The Prime Minister Audiobook By Anthony Trollope cover art

The Prime Minister

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The Prime Minister

By: Anthony Trollope
Narrated by: Timothy West
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Plantaganet Palliser, Prime Minister of England - a man of power and prestige, with all the breeding and inherited wealth that goes with it - is appalled at the inexorable rise of Ferdinand Lopez. An exotic impostor, seemingly from nowhere, Lopez has society at his feet, while well-connected ladies vie with each other to exert influence on his behalf - even Palliser's own wife, Lady Glencora. But when the interloper makes a socially advantageous marriage, Palliser must decide whether to stand by his wife's support for Lopez in a by-election or leave him to face exposure as a fortune-hunting adventurer.

The fifth audiobook in Trollope's six-volume Palliser series, it is a story of social, sexual and domestic politics. The Prime Minister raises one of the most enduring questions in government - whether a morally scrupulous gentleman can make an effective leader.

With beautifully developed characters, Trollope intertwines the political and domestic stories, analysing the politics behind both government and marriage.

The author of 47 novels and many short stories he was one of the most prolific and successful novelists of the Victorian era with his work remaining popular and well-loved throughout the ages.

Narrator Biography

Timothy West is prolific in film, television, theatre, and audiobooks. He has narrated a number of Anthony Trollope's classic audiobooks, including the six Chronicles of Barsetshire and the Palliser series. He has also narrated volumes of Simon Schama's A History of Britain and John Mortimer's Rumpole on Trial.

West's theatre roles include King Lear, The Vote, Uncle Vanya, A Number, Quarter, and Coriolanus and his films include Ever After, Joan Of Arc, Endgame, Iris and The Day of the Jackal. On television, Timothy has held the regular role of Stan Carter on EastEnders (BBC), as well as appearing in Broken Biscuits (BBC), three series of Great Canal Journeys, Last Tango in Halifax; Bleak House, Bedtime and Brass.

Public Domain (P)2014 Audible, Inc.
Classics Fiction Literary Fiction Political Marriage British Classics
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Another great performance

Another energetic and entertaining performance by Timothy West of the Trollope world that makes this novel so pleasant and interesting. Listening while reading the novel enhanced the reading experience and brought the characters alive and painted the scenes and faces of each character.

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Trollope + West = Unbeatable prose

Whithout a doubt Timothy West is the BEST reader of Trollope on Audible. And this story, the next to last in the Palliser series, is one of the most affecting.

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Not Trollope’s best

I love the Palliser and Barchester novels, but this one didn’t quite measure up. The melodramatic sub-plot totally eclipsed the rather dry political main plot. The Duchess, GlenCora, had a wonderful role in this, reminiscent of several political wives, and I’ll be sorry to see her off the stage.

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Wonderful!

The problem alluded to by other reviews appears to've been corrected, as I heard the complete novel. The incomparable Timothy West illuminates Trollope's prose in such a way that makes the experience of listening to it far more rewarding than silent reading ever could.

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Before Downton Abbey there was The Prime Minister

What made the experience of listening to The Prime Minister the most enjoyable?

Trollope's fifth of the Palliser Novels surely must have served as inspiration for Downton Abbey. The truly noble sensibilities of the Prime Minister (The Duke of Omnium) and of his bright and charming, but not always appropriately sedate wife, Lady Glencora, remind the reader of the main characters in Downton Abbey.

Timothy West makes all the characters, the ones you love and the ones you hate, real. This is one of those books whose spirit permeates the way you feel about your day! It also leads you to take up activities that will allow you to keep listening!

Readers of The Prime Minister will want to go back to the first Palliser Novel, Can You Forgive Her?, and become acquainted with the engaging cast of characters who move in and out of the series.

Which scene was your favorite?

About 4 hours and 30 minutes into Part 3, there is an eloquent statement by the Duke about why he has remained a liberal in Parliament.

Any additional comments?

Trollope improves the way I think, and the way I talk. He writes the best letters for his characters to send (though not especially in The Prime Minister).

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Not Trollope's Best

The plot lumbers along endlessly. None of the characters inspire one to root for them. The issue seems to be true for all main characters - Emily, her father, and the Duke- fighting with their own stubbornness. Trollope must have been going through a bad time when he wrote this.

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masterpiece

Wonderful description of human emotions. Trollope is never at a lost to express precisely what his characters are feeling.

Another excellent resding by Mr. West.

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SOME AUTHORS NEVER LOOSE THEIR STORY ABILITY

Would you listen to The Prime Minister again? Why?

YES.
LIKE MOST OF TROLLOPE'S WRITING IT TELLS A SMOOTH TALE, WITH
EXCELLENT CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

What other book might you compare The Prime Minister to and why?

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
TO GREAT WRITERS THAT NEVER BECOME ENTANGLED IN PRESENTING
THEIR CHARACTERS

What does Timothy West bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

GOOD SENSE OF TIMING, VOICING THAT DOES NOT DRAG

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

WISH I COULD
BUT ALWAYS HOLD YOUR INTEREST UNTIL YOU LAY IT DOWN FOR THE LAST TIME

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Perfect Diction and Seamless Rhythm!

The narration of this wonderful book by Timothy West is simply superb. Because he is so obviously absorbed in the story and the characters, the whole experience is rich and authentic. Timothy is such a consumate actor that he sweeps the listener into Trollope's world. Simply sublime! Interesting insight into the isolation of the lonely and self-doubting leader. This is a fascinating installment in this brilliant and engrossing series. Emily's resistance became a little tiresome but Trollope was probably endeavouring to protect the honour of his heroine. What a marvellous team: Timothy and Trollope! This series is pure bliss!

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Another great Timothy West performance!

Timothy West really becomes Trollope, in both senses of the word. He is the perfect reader for Trollope.

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