First Among Equals

Today’s review is for First Among Equals by Jeffrey Archer, a political novel from a man with first-hand knowledge of the political process.

Jeffrey Archer

This is a fascinating look behind the scenes of British politics from the 1960s to the 1990s. First Among Equals follows the careers of four newly elects MPs as they seek to rise from the back benches to the highest office in the land. Written by someone who had been there and done that, as the saying goes, this book has the benefit of in depth knowledge that enables the reader to see how their MPs really worked during that period, and gives an insight into the manoeuvring MPs have to do to keep power, get ahead and the things they wish to use their power for.

There’s plenty of appeal right there but adding to it is the real historical events that are mentioned and included as situations for the characters to deal with.

As with all of his books, Jeffrey Archer has created believable characters you want to root for, characters you want to fail, and characters you laugh at. At the same time he has created a story that is accessible even to someone like me, who has little to no interest in politics.

If you like a good, character driven story then I recommend you give this a go; if you aren’t touched by Andrew Fraser’s efforts to be a good MP for his constituents, a good husband, and a good father, then I don’t know what will touch you.