Status Updates From Hidden History: The Secret ...

Despite being historical non-fiction this is one of the most tragic tales I've ever read.

The biggest takeaway so far is that parliamentary democracy has been a joke for far longer than I expected. A very small group of tightly connected and well-financed men in the right positions can steer all the vital organs of the state as they so desire.

Why didn't Milton write this instead (something interesting and enjoyable)

All my recent books so perfectly encapsulate a sort of character in nations. Anglo cynicism. Irish intemperance. Slavic depression.

What is probably more interesting is how all use these qualities for either virtue or vice. Anglos are perfidious or excellent administrators. The Irish are irresolute or stalwart servants. Slavs are glacial yet utterly resolute.