You don't know me by Imran Mahmood

"You don't know me" by  Imran Mahmood. -  Monologue drama. 

This book is published by  Penguin UK and was published in 2017 and has 400 pages. This book was listed in 50 best books of 2017 by The Telegraph. 

The book starts with the closing statements of a murder trial. A black young man is The defender.  He had sacked his lawyer and is making a closing statement himself. He has decided to tell his story against the advice of his lawyer. 

The nameless defendant smartly exploits the rich - poor, black - white, middle class secure - lower class insecure, comfortable - struggling divides while making his case in the closing statement over 10 days. At the end of the book there is also a twist.

He sounds a fantastic tale. His girl friend Kira. His childhood friend Curt and his sister Blessing.  He tells a tale of a young woman who tried to protect her brother and got into terrible trouble. It's  the story of a young man who, in order to save her, entered a dark, violent world.

The books takes us on a roller coaster ride of London's gang culture and drug world. Characters like Glockz & Face dominate this world. It is hard to remain in the area and not get involved in this world. 

There are 3 USPs of this Book. First: There is no name to the protagonist. He is referred only as descendent. Second: This entire book is a monologue by the defendant, except a small statement by the QC. Three: The book ends at the time of the verdict, without the verdict being delivered. So it's up to the reader to decide if the defendant is guilty or not. Did he do it? Is he telling the truth or is he spinning a make believe tale? Is his tale a blend of truth and lies?

I was bit disappointed at the end of book. Instead of just two possibilities, there was a third possibility. It was to  determine veracity of some of the statements of defendant, if not all. Don't know if UK system allows additional investigations after closing statements and before verdict. 

Although the pace is slow, narration is good. It's the book that you should read quietly and with attention. Not one that you can read intermittently or while travelling. 

Imran Mahmood is a criminal defence barrister with over 20 years' experience in the Crown Court and Court of Appeal. This is his debut novel. 

Why did I read this book?  Blurb. 

What I didn't like? Additional investigation not sought at the end.

What did I like? A different story.

Recommend reading.