After its initial publication and success in the 80s, this book has seen a resurgence in popularity since the rise/fall of Jeremy Corbyn. I didn't expect much from this book, but found it far more interesting than I ever imagined, particularly because it mirrored what happened in the most recent General Election so much, despite being written decades earlier.
A Very British Coup takes place just after the election of fictional labour leader Harry Perkins. He won in part off the back of a manifesto focusing on public control of finances, dismantling foreign military bases/weapons on UK soil, and removing newspaper monopolies. The outgoing Tory government, overseas powers and militaries, and newspaper/media owners are horrified, and launch a series of thorough attacks to try and force Perkins out of the position.
This was such an insightful and interesting read. It was written at a time when it looked like Tony Benn might take over from Thatcher, and solidifies all the rumours and suggestions that certain organisations would act in such underhand ways to alter the political setting of a nation. After seeing Corbyn repeatedly vilified by the press in the lead up to his election defeat, and being fully aware that right wing powers guided that, it was even more eye opening to see it written down in a book written before Corbyn had ever come near to power.
I would really recommend this if you're interested in British politics - it's not something that I ever really read books about, but this one is definitely worth a read!
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