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The Prime Minister cover art

The Prime Minister

By: Anthony Trollope
Narrated by: Timothy West
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Summary

Exclusively from Audible

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.

What listeners say about The Prime Minister

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

as good as the previous ones in this series

love the whole series and Timothy West is an exquisite narrator. The duchess on top form!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Timothy West's Narration

The narration suits the pace and period of the book. The voice characterisations are suitable and consistent. Almost nothing grates. Very occasional questionable word pronunciations do very slightly. You feel that the narrator understands what he is reading and unlike some readings are never on edge for fear of hearing howlers which tend to indicate the opposite.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Classic literature and brilliant.

Surely the best of the Palliser series. Great characters including one of the most notable villains I can recall. Couldn't wait in between listening sessions. And of course a master of narration.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant

I am working my way through the complete Palliser series, of which this is the fifth of six. Timothy West is a total revelation, each character beautifully and consistently voiced throughout the entire series. I find Trollope's characters engaging and the stories brilliantly told. Sometimes the political stuff can get a bit tedious but this is a small criticism when the series is giving me so much joy.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent!

Would you listen to The Prime Minister again? Why?

Yes, for the quality of the narration and the story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Prime Minister?

None in particular, but there was plenty of tension at times. Kept me up past midnight on more than one occasion, that's for sure!

Which character – as performed by Timothy West – was your favourite?

Lady Glencora

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Several, but particularly the deep sadness of Plantagenet Palliser after his wife's death. He loved her dearly, but it wasn't fully reciprocated.

Any additional comments?

Timothy West is an excellent narrator. Through his actorly skills he manages to pace the narration and communicate the world of each character, grabbing your attention and increasing the suspense at appropriate moments. What a shame he hasn't narrated all the Trollope novels available from Audible, I'd buy them all!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful

Timothy White is just the best reader for Trollope. I am coming to the end of the Trollope novels but can already see myself starting. I cannot say enough about this reader and just hope he, in some way, can be made aware of my and others joy at his reading. Thank you Audible you got this so right!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fabulous

Tim west makes these stories come to life. had i read them myself I would have found it hard to keep the characters true in my mind. But the narrative is excellent, hugely enjoyed am now searching for more from tim west his voice is so soothing

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Yet another triumph!

Love the performance of Timothy West of all the Trollopes. The political nuances got a little tedious in this long novel, and Emily was a bit of an insipid character who needed a dose of backbone.... But overall, this is a very enjoyable listen.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars

A promise of greater things

Dear Julie (in Sydney): I'm not surprised you find this book weak as there's only one volume there - 3 or 4 are missing. I've contacted Audible to investigate and make good. I've given 2 stars in anticipation, but hopefully to be increased to 5 as with the others so far in the series.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars

Part of a great series

This is a weakish book in Trollope's great Palliser series, beautifully read by Timothy West.

I am pleased I listened to follow the story through, not a waste of time at all, and anything with this narrator is worth hearing, but the other volumes in the series are so much better books.

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3 people found this helpful