Anthony Trollope's The Prime Minister is the fifth book in his Palliser series, but you can absolutely jump right in. It follows the Duke of Omnium, Plantagenet Palliser, a wealthy and deeply principled man who unexpectedly becomes Prime Minister. He's not a natural politician—he's shy, hates small talk, and believes good policy should speak for itself. His wife, the vibrant and politically savvy Lady Glencora, is his opposite. She sees his new role as her chance to shape the nation, throwing lavish parties to win influence where his stiff manners fail.

The Story

The plot weaves together two main threads. First, we follow Palliser's struggling government. He tries to lead with cold, rational honesty, refusing to reward supporters with jobs or flatter his enemies. Unsurprisingly, this makes him few friends. The political maneuvering against him is quiet but relentless. The second thread involves a side story about a scheming financier, Ferdinand Lopez, who tries to marry into society and use political connections for his own gain. This storyline shows us the corrupt underbelly of the world Palliser is trying to rise above, and it eventually crashes into the main plot with serious consequences.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me was how current it feels. Swap the carriages for cars and you've got a perfect drama about a leader who is 'too good for politics.' Trollope doesn't give easy answers. Palliser's integrity is admirable, but is it effective? Glencora's methods are manipulative, but are they necessary? Their marriage is the book's brilliant core—a partnership of opposites constantly negotiating love, power, and duty. You feel for both of them. The book moves slowly, like a rich, detailed documentary, letting you live in the tension of every difficult decision and social slight.

Final Verdict

This is a book for patient readers who love character over car chases. If you enjoy political dramas like The West Wing or novels that explore the complexities of marriage, you'll find a kindred spirit in Trollope. It's not a light read, but it's a deeply satisfying one. You come away feeling like you've truly understood what it costs to lead—and what it costs the people who love the leader. Perfect for anyone who's ever wondered if nice guys really do finish last, especially in power.