In his memoir, Next Time, Bring a Bigger Knife, John F. McGlashan recounts how a young boy who grew up in a poor inner-city neighbourhood and was bullied by the Jesuits where he started his school years, eventually qualified and excelled as a highly successful solicitor in family law. In a candid, gutsy and humorous manner, McGlashan shares the ups and downs of his life, including poverty, bullies, interaction with Jesuits, his years at Oxford, the law, a mistress, drug addiction, rehab, prison and, finally, redemption.
The author’s unique sense of humour is sprinkled throughout the book, and several hilarious anecdotes unveil his character, resilience and buoyant nature even in the face of catastrophe. McGlashan’s reminiscences further reveal that he survived the various tribulations of his life through introspection, unshakable self-confidence, valuable connections, and a healthy dose of good fortune.
Next Time, Bring a Bigger Knife also gives readers a rare close-up glimpse into the lives of Oxford students and the many enriching and privileged experiences afforded to Oxonians – many of which served to prepare him for much more than just a career in law. His time spent in family law made for equally interesting reading, describing the variety of extraordinary and sometimes jaw-dropping cases that crossed his desk over the years.
I enjoyed McGlashan’s unadorned, matter-of-fact style of writing as he unsparingly relates various experiences and encounters – some hysterical, some shocking, and some scandalous and borderline disturbing, but all recounted in a refreshingly honest and unapologetic manner.
Perhaps some deeper emotional delving and self-discovery could have enhanced this entertaining memoir, but, on the other hand, perhaps that might have detracted from this wild rags-to-riches-to-rags ride. It is filled with truthful revelations about the darker side of life, addiction to drugs and sex, losing it all, and finally redemption and humility. Next Time, Bring a Bigger Knife is many things; boring isn’t one of them.
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