This comedy about Brazilian politics and history rests on the premise that the 1993 plebiscite on what form of government voters preferred—parliamentary, presidential, or monarchical—actually favored the latter. While the premise is imaginary (voters actually favored presidentalism), James has captured the cynical mood of Brazilian politics amazingly well and his characters are a cast that includes reluctant monarchs, corrupt politicians, over-zealous cops, street vendors, and denizens of Rio de Janeiros night life jump off the page as true life figures, recognizable to anyone who has spent time in Brazil. James has a delightful narrative style and his characters speak in crisp, modern dialogue. This is a thoroughly enjoyable story by an up-and-coming first author. Buy it now!