Customer Reviews

Shall We Tell the President? (G K Hall Large Print Book Series)

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This started out as Jeffrey Archer's second published novel, quite a few years ago, but has now been updated for more current politics. Try to find the original version, because it is vintage early Archer. In the original version, the novel begins just after Ed Kennedy is sworn in as president after Jimmy Carter. It was a rough time in American history, and Archer weaves the mood of the times into the story. The plot revolves around a junior FBI agent's investigation into an assassination attempt against the new president. He juggles a new relationship with the daughter of a senator who just happens to be a prime suspect in the conspiracy. Archer demonstrates his US political expertise here, despite being an Englishman. This novel goes behind the scenes of Washington DC, though not nearly to the extent his later novel, First Among Equals, does in London's Parliament. My only real complaint with the novel is its lack of major plot twists which I've come to expect from Archer's works. Pretty straight forward story. If you enjoy Archer's works, try to locate a copy of this one too.

Apparently this is Jeffrey Archer's second published novel. Hard to find these days but, having read most of his other works, I wanted to round out my collection. Obviously, this is a dated novel, taking place just after Ed Kennedy is sworn in as president after Jimmy Carter. It was a rough time in American history, and Archer weaves the mood of the times into this story. The plot revolves around a junior FBI agent's investigation into an assassination attempt against the new president. He juggles a new relationship with the daughter of a senator who just happens to be a prime suspect in the conspiracy. Good reading, even though a thin novel, and not Archer's best. Archer demonstrates his US political expertise here, despite being an Englishman. This novel goes behind the scenes of Washington DC, though not nearly to the extent his later novel, First Among Equals, does in London's Parliament. My only real complaint with the novel is its lack of major plot twists which I've come to expect from Archer's works. Pretty straight forward story. If you enjoy Archer's works, try to locate a copy of this one too.

The original 1977 Viking printing of this book created a storm of controversy. Jackie Onassis, at that time a book editor at Viking, quietly stated she would resign if the book, a fictional tale of an assassination plot against President Edward Kennedy, was published. Viking published the book and lost the editor. Fumbling with a tide of public backlash on both sides resulted in Archer's retelling of the tale, substituting a woman president instead of Ted in subsequent printings. Although the book is a better than average thriller, the simple facts behind the publishing makes it a worthwhile read.

While Jeffrey Archer's previous 2 books, "Kane & Abel," and "The Prodigal Daughter," are are romance, politics, business, and a blend of history, with creativity, "Shall We Tell the President," is a blend of politics and law enforcement on a level that most of us probably haven't considered is possible.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, because Mr. Archer, being a master at his craft, created so many word pictures that you become part of the story.

Watching Senate hearings, as a result of reading this book, I have more questions in mind.

There are many surprizes, especially in the last 50 pages. And there are some speeches in this story that provide the readers with a great deal to think about, in terms of homeland security.

It's a fast read -- not too heavy, yet this book will stretch your mind, as a good book should.

This is certainly a must-read! I have yet to award any books that I have reviewed with 5 stars and this is certainly the first and most deserving one!

The President is about to be assassinated and the FBI has 6 days to track the culprit. Archer uses twists and turns in his writing and together with love and lust, bringing the story to a thought-provoking culmination giving the story more thrill and meaning.

Appreciate this authentic mystery story, read "Shall we Tell the President"! I assure you a sweaty time reading at the edge of your chairs!

As a long time admirer of Archer's works, I have finally gotten round to buying this, one of his earlier works, and wish I had done sooner.

I shall not give away the transparently thin plot for you, but, suffice to say, a strong framework, and never-ending twists and turns in the plot are notable by their very absence. Archer fans will not be dissapointed by the shallowness of storyline, and the characters within, which, although occasionally realistic are never really truly believable.

This really is classic Archer, showing in his early days what was yet to come. Challenging your own prejudices to the full is something this book never achieves, and, like the author himself, one needs to wear rose-tinted spectacles to tease a single shard of quality from this fine novel.

In summary, if you've enjoyed the other vaccuous works of this skilled penman, you'll love "Shall We Tell the President"!

Started the book between juice and ceral. Closed the book at 9:00 PM and didn't even realize my eyes were tired until I was finished. Never read a book cover to cover in 1 day. Archer is a master at story telling and hid the ending to the very end. I give this 6 stars.

"The day of the jackall". Forsyth's story about a plot to kill De Gaulle is much more frightening. Archers' book is OK, but not on the same level. "Shall we tell the President" is perfect on alonghaul flight, or a long winternight.

Sequentially, this book seems to follow Kane and Abel and The Prodigal Daughter. However, it is more a thriller rather than drama as in the other two books. The President is now in danger of being assassinated and things must be done fast. The narrative is pacy and never tedious. Archer's gift of plot and fluent writing keep us turning the pages once again.

I have read two different editions of this book. There are some major differences. The first time I read this book the president is Ed Kennedy. The second time the president is Florentyna Kane (from Kane and Abel & Prodigal Daughter). This second edition has a forward by the author indicating that he has updated the book to use a character that he created. If this matters to you choose the edition carefully.