Another similar story from the author --- but, definitely worth a read !!!!
Though the plot of “The Fourth Estate” is very similar to that of “Kane and Abel”, the master story teller has managed to keep his readers engrossed in the book.
Fourth Estate basically deals with the rivalry between Keith Townsend and Richard Armstrong. Keith Townsend, is the son of a famous newspaper owner of Australia and is brought up typically as a child of a rich family. Richard Armstrong, is a jew with lots of guts and survival skills who had to face lots of troubles to barely live. Both of them, in course of time become well known names in the communications industry, mainly the newspaper which is where all the enmity erupts. Though the lead players are from completely different backgrounds --- they have one common character --- both are the greatest risk takers who would just follow their intution and not their brain for a decision.
Both the characters are extremely well etched and have been potrayed as typical media persons who would go to any extreme to win over a situation. They are not revealed as any protagonist of a book would be --- they are not true heroes with humble and modest nature, but, are just like any normal human being who give in to temptations and have no trouble in lying or manipulation.
Although, the characters in the story can be guessed, Archer has managed to make this book equally readable. This is because, even the technical rivalry has been superbly explained and any layman can understand what any of the terms mean. The basic lot may be the same, but as the story keeps moving, we find that Archer has given it a certain twist and taken it in a different direction. The narration is beyond doubt marvelous and anyone who has read just one of Archer’s books will be able to tell you. Though, we may expect no specific competition between the two of them and obviously not suspect a winner in the competition, the book does have one. Also, till the last line one will not be able to imagine on what note the story will end. Definitely worth one read !!!!!!
Hey Archer fans --- catch up with his latest book “Sons of Fortune” --- though I haven’t read it, it is in the bestsellers list.