the public.

We need more professionals in the British justice system like Nazir Afzal. What a commendable man. Thank you Nazir! I for one, am incredibly grateful for his tireless efforts to see change and improvement in the British justice system.

I fully appreciated the real life cases he was able to share in detail and demonstrate the impact he made. when he talked openly about his own personal emotions in relation to the cases it really helped to make this book relatable and build a rapport with me as the reader. He tells his story with enormous humility.

For me the after word made for a sobering read. He talks of process driven bureaucrats who have well and truly taken over and that disappointed me, I would have loved a more hope-filled finish to the book. On the other hand, its the stark reality and simply the truth of the matter.

I will be spreading the word about this book for some time to come. I loved it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Ebury Press for my ARC in return for my honest review.

'The Prosecutor' by Nazir Afzal is a personal memoir and a memoir of the Crown Prosecution Service. Afzal talks about life events, some of which are extremely harrowing, resulting in his choice of career. He also illustrates how the CPS has developed through the years in response to changes in criminal activity, and the needs of the community.

I found it interesting to read about how until very recently, different police forces responded to crimes differently, and how high profile cases resulted in guidelines being put into place, rather than them already existing. Many of the cases depicted focus on the abuses and control of women and girls, and indeed Afzal argues that policing priorities such as terrorism can be met by focussing on these crimes. Afzal also draws clear lines between what is to do with culture and religion and what are unlawful and without explanation.

My only issue with this book, is it is quite a narcissistic tale. Occasionally mentors are referenced, and the odd mistake is included, but this is rare. Usually Afzal portrays himself as doing things differently to others and this being not only right, but trailblazing. Everyone else is a step behind. Whilst this makes for an interesting read, it did make me wonder about the man and what it would be like to work with him.

The prosecutor by Nazir Afzal
5 ⭐️ / 5
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Nazir Afzal knows a thing or two about justice. As a Chief Prosecutor, it was his job to make sure the most complex, violent and harrowing crimes made it to court, and that their perpetrators were convicted. From the Rochdale sex ring to the earliest prosecutions for modern slavery, Nazir was at the forefront of the British legal system for decades.

A memoir of struggle and survival as well as crime and punishment, The Prosecutor is both a searing insight into the justice system and a powerful story of one man’s pursuit of the truth.
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I absolutely loved this book and the real insight it gave into the CPS and their relationship with the police and public.

The book touched on topics such as The Rochdale grooming gang, Honour and gender bared violence, Domestic abuse and Modern slavery which was both harrowing and a real eye opener to the things that are still happening every day in the UK

What an incredible book! Inspiring and depressing in equal measure. Nazir Afzal is obviously a very driven man and his fights for justice are impressive and the insights into victims of crime very moving. However, I found the afterword of where we are now with lack of funding, not helped by Covid, and leadership very depressing. A recent report suggested there was no institutional racism in the country but sadly I think Nazir's take on this is more truthful.
My only suggestion would be a second volume focusing on just a couple of issues, perhaps modern slavery and grooming, and more details about his family's epic trip from Birmingham to Pakistan in a minibus, and the really sad death of his cousin.
Thank you to netgalley and penguin random house for an advance copy of this book.

I came to this book knowing very little of the Crown Prosecution Service [CPS] but, thanks to Afzal's excellent writing, I am now much better placed to understand the complexity of the CPS function. Also I am now clearer as to why the decision whether or not to prosecute benefits from being totally independent of the police.
Afzal was clearly a diligent prosecutor who thought "outside the box" on more than one occasion. His guidance on how to compile and present appropriate evidence, for example in crimes involving "honour" killing and forced marriages amongst the Asian community, was key to increasing the number of successful prosecutions brought against these previously "hidden" crimes.
Clearly the ever increasing workload, allied to the cutbacks inflicted on the CPS, drove his decision to take early retirement from the service. But, by writing this excellent autobiography, I might suggest Azfal has made one final contribution to the CPS. The Prosecutor, with its frank and honest depiction of the key role the CPS holds in our justice system, may just succeed in encouraging politicians to re-visit the funding they allocate to this service in the future. Otherwise many more experienced prosecutors could well be lost to the service and that would be cause for regret.

Kindly sent from the publishing team for an honest review.

I was really interested in this book because of the author as I had met/ interviewed him whilst undertaking my dissertation. I was unsure how well the structure would be but it took me by surprise. You learn a-lot through this book about the legal system, justice, and race/heritage.
It touches on some important subjects that are happening in the real world and provides some insight to the challenges that are faced.

I would definitely recommend people to read this book!

This is such an engrossing read. From humble beginnings to changing the legal landscape, Afzal is an inspiring and accomplished individual. A fabulous read. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for an egalley.

I feel humbled reading the autobiography of Nazir Afzal and all that this gentleman has achieved for so many people.

Growing up in a happy family, he suffered racial harassment during his childhood and school years in Birmingham. He studied hard, despite his bruises, questioning why there was no justice.

Nazir started his career as a solicitor and decided that he preferred prosecuting rather than defence law. He joined the Crown Prosecution Service and then moved to Manchester where he became Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England.

He became well-known for many high-profile cases that we will have heard of, in particular - bringing to justice the Rochdale Asian sexual exploitation gang. Other causes and indeed cases that Nazir has championed have been honour killings, violence against women, modern slavery.

He has challenged numerous agencies during his career and continues to do so, latterly miscarriages of justice.

I found myself incredibly moved by many aspects of his book, from his journey to India as a child with his dear little cousin. To still receiving updates about the little girl (now an adult) who had been trafficked and so appallingly treated for 10 years of her life. Nazir has managed to change the lives for so many people because he genuinely cares, rather than treating them as just a statistic.

I have an interest in the criminal justice system, law and the courtroom but Nazir’s book gives a completely different perspective. I would certainly recommend this book and rate it an excellent 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

What a shame that we don't have more people of the calibre of Nazir Afzal pursuing justice for the ordinary person and what a sad indictment of the failure of succerssive governments of all political views to fail to do their main duty which is to act in the interest of the general public.

A very, very interesting tale of how he achieved so much despite the many obstacles placed in his path and I have the greatest respect for him and the courage it must have taken to pursue a number of the cases mentioned in this book.

I cannot remember the last time I read a book practically cover to cover. I picked this on a whim and I am very glad I did so. This book is an autobiography of the Head of the CPS for Greater Manchester. It covers Nazir's childhood, his education, and major cases that he has helped to prosecute. The book is well structured and each chapter has a specific theme, e.g. the Rochdale case.

Previously I had very little awareness of the CPS and this provides a fantastic introductory guide into why it was created, the questions CPS ask before they will take a case to court and the difficulties involved. It raises some critical points, like our laws not being fit for purpose (some have now been amended or supplemented with new laws). Some of the experiences of the victims were hard to read, but they were done in a way that championed the strength of the victims. He also exposed horrific violence against women that is overlooked and modern day slavery.

In a way, even though it is the police who walk 'the thin blue line', in a way we can see how the CPS walk their own tightrope. Nazir was an asset to the CPS because he wasn't afraid to blaze his own trail, cut through bureaucracy and put the community at the heart of his role. Nazir's account was also very humanised; he spoke of his experience as a first generation British person and the troubled relationship of communities with the police and justice. For me, this was very insightful as I have never had to think about my own race and heritage.

It was really sad to see that the CPS was in a sorry state when Nazir took early retirement due to austerity budget cuts. Overall, a fantastic read. I think it should be essential reading to anyone in law enforcement.

Mr. Afzal recounts the famous cases and acts he was a part of, as well as briefly noting the micro-culture of Muslim families living in UK.

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC and all the best to the author in future endeavors.

A truly fascinating and gripping book from the author regaling some of his cases in the last, a brilliant insight and one I enjoyed immensely, intriguing read and one to look out for.

This is a really interesting book and one that held my attention all the way through. Nazir Afzal tells his story about his career in the Crown Prosecution service in a way that reads like it's fiction - it flows well, has a good pace and leaves the reader wanting to know more. He starts out telling his story of growing up in Birmingham and about the problems his family and friends faced as a minority - problems which gave him his passion for justice and his desire to work within the legal system. He then goes on to talk about his career - how he entered the profession as a defence lawyer and worked his way up to become one of this country's leading prosecutors in a profession that is filled with primarily white people. Throughout, his compassion for the victims he deals with shines through, and it's very obvious that he is passionate about his work.

The stories in this book focus on the cases he's had that involve people from BAME backgrounds, and highlight some of the challenges and discriminations that these communities face on a daily basis, such as the case of a girl who continually told the police that her life was in danger, but who wasn't taken seriously enough. On the flip side of this he explores the case of the Rochdale grooming gang and is very honest about the Crown's failings in this case. Not just focusing on the injustices in our legal system, Afzal is honest about the brutality of some of the 'traditions' that take place in the muslim community, such as honour killings and forced marriage. His stories also highlight the massive impact that budget cuts have had on the CPS, rendering them inefficient and not fit for purpose.

As a white British person, I am aware of my privilege and am always keen to gain more of an understanding of other communities, their customs and the challenges they face as minority groups.. It's safe to say this book helped me do that - it was at times funny, heartbreaking, informative and eye-opening. I'd definitely recommend to anyone who has even a passing interest in the UK legal system.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange of an honest review.

Nazir Azfal does an excellent job describing the shortcoming and successes of the British legal system during his 20+ years career. I found the detail behind the cases, the many hoops prosecutors have to jump thrrough to bring a case to justice illuminating. I also really enjoyed how he put the outcomes of specific cases into context about the broader changes they brought. However, I felt I would have liked more depth in each case - sometimes it felt a bit too rushed and also how the systemic changes came to be. The public sector moves very slowly and even though he commnets on this, while reading it feels like everything moves fast because there is a lot of detail missing. Overall though, I think this is a very important book which highlights many important issues and brings home the realisation the justice system needs major reform.