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Francis Urquhart #3
The Final Cut
FRANCIS URQUHART'S EVENTFUL CAREER AS PRIME MINISTER COMES TO A SPECTACULAR END IN THE FINAL VOLUME IN THE NO 1 BESTSELLING TRILOGY
In a few months, Francis Urquhart will take his place in the history books as the longest-serving Prime Minister this century.
And yet . . . the country appears to he tiring of him. The movement to force him from power is gathering irresistible momentum. But F.U. is not ready to retire, still less to be driven from office. If the public are demanding new blood.,then that is precisely what he will give them - the blood of critics, Cabinet rivals, any man or woman who stands in his way. . .
478 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 24, 1995
113 people are currently reading
1856 people want to read
About the author
Michael Dobbs
101 books371 followersMichael Dobbs was born on the same day, in the same hour as Prince Charles in 1948.
He is the son of nurseryman Eric and his wife Eileen Dobbs and was educated at Hertford Grammar School and Christ Church, Oxford University. After graduating in 1971 he moved to the United States.
In the USA he attended the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, which he funded by a job as feature writer for the Boston Globe, where he worked as an editorial assistant and political feature writer from 1971 to 1975.
He graduated in 1975 with an M.A., M.A.L.D., and PhD in nuclear defence studies. His doctoral thesis was published as SALT on the Dragon's Tail. In 2007 he returned to Tufts where he gave the Alumni Salutation.
After gaining his PhD he returned to England and began working in London for the Conservative Party. He was an advisor to the then leader of the Opposition, Margaret Thatcher, from 1977 to 1979 and from 1979 to 1981 he was a Conservative MP speechwriter.
He served as a Government Special Advisor from 1981 to 1986 and he survived the Brighton Bombing in 1984 at the Conservative Party Conference. He was the Conservative Party Chief of Staff from 1986 to 1987.
He was considered a masterful political operator and was called "Westminster’s baby-faced hit man", by The Guardian in 1987. In the John Major government, he served as Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party from 1994 to 1995, after which he retired from politics.
Outside of politics, he worked at Saatchi & Saatchi as Deputy Advertising Chairman from 1983 to 1986 and was Director of Worldwide Corporate Communications at the company from 1987 to 1988. He became Deputy Chairman, working directly under Maurice Saatchi from 1988 to 1991.
From 1991 to 1998 he was a columnist for The Mail on Sunday and also wrote column for the Daily Express. From 1998 to 2001 he hosted the current affairs program Despatch Box on BBC television and has also been a radio presenter.
Nowadays he is best known as the bestselling author of 17 novels (up to 2010), such as 'The Turning Point', about Winston Churchill and Guy Burgess, and 'A Family Affair', about the last days of Margaret Thatcher in Downing Street, and also a number of non-fiction works.
His writing career began in 1989 with the publication of 'House of Cards', the first in what would become a trilogy of political thrillers with Francis Urquhart as the central character. 'House of Cards' was followed by 'To Play the King' in 1992 and 'The Final Cut' in 1994.
Each of the three novels was adapted by the BBC into a miniseries and, with Ian Richardson playiing a starring role, the trilogy received a combined 14 BAFTA nominations and two BAFTA wins and was voted the 84th Best British Show in History.
His 2004 novel 'Winston’s War' was shortlisted for the Channel 4 Political Book of the Year Award. He was the winner of the Benjamin Franklin Award for best historical novel in 2008 and in 2001 was shortlisted for the C4 Political Novel of the Year. He has also been a judge of the Whitbread Book of the Year Award and lectures at dozens of literary and fundraising events each year.
Anthony Howard of The Times said “Dobbs is following in a respectable tradition. Shakespeare, Walter Scott, even Tolstoy, all used historical events as the framework for their writings. And, unlike some of their distinguished works, Dobbs's novel is, in fact, astonishingly historically accurate."
He is now a full time writer and divides his time between London and Wiltshire, where he says that he lives near a church and a pub! He is married with four children.
Gerry Wolstenholme
October 2010
He is sometimes confused with American author Michael Dobbs, who is a distant relative of his and also an author of historical books (e.g. "Saboteurs - The Nazi Raid on America").
He is the son of nurseryman Eric and his wife Eileen Dobbs and was educated at Hertford Grammar School and Christ Church, Oxford University. After graduating in 1971 he moved to the United States.
In the USA he attended the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, which he funded by a job as feature writer for the Boston Globe, where he worked as an editorial assistant and political feature writer from 1971 to 1975.
He graduated in 1975 with an M.A., M.A.L.D., and PhD in nuclear defence studies. His doctoral thesis was published as SALT on the Dragon's Tail. In 2007 he returned to Tufts where he gave the Alumni Salutation.
After gaining his PhD he returned to England and began working in London for the Conservative Party. He was an advisor to the then leader of the Opposition, Margaret Thatcher, from 1977 to 1979 and from 1979 to 1981 he was a Conservative MP speechwriter.
He served as a Government Special Advisor from 1981 to 1986 and he survived the Brighton Bombing in 1984 at the Conservative Party Conference. He was the Conservative Party Chief of Staff from 1986 to 1987.
He was considered a masterful political operator and was called "Westminster’s baby-faced hit man", by The Guardian in 1987. In the John Major government, he served as Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party from 1994 to 1995, after which he retired from politics.
Outside of politics, he worked at Saatchi & Saatchi as Deputy Advertising Chairman from 1983 to 1986 and was Director of Worldwide Corporate Communications at the company from 1987 to 1988. He became Deputy Chairman, working directly under Maurice Saatchi from 1988 to 1991.
From 1991 to 1998 he was a columnist for The Mail on Sunday and also wrote column for the Daily Express. From 1998 to 2001 he hosted the current affairs program Despatch Box on BBC television and has also been a radio presenter.
Nowadays he is best known as the bestselling author of 17 novels (up to 2010), such as 'The Turning Point', about Winston Churchill and Guy Burgess, and 'A Family Affair', about the last days of Margaret Thatcher in Downing Street, and also a number of non-fiction works.
His writing career began in 1989 with the publication of 'House of Cards', the first in what would become a trilogy of political thrillers with Francis Urquhart as the central character. 'House of Cards' was followed by 'To Play the King' in 1992 and 'The Final Cut' in 1994.
Each of the three novels was adapted by the BBC into a miniseries and, with Ian Richardson playiing a starring role, the trilogy received a combined 14 BAFTA nominations and two BAFTA wins and was voted the 84th Best British Show in History.
His 2004 novel 'Winston’s War' was shortlisted for the Channel 4 Political Book of the Year Award. He was the winner of the Benjamin Franklin Award for best historical novel in 2008 and in 2001 was shortlisted for the C4 Political Novel of the Year. He has also been a judge of the Whitbread Book of the Year Award and lectures at dozens of literary and fundraising events each year.
Anthony Howard of The Times said “Dobbs is following in a respectable tradition. Shakespeare, Walter Scott, even Tolstoy, all used historical events as the framework for their writings. And, unlike some of their distinguished works, Dobbs's novel is, in fact, astonishingly historically accurate."
He is now a full time writer and divides his time between London and Wiltshire, where he says that he lives near a church and a pub! He is married with four children.
Gerry Wolstenholme
October 2010
He is sometimes confused with American author Michael Dobbs, who is a distant relative of his and also an author of historical books (e.g. "Saboteurs - The Nazi Raid on America").
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
April 23, 2024
Well, I have some mixed feelings about this series.
House of Cards, the first one, is an exquisite novel about politics and politicians, both a thriller and a policier, authored by a very skillful insider and I will always consider it in Top Ten my favorite books. To Play the King is more ruthless but less convincing, but perhaps the level of the first novel is too high.
The Final Cut has risen the level again, as the story is good, Urquhart is as dirty as you know, even in his humble beginnings in the Army, in a remote corner of Cyprus. But, as they say, the past is never gone...
House of Cards, the first one, is an exquisite novel about politics and politicians, both a thriller and a policier, authored by a very skillful insider and I will always consider it in Top Ten my favorite books. To Play the King is more ruthless but less convincing, but perhaps the level of the first novel is too high.
The Final Cut has risen the level again, as the story is good, Urquhart is as dirty as you know, even in his humble beginnings in the Army, in a remote corner of Cyprus. But, as they say, the past is never gone...
December 13, 2020
In this final volume of The House of Cards trilogy, Michael Dobbs skilfully sends us back to Francis Urquhart’s humble beginnings in the army.
As the tides turn, and some ugly truths threaten to surface, FU looks stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Is he evil enough to turn the tables as damning evidence starts piling and the political forces finally start turning against him?
This was much better than the second in the series. The depictions of Cyprus and its people are vivid, the writing style throughout was almost poetic and brought back fond memories of my own trip to Cyprus some 25 years ago. It also brought the trilogy to a momentous end.
Note: all three books in the revised edition are peppered with typos and various other mistakes. This is not reflected in my rating.
As the tides turn, and some ugly truths threaten to surface, FU looks stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Is he evil enough to turn the tables as damning evidence starts piling and the political forces finally start turning against him?
This was much better than the second in the series. The depictions of Cyprus and its people are vivid, the writing style throughout was almost poetic and brought back fond memories of my own trip to Cyprus some 25 years ago. It also brought the trilogy to a momentous end.
Note: all three books in the revised edition are peppered with typos and various other mistakes. This is not reflected in my rating.
October 16, 2021
Read this book in 2011, and its the 3rd and final episode of the Francis Urquhart trilogy.
Francis Urquhart, after his confrontation with the King, now firmly control again as Prime Minister.
But the years are taking their toll on the longest serving Prime Minister, but his enemies are calling for him to retire because its time for change.
Determined to hang on to power, simply because he's not ready to retire or driven from office, he will give the public a new revived administration.
Even if blood needs to be shed, from his Cabinet critics or from the Island of Cyprus, so be it, he will show the world that he's still a Prime Minister to be reckoned with.
In the end he'll show that his personality is about love and vulnerability, but most of all its about ruthlessness towards and in his dealings with his critics, and so in the end he will risk everything to get his name in the record books, and whether he will succeed or not remains to be seen, but the name of Francis Urquhart will certainly not be forgotten.
Highly recommended, because this 3rd and final part is a fitting end to this entertaining trilogy, and that's why I like to call this book: "A Very Satisfying Conclusion"!
Francis Urquhart, after his confrontation with the King, now firmly control again as Prime Minister.
But the years are taking their toll on the longest serving Prime Minister, but his enemies are calling for him to retire because its time for change.
Determined to hang on to power, simply because he's not ready to retire or driven from office, he will give the public a new revived administration.
Even if blood needs to be shed, from his Cabinet critics or from the Island of Cyprus, so be it, he will show the world that he's still a Prime Minister to be reckoned with.
In the end he'll show that his personality is about love and vulnerability, but most of all its about ruthlessness towards and in his dealings with his critics, and so in the end he will risk everything to get his name in the record books, and whether he will succeed or not remains to be seen, but the name of Francis Urquhart will certainly not be forgotten.
Highly recommended, because this 3rd and final part is a fitting end to this entertaining trilogy, and that's why I like to call this book: "A Very Satisfying Conclusion"!
April 26, 2013
Dobbs ties off the House of Cards series with a bang and pens, perhaps, his best novel of the trilogy. Diving head-on into a Thatcheresque prime ministership, our main character, aptly nicknamed “F.U.” forges ahead and tries to lay the groundwork for a place in the history books as the longest serving prime minister of the 20th century. Little does he know that his actions from decades past will come back to haunt him as his own party stands fractured and on the brink of disaster. Add to that, a cocky election call and all Britons are looking at how things will play out at 10 Downing Street, as well as around the world. Layering this main story with the potential reunification of Cypress, led by F.U. and his Foreign Minister, the story’s pushes through like something out of the world of Jeffrey Archer. Highly entertaining and while perhaps somewhat predictable, Dobbs pushes F.U. to the brink of his wretchedness in order to lie and steal his way into the minds and books of schoolchildren everywhere.
I am now prepared to find and watch the BBC series, sure not to have any spoilers ruin the book for me. Dobbs paints wonderful political and character imagery throughout the series and leaves the best for last. The two bookend books are, by far, the better of the three and make the series come alive and injects just enough intrigue to sate any political nut, particularly of the British parliamentary system.
Kudos Mr. Dobbs on the completion of an excellent series and on this, the literal final chapter,of our beloved set of characters.
I am now prepared to find and watch the BBC series, sure not to have any spoilers ruin the book for me. Dobbs paints wonderful political and character imagery throughout the series and leaves the best for last. The two bookend books are, by far, the better of the three and make the series come alive and injects just enough intrigue to sate any political nut, particularly of the British parliamentary system.
Kudos Mr. Dobbs on the completion of an excellent series and on this, the literal final chapter,of our beloved set of characters.
April 4, 2023
Невероятен завършек на една политическа сага. Прочитането й ме отврати от политиката.
November 6, 2016
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series so was looking forward to the closing chapter of FU's reign.
Unfortunately, I was disappointed with this last book in the series. It felt like the author had lost his way and was just trying to fill in the pages so he could get to the end - which, in truth, is not a bad ending.
Maybe one too many novels in the series??? For this reader, the answer is a resounding "YES"!!
Unfortunately, I was disappointed with this last book in the series. It felt like the author had lost his way and was just trying to fill in the pages so he could get to the end - which, in truth, is not a bad ending.
Maybe one too many novels in the series??? For this reader, the answer is a resounding "YES"!!
July 14, 2015
This was actually my favorite book of the trilogy although it had one huge problem. What happened to the story that was unfolding at the end of the 2nd book? In 'To Play the King' we pretty much end with FU having gotten royally served and yet this book picks up a decade down the road with him having become one of the most successful prime ministers in history. This is an oversight of Terminator 2 sized proportion. Otherwise I thought the book was great. I enjoyed the story thoroughly, even if the end was a bit predictable.
March 7, 2019
Po ekspresowo przeczytanym drugim tomie House of Cards szybko wzięłam się za „Ostatnie rozdanie”. Naprawdę wciągnęłam się w tę serię przy poprzedniej części i mocno liczyłam, że finał wciągnie mnie równie porządnie. Niestety, ale po pierwszych stu stronach czułam się mocno rozczarowana. Dlaczego? Przekonacie się, jeśli przeczytacie recenzję do końca.
Od wydarzeń w ostatnim tomie minęło około dziesięć lat. Francis dalej jest premierem i tylko kilka miesięcy dzieli go od pobicia rekordu urzędowania należącego do Margaret Thatcher. Coraz więcej jest jednak głosów, że ze względu na wiek – ma siedemdziesiąt pięć lat – powinien odejść na emeryturę. Francis dalej jest rządny władzy i ciągle czuje się na siłach by sprawować urząd premiera. Aby zamkną usta swoim przeciwnikom postanawia zagrać negocjacjami granic na Cyprze. To wszystko może doprowadzi do międzynarodowego konflikt. Na dodatek jest jeszcze również tajemnicza sprawa związana ze stacjonowaniem Francisa Urquharta na Cyprze w 1954. Czy Francis posunie się do tego, aby wywołać międzynarodowy konflikt? Czy aby utrzymać władzę sparaliżuje bezpieczeństwo międzynarodowe? Ci, którzy znają Francisa znają już na te pytania odpowiedzi…
Francis ma już sześćdziesiąt pięć lat. Wszyscy zauważają, że wiek zaczyna odgrywać u niego rolę. Nawet jego żona Mortima to widzi, ale nie mówi mu tego przez wzgląd na ich uczucie. Urquhart ma ambicje by być najdłużej panującym premierem w kraju. Chce zapisać się na kartach historii. Dalej jest bezwzględny w dążeniu do celu. Jest w stanie poświęcić w tej sprawie nawet krew gimnazjalistek z Cypru. Jednak prądy nie sprzyjają jego decyzjom. Wielu ministrów zaczyna knuć przeciwko niemu, ale tylko jeden z nich ma odwagę oficjalnie się mu sprzeciwić. Jest nim Tom Makepeace, który jest wskazywany na nowego premiera. Francis nie chce jednak oddawać władzy i postanawia zagrać negocjowanymi granicami na Cyprze: między greckimi Cypryjczykami oraz tureckimi. Nie wszystko jednak idzie tak jak powinno, a nasz premier jest w coraz większym szoku i niedowierzaniu, że jego era może dobiegać końca…
Rozczarował mnie jeden fakt. Drugi tom zakończył się w dość zaskakującym momencie i w trzecim brakowało mi jego kontynuacji. Oczywiście fakt, że akcja dzieje się dziesięć lat później pokazuje mniej więcej jak zakończyła się sytuacja, ale jednak to mnie nie usatysfakcjonowało. Poczułam się oszukana przez Michaela Dobbsa, bo ten wątek można było dobrze kontynuować w trzecim tomie. Postanowiono z kolei na konflikt międzynarodowy, który nie do końca mi przypasował. Bardziej interesowały mnie wewnętrzne roszady w rządzie premiera. Zakończenie jest zaskakujące, ale gdy na spokojnie przeanalizuje się zachowanie Francisa przez całą serię nie wydaje się ono w sumie takim zaskoczeniem.
Podsumowując: jak dla mnie najsłabszy tom. Lepiej by wyszło, gdyby autor zaczął w momencie, gdzie zakończył się tom drugi. Ten napisany trochę na siłę. Jednak całą serię oceniam pozytywnie i z pewnością będę ją polecać, bo jest warta zainteresowania.
Od wydarzeń w ostatnim tomie minęło około dziesięć lat. Francis dalej jest premierem i tylko kilka miesięcy dzieli go od pobicia rekordu urzędowania należącego do Margaret Thatcher. Coraz więcej jest jednak głosów, że ze względu na wiek – ma siedemdziesiąt pięć lat – powinien odejść na emeryturę. Francis dalej jest rządny władzy i ciągle czuje się na siłach by sprawować urząd premiera. Aby zamkną usta swoim przeciwnikom postanawia zagrać negocjacjami granic na Cyprze. To wszystko może doprowadzi do międzynarodowego konflikt. Na dodatek jest jeszcze również tajemnicza sprawa związana ze stacjonowaniem Francisa Urquharta na Cyprze w 1954. Czy Francis posunie się do tego, aby wywołać międzynarodowy konflikt? Czy aby utrzymać władzę sparaliżuje bezpieczeństwo międzynarodowe? Ci, którzy znają Francisa znają już na te pytania odpowiedzi…
Francis ma już sześćdziesiąt pięć lat. Wszyscy zauważają, że wiek zaczyna odgrywać u niego rolę. Nawet jego żona Mortima to widzi, ale nie mówi mu tego przez wzgląd na ich uczucie. Urquhart ma ambicje by być najdłużej panującym premierem w kraju. Chce zapisać się na kartach historii. Dalej jest bezwzględny w dążeniu do celu. Jest w stanie poświęcić w tej sprawie nawet krew gimnazjalistek z Cypru. Jednak prądy nie sprzyjają jego decyzjom. Wielu ministrów zaczyna knuć przeciwko niemu, ale tylko jeden z nich ma odwagę oficjalnie się mu sprzeciwić. Jest nim Tom Makepeace, który jest wskazywany na nowego premiera. Francis nie chce jednak oddawać władzy i postanawia zagrać negocjowanymi granicami na Cyprze: między greckimi Cypryjczykami oraz tureckimi. Nie wszystko jednak idzie tak jak powinno, a nasz premier jest w coraz większym szoku i niedowierzaniu, że jego era może dobiegać końca…
Rozczarował mnie jeden fakt. Drugi tom zakończył się w dość zaskakującym momencie i w trzecim brakowało mi jego kontynuacji. Oczywiście fakt, że akcja dzieje się dziesięć lat później pokazuje mniej więcej jak zakończyła się sytuacja, ale jednak to mnie nie usatysfakcjonowało. Poczułam się oszukana przez Michaela Dobbsa, bo ten wątek można było dobrze kontynuować w trzecim tomie. Postanowiono z kolei na konflikt międzynarodowy, który nie do końca mi przypasował. Bardziej interesowały mnie wewnętrzne roszady w rządzie premiera. Zakończenie jest zaskakujące, ale gdy na spokojnie przeanalizuje się zachowanie Francisa przez całą serię nie wydaje się ono w sumie takim zaskoczeniem.
Podsumowując: jak dla mnie najsłabszy tom. Lepiej by wyszło, gdyby autor zaczął w momencie, gdzie zakończył się tom drugi. Ten napisany trochę na siłę. Jednak całą serię oceniam pozytywnie i z pewnością będę ją polecać, bo jest warta zainteresowania.
October 23, 2016
Well I can tell you I am very happy to have finally finished this awful book. I continued reading after 200 pages jest because I had read the first two, vaguely hoped it would improve towards the end (it didn't, if anything the end, without giving away spoilers, was the most disappointing and pointless part of the book) and because I really hate leaving a book unfinished. However the end of this one was so bad, rushed and hacked that I now wish I had.
Like in the first two books you can't help but hear the authors own point of view, yet again fawning over his precious Thatcher at several opportunities.
The story in this book was the worst of the three by far, it was the slowest book as well. I don't understand how it is called a political "thriller" as there was nothing thrilling in these 400+ pages. None of the characters are likeable and none do I even vaguely care about.
This is one of the worst books I have ever finished and I really don't plan to read any more of Dobbs' books.
Like in the first two books you can't help but hear the authors own point of view, yet again fawning over his precious Thatcher at several opportunities.
The story in this book was the worst of the three by far, it was the slowest book as well. I don't understand how it is called a political "thriller" as there was nothing thrilling in these 400+ pages. None of the characters are likeable and none do I even vaguely care about.
This is one of the worst books I have ever finished and I really don't plan to read any more of Dobbs' books.
October 2, 2017
"Последното раздаване" слага достоен финал на трилогията за Франсис Ъркарт, заплитайки гъста мрежа от външно- и вътрешнополитически интриги, голяма част от които се развиват в Кипър. На техния фон образът на Ъркарт излиза (слава Богу) от едноплановата плоскост на гадняра-политик, в която го беше позиционирала втората книга, и придобива значително повече дълбочина, дори известен трагизъм, който накрая преля в малко излишна помпозност. Въпреки това, Добс продължава да доставя удоволствие с ироничния си поглед върху политическия живот в Кралството, а акцентът му върху антиевропейските настроения на британците е направо пророчески, предвид факта, че книгата е писана преди около 20 години.
Обаче, колкото и да ми е неприятно да го кажа, не препоръчвам четенето на "Последното раздаване" в българския му превод. Особено първите 100-150 страници са истинска мъка и оставят впечатление за начинаещ преводач и тотална липса на редакция (доказателства тук ). Нататък нещата горе-долу се оправят, но общото усещане за зле свършена работа остава. Разликата в качеството спрямо "Къща от карти" е колосална и тези, които си купят книгата заради впечатленията си от началото на трилогията, ще останат доста разочаровани.
Обаче, колкото и да ми е неприятно да го кажа, не препоръчвам четенето на "Последното раздаване" в българския му превод. Особено първите 100-150 страници са истинска мъка и оставят впечатление за начинаещ преводач и тотална липса на редакция (доказателства тук ). Нататък нещата горе-долу се оправят, но общото усещане за зле свършена работа остава. Разликата в качеството спрямо "Къща от карти" е колосална и тези, които си купят книгата заради впечатленията си от началото на трилогията, ще останат доста разочаровани.
July 20, 2022
“The Final Cut” (TFC) is the final novel in the “House Of Cards” trilogy by British politician and Member of the House of Lords, Michael Dobbs.
TFC is the final stanza of the politician everyone lives to hate in Francis Urquhart. First he plotted to become Prime Minister; then he took on the King to stay as PM; now, after a decade in power are things starting to finally unravel.
While the first two novels on the series were set firmly in the UK, TFC explores the tensions on the island nation of Cyprus, making it, in part, a geo-political thriller. Nevertheless FU shows his trademark ruthlessness and political manoeuvring to get what he wants while clearing the decks of any challenger to his leadership. But even the most politically astute players cannot control everything at home and abroad and Urquhart finds himself backed into a corner which may cost him what he holds most dear - the Prime Ministership.
In TFC Dobbs has written a finale to the House Of Cards trilogy that contains all of the usual political chicanery of the first two novels. The dialogue continues to be clever and intelligent, a plot that is intriguing, and characters that are wholly engaging.
Coming in at just over 450pages TFC, the longest of the three books, just did not feel as tightly written as the first two books (this was possibly due to providing historical background to the political history of Cyprus and interweaving events present at the time of writing in 1994 into multiple plot lines).
That said, TFC provides a very satisfying ending to the series which is expertly foreshadowed and oh so very Francis Urquhart.
TFC gets 4 Shakespearean tragedies out of 5.
TFC is the final stanza of the politician everyone lives to hate in Francis Urquhart. First he plotted to become Prime Minister; then he took on the King to stay as PM; now, after a decade in power are things starting to finally unravel.
While the first two novels on the series were set firmly in the UK, TFC explores the tensions on the island nation of Cyprus, making it, in part, a geo-political thriller. Nevertheless FU shows his trademark ruthlessness and political manoeuvring to get what he wants while clearing the decks of any challenger to his leadership. But even the most politically astute players cannot control everything at home and abroad and Urquhart finds himself backed into a corner which may cost him what he holds most dear - the Prime Ministership.
In TFC Dobbs has written a finale to the House Of Cards trilogy that contains all of the usual political chicanery of the first two novels. The dialogue continues to be clever and intelligent, a plot that is intriguing, and characters that are wholly engaging.
Coming in at just over 450pages TFC, the longest of the three books, just did not feel as tightly written as the first two books (this was possibly due to providing historical background to the political history of Cyprus and interweaving events present at the time of writing in 1994 into multiple plot lines).
That said, TFC provides a very satisfying ending to the series which is expertly foreshadowed and oh so very Francis Urquhart.
TFC gets 4 Shakespearean tragedies out of 5.
February 17, 2023
Having meant to read, 'House of Cards,' for some time, I decided to continue and complete the trilogy. 'The Final Cut,' is the third book in the Francis Urquhart trilogy and, after a detour to the palace in book two, we are back in the world of Westminster. By this book, Urquhart has been Prime Minister for many years, with shades of Thatcher - the PM who first inspired this series.
As Urquhart will find, for politicians there are crises and scandals, lurking in every corner. For the PM, his secrets, or one of them, lies in Cyprus, during his time in the army in 1956. His instigation of a cover up, a war crime, will come to haunt him. In the corridors of power there are sugestions and rumours - Urquart has gone on too long, a new leader is needed. 'None of knew when the time had come to go,' Urquart says of a planned statue of Thatcher, for once, failing to see the danger himself.
This has some fun, political drama. A politician crosses the floor of the house. The Cabinet are viewed, somewhat sarcastically by Urquart, as the Pretorian Guard, who appear more like bewildered sheep. There is betrayal, intrigue and an interesting view of political loyalty. However, clinging to power is never quite as interesting as trying to reach it. Still, this has been an interesting read and I am pleased that I finally got around to it.
As Urquhart will find, for politicians there are crises and scandals, lurking in every corner. For the PM, his secrets, or one of them, lies in Cyprus, during his time in the army in 1956. His instigation of a cover up, a war crime, will come to haunt him. In the corridors of power there are sugestions and rumours - Urquart has gone on too long, a new leader is needed. 'None of knew when the time had come to go,' Urquart says of a planned statue of Thatcher, for once, failing to see the danger himself.
This has some fun, political drama. A politician crosses the floor of the house. The Cabinet are viewed, somewhat sarcastically by Urquart, as the Pretorian Guard, who appear more like bewildered sheep. There is betrayal, intrigue and an interesting view of political loyalty. However, clinging to power is never quite as interesting as trying to reach it. Still, this has been an interesting read and I am pleased that I finally got around to it.
July 28, 2024
The final chapter in the story of Francis Urquhart does not disappoint. While not quite as tightly written as the first book, its sense of scope has broadened considerably. Book 1 detailed FU's plots within the walls of Whitehall, Book 2 saw him challenge the entire constitution of the United Kingdom. Now in Book 3, it takes it another step beyond where even the entire nation state of Cyprus is just another pawn in his schemes.
Throughout The Final Cut, there are several seemingly unconnected plot threads that all ultimately wind themselves to a singular, inevitable conclusion, which, without spoilers, can only be seen as a fitting end to the story of Francis Urquhart that sees his historic rule of the United Kingdom, most importantly, end on his own terms.
A solid final chapter in a gripping trilogy of novels. I would definitely recommend all 3 books to anyone with an interest in the machinations of British politics and/or political thrillers.
Throughout The Final Cut, there are several seemingly unconnected plot threads that all ultimately wind themselves to a singular, inevitable conclusion, which, without spoilers, can only be seen as a fitting end to the story of Francis Urquhart that sees his historic rule of the United Kingdom, most importantly, end on his own terms.
A solid final chapter in a gripping trilogy of novels. I would definitely recommend all 3 books to anyone with an interest in the machinations of British politics and/or political thrillers.
September 8, 2022
Una noia mortale... libro totalmente seperato dai precedenti. Il secondo ci lasciava un finale aperto fantastico di cui qui non si fa minimamente cenno. Cambia il nome della moglia senza una motivazione. Personaggi spariti e non di poco conto. Il fatto che siano passati 10 anni nella storia non giustifica assolutamente queste cose. Mollato quasi a metà; mi prendeva l'angoscia all'idea di avere ancora 8 ore di ascolto storytel, non voglio pensare se avessi letto il cartaceo. Peccato solo che non sapremo mai come andrà a finire (intendo la vera storia, quella dei primi due libri)
June 7, 2017
The whole series was a great read, especially as a huge fan of the Netflix. Urqohardt, and Underwood are similar in almost every way- savagery, affairs, bullying to gain power, vulnerability at times, etc. One has to wonder if the show will end in the same fashion that the book ended. I am excited to watch HOC season 5 on Netflix now!
July 22, 2021
tenk om serien var så god
June 23, 2017
Последното раздаване решава как Франсис Ъркарт ще остане в историята: http://knigolandia.info/book-review/p...
В първите две части от поредицата Ъркарт водеше упорита и постоянна борба – първо за да получи властта, а сетне за да я задържи в битка с краля. Той не подбираше средствата за тази цел и в крайна сметка получи своето – не просто победа, а пълно унижение на враговете си, публична клада, която жадните за развлечение маси да зяпат с наслада. Точно с една такава клада, но истинска, започва книгата – Добс ни връща в младостта на Ъркарт, когато служи в колониалните сили на остров Кипър, и там амбициозният младок извършва деяние, което ще го преследва до края на живота му. Точно този призрак от миналото се разбужда, когато в съвремието Ъркарт се заема да спасява вътрешното положение чрез външнополитически арбитраж между кипърските турци и гърци.
CIELA Books
http://knigolandia.info/book-review/p...
В първите две части от поредицата Ъркарт водеше упорита и постоянна борба – първо за да получи властта, а сетне за да я задържи в битка с краля. Той не подбираше средствата за тази цел и в крайна сметка получи своето – не просто победа, а пълно унижение на враговете си, публична клада, която жадните за развлечение маси да зяпат с наслада. Точно с една такава клада, но истинска, започва книгата – Добс ни връща в младостта на Ъркарт, когато служи в колониалните сили на остров Кипър, и там амбициозният младок извършва деяние, което ще го преследва до края на живота му. Точно този призрак от миналото се разбужда, когато в съвремието Ъркарт се заема да спасява вътрешното положение чрез външнополитически арбитраж между кипърските турци и гърци.
CIELA Books
http://knigolandia.info/book-review/p...
September 27, 2021
A politician who has been in office for a long time faces two problems. First, how does it end? Second, how will history remember the politician? This book examines these two questions from the perspective of Francis Urquhart. In doing so, we are reminded that what goes around comes around, and a theme in this book is that FU's past misdeeds are now catching up with him.
I found some very interesting contemporary points in the book. The idea that a Foreign Secretary would be appointed with the deliberate intention of upsetting the French has quite a current appeal. When the book was written, the base assumption was that the UK would be part of the EU. We now know that assumption to be false, and I did wonder how that particular storyline would have unfolded had the author been able to rely upon Brexit.
As I read the book, I couldn't but help think that Urquhart didn't see the end coming. For most of the book, he behaves as if it's all to play for, whereas the reader can see that he was doomed and that his ship was sinking. His calling of a General Election was something of an enormous risk. The reader could see that it wasn't in the bag, but FU couldn't. Why was that? Part of the explanation can be seen as hubris, but where was the cautious schemer of the first book when he was needed? Where was the ruthless operator of the second book when things became difficult? Those questions weren't really answered in the book.
So what was the legacy of Francis Urquhart? He ends in heroic fashion. Mrs Urquhart mysteriously becomes a Countess. How, exactly, did that happen? She founds a library in his name, and that's where it's left. I fund that to be something of an unsatisfactory ending. The storyline of assassination is a bit incredible and we really do have to suspend our disbelief to go along with it. For me, a more satisfactory ending would be the grooming of a successor and stepping back to give them room for the next election.
On the whole, I found this volume to be a bit laboured. It lacked the pace of the first two volumes and there wasn't anything we could really get to grips with. It is well written, but I feel that the plot could have enjoyed a bit more development. The book completes the trilogy, and that is the most compelling reason to read it.
I found some very interesting contemporary points in the book. The idea that a Foreign Secretary would be appointed with the deliberate intention of upsetting the French has quite a current appeal. When the book was written, the base assumption was that the UK would be part of the EU. We now know that assumption to be false, and I did wonder how that particular storyline would have unfolded had the author been able to rely upon Brexit.
As I read the book, I couldn't but help think that Urquhart didn't see the end coming. For most of the book, he behaves as if it's all to play for, whereas the reader can see that he was doomed and that his ship was sinking. His calling of a General Election was something of an enormous risk. The reader could see that it wasn't in the bag, but FU couldn't. Why was that? Part of the explanation can be seen as hubris, but where was the cautious schemer of the first book when he was needed? Where was the ruthless operator of the second book when things became difficult? Those questions weren't really answered in the book.
So what was the legacy of Francis Urquhart? He ends in heroic fashion. Mrs Urquhart mysteriously becomes a Countess. How, exactly, did that happen? She founds a library in his name, and that's where it's left. I fund that to be something of an unsatisfactory ending. The storyline of assassination is a bit incredible and we really do have to suspend our disbelief to go along with it. For me, a more satisfactory ending would be the grooming of a successor and stepping back to give them room for the next election.
On the whole, I found this volume to be a bit laboured. It lacked the pace of the first two volumes and there wasn't anything we could really get to grips with. It is well written, but I feel that the plot could have enjoyed a bit more development. The book completes the trilogy, and that is the most compelling reason to read it.
September 11, 2022
Pillole di trama
Urquhart è un politico senza scrupoli, eppure il suo governo è durato a lungo tanto da arrivare a eguagliare quello di Margaret Thatcher. A cosa è dovuto tanto successo? Agli intrighi che da sempre circondano Urquhart, ma questa volta nemmeno lui può salvarsi.
Commento
Il primo libro mi è piaciuto molto, il secondo l'ho trovato bello anche se meno del primo, il terzo ... no, decisamente non ci siamo. In primis tutti gli eventi accaduti nel secondo, compreso il finale con il coinvolgimento di Carlo, sembrano non aver sortito alcun effetto. La moglie ha cambiato pure nome e senza un perché. A parte l'inizio, dove viene raccontata l'esperienza militare (anche qui senza scrupoli) del giovane Urquhart, tutto il resto l'ho trovato noioso e deludente. Non capisco francamente cosa sia successo all'autore, come mai si è dimenticato dei precedenti libri.
Urquhart è un politico senza scrupoli, eppure il suo governo è durato a lungo tanto da arrivare a eguagliare quello di Margaret Thatcher. A cosa è dovuto tanto successo? Agli intrighi che da sempre circondano Urquhart, ma questa volta nemmeno lui può salvarsi.
Commento
Il primo libro mi è piaciuto molto, il secondo l'ho trovato bello anche se meno del primo, il terzo ... no, decisamente non ci siamo. In primis tutti gli eventi accaduti nel secondo, compreso il finale con il coinvolgimento di Carlo, sembrano non aver sortito alcun effetto. La moglie ha cambiato pure nome e senza un perché. A parte l'inizio, dove viene raccontata l'esperienza militare (anche qui senza scrupoli) del giovane Urquhart, tutto il resto l'ho trovato noioso e deludente. Non capisco francamente cosa sia successo all'autore, come mai si è dimenticato dei precedenti libri.
April 10, 2016
The first half was 3 stars, the second half was 4 stars, and the ending was perfect. Francis Urquhart is the perfect villain. "A conscience is like a rock, always waiting to trip you up." FU has no conscience and it makes for a larger than life character.
"Life is too short to learn the rules."
"To offer compromise is like suggesting to a shark that he licks you first."
"But politics was so much more dangerous than war; in battle they could kill you only once."
"The fundamental skill of diplomacy is all about give and take. And take. And take..."
"Life is too short to learn the rules."
"To offer compromise is like suggesting to a shark that he licks you first."
"But politics was so much more dangerous than war; in battle they could kill you only once."
"The fundamental skill of diplomacy is all about give and take. And take. And take..."
October 17, 2014
I don't know if it is because I read the trilogy all in a row, but this book completely failed to capture my attention. It is only my OCD need to never leave a book unfinished that forced me to muscle my way through. The ending was good but wasn't worth slogging through the rest of the book.
March 23, 2015
solo i grandi se ne vanno come FU!!!
January 10, 2016
Superb
September 3, 2015
Tended to drag a bit compared to the first two books of the trilogy. Probably didn't need a third book.
August 5, 2018
This last book of the trilogy rather dragged for me. I almost didn't finish it but wanted to see if Urquhart finally had to face the consequences of his actions, especially those in Book 1.
October 15, 2018
If you liked the first (and the second) stay away from this.
September 3, 2018
First, I want to admit that I first saw the TV series then I read the book. I didn't know about the book until I saw the TV series. After watching the first episode I was keen to read the book, but I was also afraid that it may spoil the fun of TV series so I waited for seasons to finish one after another and then I read the book accordingly.
My review is 4.8 stars for the complete series.
Yeah, you read it completely right that this book is the highest ever rating I have given to any Fiction book and yet I would say that this book deserved it at its best. Whether you talk about language, scenes or dialogues this book just stands firm on all counts. Everything in this book series so beautifully weaved that it stands apart from the rest. When I started reading the book, I was afraid if I didn't like the book because the role is played by Kevin Spacey himself after all. It is his speciality that he makes characters make so good that no other one can do that and while reading the book I had few doubts about the character of Francis as the life Kevin put in his characters, I had the question what if the book's Francis is not near the TV series's Francis.
But I must say the more I read the more I fall for the book's character of Francis. That is something that is more beautifully written that Kevin's portrayal on the screen. When you have already seen the picturization of any book before reading the book there are chances you are not going to appreciate the book as much as you appreciate the prior but here the case is completely different and I must say that just at every scene, every dialogue and every page is more than worth to read.
How far a person can go to achieve what he wants and no matter how bad things he needs to do to achieve that goal! Well, this is what I feel after reading all three books and they were the masterpieces according to me.
You may watch TV series or not but must read this book series.
My review is 4.8 stars for the complete series.
Yeah, you read it completely right that this book is the highest ever rating I have given to any Fiction book and yet I would say that this book deserved it at its best. Whether you talk about language, scenes or dialogues this book just stands firm on all counts. Everything in this book series so beautifully weaved that it stands apart from the rest. When I started reading the book, I was afraid if I didn't like the book because the role is played by Kevin Spacey himself after all. It is his speciality that he makes characters make so good that no other one can do that and while reading the book I had few doubts about the character of Francis as the life Kevin put in his characters, I had the question what if the book's Francis is not near the TV series's Francis.
But I must say the more I read the more I fall for the book's character of Francis. That is something that is more beautifully written that Kevin's portrayal on the screen. When you have already seen the picturization of any book before reading the book there are chances you are not going to appreciate the book as much as you appreciate the prior but here the case is completely different and I must say that just at every scene, every dialogue and every page is more than worth to read.
How far a person can go to achieve what he wants and no matter how bad things he needs to do to achieve that goal! Well, this is what I feel after reading all three books and they were the masterpieces according to me.
You may watch TV series or not but must read this book series.
July 27, 2024
Zamknięcie trylogii Francisa Urquharta. Francisa, który jest niezłym sku...
Zacznę od wad, bo jednak nie dałem 5/5. Pierwsza część książki, jakieś 100-150 stron, to zbyt powolne rozstawianie figur na szachownicy. Nawet biorąc pod uwagę moją niepamięć co do szczegółów dwóch poprzednich tomów, tu - po przeskoku w czasie - Dobbs zaniedbał tempo. Zabrakło dynamiki, może pojawiły się zbędne szczegóły. Nie zagrał mi - do pewnego momentu - zwłaszcza wątek cypryjski. Istotny dla fabuły, istotny dla finału, rezonujący, ale jednak obcy, wszczepiony. Nie po to sięgnąłem po House of Cards. Wiąże się z tym pewne ociosanie niektórych bohaterów tak, żeby pasowali do fabuły - lekki zgrzyt, nic bardzo poważnego, ale warte odnotowania. Moim zdaniem to retcon postaci. Ostatnie 100-150 stron to wejście na scenę boskiej ręki autora - świat podporządkowuje się karzącej sile, która dąży do określonego rozwiązania. Działania bohaterów tracą znaczenie - jedni są windowani, inni ściągani w dół. Dopiero w ostatnich kilku rozdziałach wzbiera fala odwracająca ten trend i bohaterowie znów odzyskują pewną autonomię. Można to przyrównać do podwózki na pieszej pielgrzymce - udajemy, że wszystko było zgodnie ze sztuką, ale po drodze jednak doszło do machlojek dostosowujących fakty do teorii.
Mimo tych dwóch poważnych zastrzeżeń (no, dwóch i pół) "Ostatnie rozdanie" czyta się naprawdę dobrze. Są wielkie plany, szantaże, upadki i wzloty. Duża polityka miesza się z małymi słabościami, z których rodzą się długofalowe konsekwencje. Zwroty akcji są co do zasady sensowne, stawka rośnie - aż do ostatnich stron. Długi zaciągnięte w trakcie rozwoju fabuły zostają spłacone. Dobre zamknięcie trylogii, choć pozostaje pewien niedosyt. Dlatego 4 z lekkim minusem.
Zacznę od wad, bo jednak nie dałem 5/5. Pierwsza część książki, jakieś 100-150 stron, to zbyt powolne rozstawianie figur na szachownicy. Nawet biorąc pod uwagę moją niepamięć co do szczegółów dwóch poprzednich tomów, tu - po przeskoku w czasie - Dobbs zaniedbał tempo. Zabrakło dynamiki, może pojawiły się zbędne szczegóły. Nie zagrał mi - do pewnego momentu - zwłaszcza wątek cypryjski. Istotny dla fabuły, istotny dla finału, rezonujący, ale jednak obcy, wszczepiony. Nie po to sięgnąłem po House of Cards. Wiąże się z tym pewne ociosanie niektórych bohaterów tak, żeby pasowali do fabuły - lekki zgrzyt, nic bardzo poważnego, ale warte odnotowania. Moim zdaniem to retcon postaci. Ostatnie 100-150 stron to wejście na scenę boskiej ręki autora - świat podporządkowuje się karzącej sile, która dąży do określonego rozwiązania. Działania bohaterów tracą znaczenie - jedni są windowani, inni ściągani w dół. Dopiero w ostatnich kilku rozdziałach wzbiera fala odwracająca ten trend i bohaterowie znów odzyskują pewną autonomię. Można to przyrównać do podwózki na pieszej pielgrzymce - udajemy, że wszystko było zgodnie ze sztuką, ale po drodze jednak doszło do machlojek dostosowujących fakty do teorii.
Mimo tych dwóch poważnych zastrzeżeń (no, dwóch i pół) "Ostatnie rozdanie" czyta się naprawdę dobrze. Są wielkie plany, szantaże, upadki i wzloty. Duża polityka miesza się z małymi słabościami, z których rodzą się długofalowe konsekwencje. Zwroty akcji są co do zasady sensowne, stawka rośnie - aż do ostatnich stron. Długi zaciągnięte w trakcie rozwoju fabuły zostają spłacone. Dobre zamknięcie trylogii, choć pozostaje pewien niedosyt. Dlatego 4 z lekkim minusem.
July 11, 2022
With "The Final Cut", Michael Dobbs concludes his "House of Cards" trilogy, and he does so in dramatic fashion.
This story begins with a flashback to a young Francis stationed in Cyprus in the British Army, assigned to fight the Cypriots in their battle for independence. Urquhart committed and covered up a war crime that no one has since discovered. Decades later, Urquhart faces a new challenge in Cyprus, which gives him the opportunity to rise above the public's criticism and save the day. He is decisive and forceful and determined to achieve victory at all costs; and he knows that he will be hailed a hero if he succeeds.
The series tells of the rise to power of British Prime Minister Francis Urquhart. TFC reveals what happens when Urquhart reaches the top and the world tires of him. Urquhart has been PM for 10 years and he is poised to eclipse Margaret Thatcher's tenure, but his popularity is declining. The public is clamoring for new blood and fresh ideas, while Francis is losing the support of many in his cabinet. Dobbs paints a picture of a ruthless man, terrified of losing his power. FU knows only politics and has no interests outside politics. He knows he will be lost if he loses the power he has built. "The Final Cut" is the story of a master Machiavellian, who rose to power by exploiting and destroying others and must use those same vile skills to stay on top. The PM always seems to come out on top at the expense of his rivals. Dobbs keeps us wondering if that will be the case this time.
This is a strong finish to an excellent trilogy.
This story begins with a flashback to a young Francis stationed in Cyprus in the British Army, assigned to fight the Cypriots in their battle for independence. Urquhart committed and covered up a war crime that no one has since discovered. Decades later, Urquhart faces a new challenge in Cyprus, which gives him the opportunity to rise above the public's criticism and save the day. He is decisive and forceful and determined to achieve victory at all costs; and he knows that he will be hailed a hero if he succeeds.
The series tells of the rise to power of British Prime Minister Francis Urquhart. TFC reveals what happens when Urquhart reaches the top and the world tires of him. Urquhart has been PM for 10 years and he is poised to eclipse Margaret Thatcher's tenure, but his popularity is declining. The public is clamoring for new blood and fresh ideas, while Francis is losing the support of many in his cabinet. Dobbs paints a picture of a ruthless man, terrified of losing his power. FU knows only politics and has no interests outside politics. He knows he will be lost if he loses the power he has built. "The Final Cut" is the story of a master Machiavellian, who rose to power by exploiting and destroying others and must use those same vile skills to stay on top. The PM always seems to come out on top at the expense of his rivals. Dobbs keeps us wondering if that will be the case this time.
This is a strong finish to an excellent trilogy.
November 5, 2022
Francis Urquart is months away from being the longest reigning PM since Margaret Thatcher. Yet there are feelings amongst his supporters and his cabinet that the great campaigner is losing his way. Whilst FU has a few more tricks up his sleeve, he will discover there are many things he can escape, but history is not one of them.
I adored the first two in the trilogy. Urquart was a fresh and sinister look at political figures that had not been seen (publicly) before. The sinister side of politicans has become all too prevalent in recent times, but back in the 1990s this was absolute gold dust.
In the first two novels, we see a man at the absolute top of his game. Prepared to lie, slander and kill to get his way to the top job. When we meet him here, he has somehow avoided what I had thought was an excellent cliffhanger in "To Play The King" and he is very much still in office but his powers are on the wane.
A lot of the book discusses Cyprus and Britain's history over the island. It is ultimately to be the cause of FU's downfall, but - and no spoilers here - Urquart manages to claim a victory from the fires of defeat of a sort at the books end.
I felt this book was a little long and perhaps lingered too much in Cyprus when the reader (well, certainly this one) would rather have spent their time with Urquart back in Westminster. For this reason, I cant heap as much praise on it as I did it's predecessors. That said, the final chapters are superb and are a fitting finale for a fantastic literary character. A wonderful and highly recommended trioly.
I adored the first two in the trilogy. Urquart was a fresh and sinister look at political figures that had not been seen (publicly) before. The sinister side of politicans has become all too prevalent in recent times, but back in the 1990s this was absolute gold dust.
In the first two novels, we see a man at the absolute top of his game. Prepared to lie, slander and kill to get his way to the top job. When we meet him here, he has somehow avoided what I had thought was an excellent cliffhanger in "To Play The King" and he is very much still in office but his powers are on the wane.
A lot of the book discusses Cyprus and Britain's history over the island. It is ultimately to be the cause of FU's downfall, but - and no spoilers here - Urquart manages to claim a victory from the fires of defeat of a sort at the books end.
I felt this book was a little long and perhaps lingered too much in Cyprus when the reader (well, certainly this one) would rather have spent their time with Urquart back in Westminster. For this reason, I cant heap as much praise on it as I did it's predecessors. That said, the final chapters are superb and are a fitting finale for a fantastic literary character. A wonderful and highly recommended trioly.
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