"When the common man transcends all barriers to become a hero," this adage effectively summarizes John Key's charmed life. True to his word, Roughan provides a tantalizing glimpse of a man who left a remarkable imprint on New Zealand's current history and posited it on the global stage. A man whose Prime Ministership was defined by his ability to relate to voters rather than any "charismatic" overtures.

A cursory glance at John's 9 year long tenure as Prime Minister does not do his strength of character any justice. Through his own mettle, the man rose from a ragged one parent family to become the nation's foremost currency trader. His stints at globally reputed firms cemented his standing as a man of the money, and it was no surprise that he joined the economically savvy National party.

Once again John worked day and night to rise to the level of Prime Ministership and obliterated the atrophying Labour party in three decisive elections. And herein lies Roughan's literary success: he lends light to John's inner strength. From the outset, Key confronted seemingly insurmountable challenges. The GFC in 2008, two catastrophic earthquakes in 2010-2011, and an Opposition resorting to below the belt tactics.

Nonetheless he soldiered on, and even today his popularity ratings have proved unpassable. In an era where Jacinda Ardern's coalition government has effectively dismantled the country's "rockstar economy," is it any wonder that cries of "bring back John" are beginning to mount?


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