First Among Equals

First Among Equals
by Jeffrey Archer

First Among Equals
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Book Summary Information

Author: Jeffrey Archer
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2004-05-16
ISBN: 0312997124
Number of pages: 496
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks

Book Reviews of First Among Equals

Book Review: Moved a little too slow for my tastes...
Summary: 3 Stars

Elected to the British Parliament's House of Commons at age 29, Jeffrey Archer was one of the youngest MP's ever (accordingly to Wikipedia, he's the 5th youngest -- for those who care). He served in that role for 5 years, before facing near-bankruptcy as the victim of an investment scheme. He stepped down, turning from politics to writing novels, at which he has been enormously successful. He also remained active in various political roles, such as Deputy Chairman of the conservative party under Margaret Thatcher, and an unsuccessful run for mayor of London in 1999.

Thus, Archer's fluency with British politics is unquestioned and is a subject about which he can write from personal experience.

In "First Among Equals" Archer follows the careers of three vastly different fictional characters as they ascend through the political ranks of the British Parliament, ultimately jockeying for the Prime Minister's office. As the book opens, a ficticious King of England is faced with breaking a tie among votes to see who will be living at #10 Downing Street, and it isn't until the final chapter that we learn of the King's decision. In this instance, the victor was the character that I was personally rooting for, but the outcome was by no means obvious until the final page.

All in all, it was a good book, but it moved rather slowly for my tastes. Since I lived in Canada for 7 years and became reasonably fluent in their parliamentary system (which is almost indistinguishable from the system used in the U.K.), I did not find the book's setting to be particularly difficult to absorb. However, those unfamiliar with the British form of government and its politics will find themselves on a steep learning curve and will likely be either bored or fascinated. I was somewhere in between.

There is no doubt that Archer is an excellent storyteller, and he spins a highly believable yarn here. I simply did not find it to be particularly exciting and have to confess that it was rather difficult to persist to the final pages.

In summary, if you enjoy British politics and want something approaching an insider's view, this one is a keeper. If not, you will be much better served to check out Archer's other books, such as "Kane and Abel" "As the Crow Flies" and "A Matter of Honor." He's an excellent author, but the subject matter here doesn't have the mass appeal of many of his other books.

Summary of First Among Equals

Charles Seymour, second-born son, will never be the earl like his father, but he did inherit his mother's strength-and the will to realize his destiny...Simon Kerslake's father sacrificed everything to make sure his son's dreams come true. Now it is Simon's chance to rise as high as those dreams allow...Ray Gould was born to the back streets but raised with pride-a quality matched by a sharp intellect and the desire to attain the impossible...Andrew Fraser was raised by a soccer hero turned politician. Now it's his turn for heroics, whatever the cost.

From strangers to rivals, four men embark on a journey for the highest stakes of all-the keys to No. 10 Downing Street. Unfolding over three decades, their honor will be tested, their loyalties betrayed, and their love of family and country challenged. But in a game where there is a first among equals, only one can triumph.

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