By Michael Dobbs

Rating:

Three-Word Summary: Manipulative British politics

Before the hit American Netflix show, there was the hit British BBC program. But before the BBC show was the best-selling trilogy.

Thus is the progress of the political thriller that is House of Cards.

Having now read the book and seen the American television show (at least the first two seasons), I can say that there are plenty of differences.

What remains the same is the cruel, manipulative nature of the main character: Francis Urquhart to the British and Frank Underwood for the Americans.

In all instances, he will stop at nothing to reach the highest point of his government’s structure. He will lie, steal, cheat, lie again and even kill in his unstoppable rise to the top.

Although I didn’t understand some of the nuances of the British book, I learned a great deal about politics in general. It’s not always certain how accurate or likely these scenarios are, but they are certainly entertaining.

One aspect that I particularly enjoyed was Francis’ periodic breaking of the fourth wall; in other words, speaking to the audience. In the book, he does this at the beginning of each chapter. In the show, he occasionally glances at the camera and addresses the viewers directly.

What was so fascinating about this is how it showed his true nature — all of his guile and disguise was briefly wiped away and his naked ambition shone through. These moments were almost humorous in their brutal honesty.

Whether in book or show form, British or American, the House of Cards storyline is one of the most fascinating and disturbingly believable accounts of a ruthless politician who dominates others in the name of personal gain.