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First Among Equals

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First Among Equals

By: Jeffrey Archer
Narrated by: John Lee
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About this listen

First Among Equals is an exciting political drama, by master storyteller Jeffrey Archer.

In the 1960s, four ambitious new MPs take their seats at Westminster. Over three decades they share the turbulent passions and upheavals of the race for power with their wives and families, men and women caught up in a dramatic game for the highest stakes of all. But only one man can gain the ultimate goal – the office of Prime Minister . . .

©1984 Jeffrey Archer (P)2014 Pan Macmillan Publishers Ltd. Genre Fiction Political Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense Espionage Fiction

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All stars
Most relevant  
Another great book from a brilliant storyteller.
However the narration was disappointing read every sentence as if it was a question.

Another great story.

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A good story for those who like the cut and thrust of British political life.
some nearly true to life events intertwined with the author's vivid imagination and local knowledge keeps you wondering where it will go next.

Very enjoyable

A darned good yarn.....

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I read this in paperback format in the 1990s. How fascinating to revisit the novel now, and that ending...Compared to how the actual events occurred, it makes for a thought-provoking alternative reality. Excellent book.

Awesome listen

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A bit boring compared to his other books. It was ok but definitely not the best

A bit boring

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Archer allows an exciting delve into British politics that keeps you enthralled from start to finish. I have no doubt that there is a Charles, Ray, Simon and Andrew in every administration. Informative and great story

A captivating read from start to finish

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Any additional comments?

I'll declare a interest (or prejudice) and admit I've never been a great Jeffrey Archer fan, but this one is an exception. I've got a well thumbed paperback and was interested to see if the audio measures up. I think it's better. I'd not heard John Lee before but his narration was excellent.

4 young men arrive in Parliament in the same year, all with the same long term ambition; No 10. There's Ray the butcher's son from Leeds, Simon, son of a Solicitor but no financial featherbedding, Andrew who's treading a different political path from his father and Charles the aristocratic rather nasty piece of work. None of them too caricatured apart from perhaps Charles, whose Damascene conversion years later isn't entirely believable.

Some strong supporting characters help with an interesting story, but with the addition of a lot of real background and insight into Parliament and the way politics work. Even though the world has changed in the intervening years, it's still relevant.

No spoilers as to who, if any of them, succeed. Listen for yourself - you could well enjoy it.

This works - on more than one level.

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Not one of Archer ‘s finest or perhaps it was John Lee storytelling that I didn’t enjoy

Disappointed

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A very simple look into what is supposed to be typical British politics... All the clichés are here, Tories as bankers, labour firebrands... Perfectly decent time killer and quite fun to see who will win out in the end

Dated but decent

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Would you consider the audio edition of First Among Equals to be better than the print version?

Nope the two mediums are completely different

Who was your favorite character and why?

Fraser or Seymour I found Kerslake full of his own self importance and Gould was smug

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Good standard Archer

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Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Enjoyed the story built around three individuals all who want to go into politics . The story evolves telling the tale and including similar happening over the years in the national press. Contains it all tear jerking moments, humour, betrayal all within twists and turns making a griping tale. Could not wait to pick it up again.

Insight into parliment

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