I'm Not A Monster
4.9/5
Critic Rating
Seeking to separate fact from fiction, the multi award-winning series returns to investigate the divisive story of Shamima Begum.When three London school girls went missing in 2015, they generated global headlines and the media storm that ensued continues to this day. Back then, investigative journalist Josh Baker was filming at a mosque in the girls' neighbourhood as their families came to seek help; their daughters were on the way to Syria to join the Islamic State group. But it was too late, and they disappeared inside the so-called caliphate.For four years, their fate remained a mystery - with only...
Critic Reviews
Score: 5
Fiona McCann • Irish Times • Apr 15, 2023
"(Series: Shamima Begum)...he(Baker) shows himself to be a dogged, painstaking and often fearless reporter...He’s also a careful storyteller who can craft a tale while staying true to its complexity. Piecing together archival audio, with fresh reporting, and the long-term access and co-operation of the podcast’s subject, Baker tries to answer the questions raised while raising others in the process. "
Score: 5
Henrietta McKervey • Irish Independent • Mar 11, 2023
"(Series: Shamima Begum) In this fascinating, thrilling and moving series, Baker retraces Shamima’s steps, methodically picking fact and fiction apart. In interviews, Shamima comes across as intelligent, articulate, and honest, even though it would surely benefit her better now to lie. This fascinating series explores who she was, and who she is today. It’s hard not to wonder whether the government and media would have treated her more like a victim if she was white and middle class. Shamima Begum became a hugely divisive figure without ever telling her story. All the more reason to hear it now."
Score: 5
Ximena Smith • Stuff NZ • Jan 21, 2023
"(Series: Shamima Begum)...the series is promising – Baker keeps away from the sensationalist language favoured by many other media outlets when it comes to reporting on Begum’s case, which bodes well for the rest of the season."
Score: 5
Lauren Passell • Podcast The Newsletter • Jan 16, 2023
"(Series: Shamima Begum)...it’s outrageously compelling...Josh has dug deep into the story to find nuance, truth, and the beating heart of a shocking story."
Score: 5
Patricia Nicol • The Times UK • Jan 15, 2023
"Amid the pacey, compelling first episode’s scene-setting there are intriguing insights into Begum’s personality. Forget what and where she is, and she often sounds like a typical Gen Zer. Her gauche, almost guileless failure to court sympathy is fascinating. I am on tenterhooks to hear this story unfold."
Score: 4.8
Fiona Sturges • Financial Times • Jan 15, 2023
"(Series: Shamima Begum) Predictably, the series has already caused a furore, with assorted media commentators raging at the BBC for giving a platform to a supposed terrorist. In fact, it is the media, rather than Begum, that comes off looking worst, at least so far. It’s early days for the series, but the signs so far are of a gripping and nuanced production keen to build a complete picture of Begum based on evidence rather than hearsay. What it can’t avoid, though, is the frothing and fury that erupt elsewhere whenever Begum becomes headline news. I’m Not a Monster’s intentions may be honourable, but ultimately it can only add to the noise."
Score: 5
Miranda Sawyer • The Guardian • Jan 14, 2023
"(Series: Shamima Begum) Baker put difficult questions to her...and seems to be allowing us to make up our own minds. Another gripping yet tragic tale that divides us all."
Score: 5
Hannah Verdier • The Guardian • Jan 5, 2023
"(Series: The Shamima Begum Story) The story of Shamima Begum sparks a range of opinions, but investigative journalist Josh Baker is determined to separate fact from fiction. He does so with painstaking research, retracing Begum’s journey from east London to Syria."
Score: 4.8
Jake Greenberg • PodcastReview.org • Feb 24, 2021
"From its opening episode I’m Not A Monster is compelling and propulsive. The creative team behind the show constructs it as a highly reported profile of one American woman, rather than attempting to generalize the tendencies and conditions that lead a US resident to join ISIS."
Score: 4.5
Miranda Sawyer • The Guardian • Jan 23, 2021
"Baker has amazing access to those involved, including Isis fighters (though I don’t think he should have interviewed Sally’s child), yet this gripping podcast allows you to make up your own mind."
