Shall We Tell The President? (1983) - Plot & Excerpts
'Shall We Tell The President' is something a bit different from Jeffrey Archer. Instead of his usual character-driven epics, we're treated to a lean, taut political thriller involving the potential assassination of US President Florentyna Kane. First, a clarification: 'Shall We Tell The President' was Archer's second book, written before 'Kane And Abel' and 'The Prodigal Daughter'. However, he later updated it to incorporate the events of those two books, namely Florentyna becoming the first female President of the United States. Apart from some editing to incorporate her character and life story, it's pretty much the same as the original, but note that the new edition does give away some spoilers and plot points from both `Kane..' and `Prodigal...'. This is a highly readable book; well-paced and fast-moving. There is not much explicit action, but there is certainly plenty of intrigue, and several unexpected deaths. Archer draws on his own political experience and knowledge to portray the lives of politicians, the workings of Congress, and the difficulties in passing the controversial bill that forms the backdrop of the novel. This bill provides a reasonable motive for the various suspects, although you might question whether killing the President is the best way to achieve their aim (wouldn't public sympathy side overwhelmingly with Florentyna's cause if she were killed?). The characterisation is a little shallow, but sufficient. Mark Andrews is the young, resourceful hero who is equally at home jumping in front of bullets, conducting painstaking political research, or charming the pants off the lovely Elizabeth Dexter. Dr Dexter isn't a particularly important character in her own right, but has an essential connection to Andrews' investigation. The combination of his personal and professional pursuit of Elizabeth adds an interesting element to the story. Unusually, the antagonists remain quite mysterious and elusive even at the very end of the novel, with one appearing to having made a successful getaway. In all, this is a very good read, albeit a little different from some of Archer's other works. Along with `Not A Penny More...', it's probably the best place to start before tackling some of Archer's more epic works.
Jeffrey Archer is an English author and a former Member of Parliament. His area of writing is thriller, drama. This novel has his fictional character Florentyna Kane, who has finally become the first female President of the United States of America, which has been extended from his novel “The Prodigal Daughter.”After getting elected for the Oval Office powerful forces are dead set against her. The FBI receive thousands of false threats against the President every year but this time a tip from a reliable source has left them to investigate the same. But as soon as they take the tip seriously two out of the three agents end up dead. Now there is just one rookie agent Mark Andrews who knows about the tip regarding the assassination of the President. He lets the director of the FBI H. A. L. Tyson into the matter.The director and Mark have just one week to solve the case and find the man responsible for this. With the passage of time they come to know the man planning the assassination is one of the Senate of the United States of America. With the complex case in the hand Mark meets the love of his life, Dr Elizabeth Dexter, daughter of senate Mr. Dexter.The clock is ticking. What will they do, will they tell the President regarding the plot for her assassination and alarm the Secret Service. Intriguing plot and the secret is well preserved till the very end. With all the efforts of Mark and the director to unveil the killer, will they succeed?A very good book from the talented story-teller Jeffrey Archer. One of the greatest story-teller of our age. The plot is well created and good use of the factual data. A recommendation from my side.
What do You think about Shall We Tell The President? (1983)?
E.M. Kennedy, the new President of United States of America has just been sworn in. As a result of a fallout on a proposed legislation, a conspiracy plan is hatched to assassinate the President. A senator is involved as well. The killers are cold and precise.The responsibility of tracking down the guilty, falls on the unsuspecting shoulders of the young FBI agent Marc Andrews after two of his colleagues are murdered. He has seven days to foil the plan.The action flows swiftly. The writing style is lucid and clear. You can feel the tension as Marc races from one place to another, trying to put together the pieces of Jigsaw puzzle. A number of times, you feel that you know who exactly the killer is, but each time you are proved wrong.The love story between Elizabeth and Marc in the background is delightful to read. The flirtatious banter would definitely bring a smile to your face and make the characters so much more likable.the author probably read Julius Caesar before writing this book. Because at a number of places, quotations and anecdotes from that book crop up here.A thorough entertainer.
—Vikram
Interesting that this novel about the American political scene was written by a politician who is BRITISH! It was interesting and moved quickly.When a woman becomes President, on the day of her swearing-in a plot to kill her in 10 days is exposed. The informant is soon killed in the hospital, and everyone who heard him tell of the plan is also killed, except FBI Special Agent Mark Andrews. The assassination group thinks he was killed, however, so Andrews tries to do all that he can to prevent the plot from happening while trying to keep it unknown that he is still alive. It is known that a current Senator is a part of the plot, and Andrews begins by trying to track down which of the 100 senators met with the assassination group for lunch when the informant heard the plot. The ending has a surprisingly great twist for Andrews.
—Dale Safford
Goodreads Book Blurb:After years of great sacrifice and deep personal tragedy, Florentyna Kane’s has finally become the first woman president in America. But on the very day that she is sworn into office, powerful forces are already in motion to take her life.The FBI investigates thousands of false threats every year. This time, a reliable source has tipped them off about an assassination attempt. One hour later, the informant and all but one of the investigating agents are dead. The lone survivor: FBI Special Agent Mark Andrews. Now, only he knows when the killers will strike. But how can he alone unravel a ruthless conspiracy—in less than one week? The race to save the first woman president begins now…4 STARS – Would Highly Recommend To OthersI love Jeffrey Archer’s books and have read several of them. This was written decades ago and can still compete with the more sophisticated books of the present.Marc Andrews is on his own to find out who wants the president dead. Time is running out as he tries to eliminate the suspects.The suspense builds as the danger closes in on him.For conspiracy theorists, this is a book you will want to read. I always figure, it is someone close to you who poses the biggest threat, because you believe and trust them. They can look you in the eye as they lie and plot against you. Such is the case here. Be sure to look to your right, left, front and back as you turn the pages. You never know where the strike will come from.I still think of the Kennedy assassination and whether or not there was a government conspiracy that brought him down. Why would that be so impossible to believe? Our government is no less greedy and corrupt than any third world country. How far would someone go to achieve their goal? Look around at present day events and you may find your answer. Jeffrey Archer
—Sherry Fundin
