To Play the King

This is the sequel to the author's House of Cards novel and TV series. Francis Urquhart is now Prime Minister and the plot of this novel concerns his constitutional struggle with a King with a social conscience (clearly based heavily on Prince Charles) appalled by the actions of the PM who governs in his name, but whom Urquhart regards as interfering with the right of the elected government to govern. Crucial constitutional and political arguments are thus laid out, and the author as elsewhere lays out the full cynicism of political and media manipulation, albeit that it is painted in colours a little too simplistic, lacking the complexities of the relationships between politics, the media and the public that are always in reality show more present beneath the surface. This book is as well written as its predecessor, but somewhat lacks its narrative drive, as Urquhart, having risen to the top, is now essentially looking for enemies to fights as he exercises power for its own sake. Unlike the House of Cards novel, the ending of this one has not changed to match the TV version, and while the divergences are not quite as stark as in its predecessor's case, Urquhart is nevertheless significantly damaged here by the end of the story. show less

Stavolta il colpo di scena è stato un po' prevedibile, ma la storia merita comunque. Un protagonista estremamente carismatico e la capacità dell'autore di scrivere di politica e intrighi di palazzo, ne fanno un'altra ottima storia.

The second in Michael Dobbs' "House of Cards" trilogy. This one wasn't as good as the first, but I had already bought it when I finished the first, so I felt obligated to read it.

After scheming his way into being the new Prime Minister, Francis Urquhart takes on the royal family to achieve even more power in England.

Prime Minister Francis Urqhart will stop at nothing in his bid to gain ultimate control over Great Britain. Now, he is threatening to expose some of the royal families most scandalous secrets if the king continues to stand in his way. The media explodes as the two men go head to head in their efforts to gain the upper hand. Stories of sexual escapades, economic fiascos and more flood TV, magazines, the internet and newspapers. It appears that Urqhart just may succeed in his attempt to overthrow the monarchy. Underhanded, dirty, low down politics take center stage in this story of ego and the ultimate bid for supremacy.