Review of The King-Makers of Providence
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- Sam Ibeh
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Review of The King-Makers of Providence
In The King-Makers of Providence by John Houle, the city of Providence was run tightly by Mayor Jack Donovan and his chief of staff, Terry Silberman. They had used their power and position to take bribes from the citizens. Anyone who crossed them paid dearly. Therefore, the people learned to look the other way. But Frank Petrozella chose to do things differently. Frank's action could soon birth a new era of politics in Providence that would change the political scene. It could also break the holds of kingmakers like Henry Mercucio and Congressman Ray McNally on the city's political system. Would Donovan and Silberman get what they had coming to them? Or would their power and money absolve them of their sins?
I like that this book revealed the salient dynamics of power and politics. It also traced the evolution of politics from a public service venture that catered to people's needs to a system run by money and for money. This was and had proved detrimental to society. A genuine passion for change had been dimmed by a dishonorable system where no one could be trusted. People would change their position to secure votes and positions most suited to them.
I got an exciting peek into the internal workings of election campaigns. I could picture everything, from crafting a candidate's image to developing campaign messages and putting them out there. There was also the power of social media and the mainstream media and how they drove political campaigns and elections. Another introspective issue raised by the book related to women and political offices. The perception was that women were too liberal or soft for the political game. Women in politics currently had to prove themselves to be accepted by the populace and respected by their colleagues.
Readers would be compelled to meditate on the actual definition of success. The craze of this generation to become successful begged the question: to what end? Success chasers should give more thought to what they desire; perhaps success should be more about family and love than money and accolades. Either way, it was good food for thought.
The King-Makers of Providence was a perfect blend of politics, power, greed, love, karma, and facades. The book was a lesson that people could indeed be more than the eye could see. It also reemphasized the fundamental tenets of politics that could be summarized thus: "the highest honor is in serving your fellow man." No matter how dirty the political game had been, this book showed that being honorable and honest in politics was possible.
This book was well written and exceptionally edited. There was nothing to dislike in the entire narrative. Political enthusiasts and lovers of good stories would love this book. I’d rate it four out of four stars.
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The King-Makers of Providence
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- Shelby Ayres
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