PXylem

'First Among Equals' is a great political novel penned down by the great master story-teller Jeffery Archer who has beautifully spun his story by creating realistic characters and scenarios of English political life.

Pranati Saikia


The novel is my first Archer book and after reading it I find it undeniably refreshing. The author has used his comprehensive knowledge and past experience as a member of British Parliament in a perfect manner. The fast pace of the novel has provided the whole story a swift
moving flow without any dullness and unwanted interruption. The book is quiet readable and gripped my attention and retain my interest till the end of the story.

'First Among Equals' unravels the story of four main characters that are aspiring politicians and entered the House of Commons in the 1960's and played the game of power to achieve the ultimate goal 'The Office of PM'.

--Reymond Gould is the leeds grammer school boy who born above his father's butcher shop and married to a small town wife;

-- Simon Kerslake, is the President of the Oxford Union, a conservative supported by his doctor wife;

-- Andrew Fraser is the son of a conservative lord Provost but joined the labour party, a committed husband and a dedicated father;

-- Charles Seymour is the callous Tory landlord, the player of ruthless tricks to reach No. 10 Downing Street.

The novel has a very captivating storyline developed expertly around real events and human background. To avoid any kind of monotony due to lengthy depiction of parliamentary sessions, the author has also given same exhilarating and amusing episodes full of adventures and entertainment like discreet sexual affairs of Reymond, decent blackmailing and political conspiracy by ruthless Charles to win the race of power and the heart touching episode of Andrew and his five year old son Robert. All these episodes are irresistibly engrossing and enchanting too.

While reading 'First Among Equals', what impressed me most is Jeffery Archer's acute observation and perception of human beings and their tendencies on more fundamental level.

Though the novel has a political base but the background and the context is purely human. The author has skillfully drawn out positive qualities of shrewd politicians and wonderfully put forward their human sentiments and ethics. Generally politicians are disdained and castigated for their opportunism and cunningness but in the novel, the author has glorified them as he highlighted the perseverance and unbreakable grit of politicians while facing trials and tribulations of political world. By going through 'First Among Equals' one will surely recognize the tough life of politicians and acclaim their can-do attitude to be the survivors in the turbulent race of power. I would like to appreciate Jeffery Archer's advocacy for politicians in a optimistic way. Every description and portrayal is flawless and perfect. The novel is surely his political masterpiece.

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