Jeffrey Archer's First Among Equals
POSTED AT 04:21 PM in Reading for substance

This 1984 novel was written by the prominent and distinguished British author Jeffrey Archer (my favorite, of course!). First Among Equals highlights both the careers and the personal lives of four fictional British politicians from 1964 to 1991. Each of these gentlemen vies to reach the most coveted seat in the United Kingdom Parliamentary: the Prime Minister.

Having served in the British House of Commons himself, Jeffrey Archer drew out several true-to-life situations to make the novel more exciting and realistic. Real British politicians however were included in the novel to interact with the fictional ones; this includes Winston Churchill, Harold Wilson, Alec Douglas-Home, Margaret Thatcher, Edward Heath and even Queen Elizabeth II. Star-studded, huh?

Hmmm, before we dissect this book, let's take a look at that book cover first, shall we? See those fine looking gentleman at the right? ------------------------------------------------------->

Ok, here's my best guess, the first one from the left must be Charles Seymour, I think he's the most "distinguished" looking among the four (not the handsomest though, hehehe), so I guess he's an Earl's son. Then next is Raymond Gould, also known as Mr. carrot-top with the spectacle (I guess you know by now why it's so easy to pick him up among the four). The next one must be Simon Kerslake, with his mop of brown hair (ey! Archer did say "mop" and look at that hair, LOL!). And of course, the last but definitely not the least, the fine gentleman and oh-so-good-looking Scottish Andrew Fraser (doesn't he look delicious? Hahaha!)

Alright, let's stop fooling around and get down to serious business here. Charles, as the second born son will never inherit his father's title, however, being the obvious heir of his mother's strength and will, he's but a "titled" man himself. Ray was born in an impoverished family but was raised and grew up with pride, intellect and conviction; all the qualities he needed to become someone others would thought impossible to achieve. Simon has been a dreamer like his father; both father and son sacrificed so much for the latter's dreams to come true. Andrew grew up seeing, hearing, living and breathing politics. Why not? His father is a soccer hero turned politician. It's up to Andrew to carry on to his father's political and heroic fame.

These strangers met at the onset of their political careers, sometimes they are friends, most of the times they are rivals as they embark on a journey to that ultimate destination -- that comfortable zone in No. 10 Downing Street. It will take these men over three decades to complete this journey and during those years, their honor will be put to unexpected tests, their faith and loyalty will be betrayed, their patriotism will be challenged, and their families will be put on the spot. These men may be equals; yet, in a game where a winner must emerge, where only one can be a victor, where only one can triumph, there will be a First among Equals.

I admit I had a little "difficulty" in reading the book. I mean, I don't have much knowledge on how the British government goes, some terminologies sound vague to me at first. But then, Jeffrey Archer have been very helpful and thus, it wasn't impossible at all to get a hang of it. One thing is for sure though, the fact that Politics is a Dirty Business is indeed a universal issue. Oh boy!

I really enjoyed reading the book, I even had my personal favorite and I was definitely crushed when he didn't become the Prime Minister. I wasn't able to sleep that night (honest!). I just can't accept at first that Jeffrey Archer would choose that man, I just hate him! (Though not as much as I hate the other "gentleman", I loathed him) But then I realized, of course, my choice couldn't be the PM, though he's a just and honest and fair man, he lacks some "cunning" devices that the others do have. Oh well, it's politics and of course Archer knows more than me. Oh no, I will never reveal the results here, I'm not about to ruin your excitement!

It was however interesting to know that the British and American editions of the book ended in a different ways; meaning, different characters became Prime Minister. Oh, Jeffrey Archer did explain his motives. According to him, these two countries will definitely be cheering different characters. Hmmm... I wonder who became the Prime Minister on the American Edition. I'm sure I read the British Edition. I was a little upset too that Archer has to remove the Scottish part of Andrew in the American edition, does this mean, there's no "Andrew" in that edition? That's so sad! Or maybe Andrew is there but he's definitely not Scottish? I wonder why then...

Ain't this story intriguing and empowering? I just love Jeffrey Archer! So, what are you waiting for? Get your copy now from your nearest local bookstores, or better yet, purchase online at Amazon Books now!

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