Rotten Borough (novel)

A Rotten Borough is a historical fiction novel by British author Paul Torday, published in 2009. The title refers to the "rotten boroughs" of 19th-century England, parliamentary constituencies with very small electorates that could be easily controlled by a single patron, often through bribery and intimidation.

The novel centers on the fictional rotten borough of Arkenshaw, controlled by the Earl of Arkenshaw, a wealthy and powerful landowner. As the 1832 Reform Act threatens to abolish these corrupt constituencies, the story follows the various characters involved – the Earl, his family, his political allies, and those who stand to lose or gain from the impending changes.

The plot explores themes of political corruption, social inequality, the decline of the aristocracy, and the struggle for reform in early 19th-century Britain. Torday's narrative weaves together elements of social satire, historical detail, and personal drama, offering a critical yet nuanced portrayal of a pivotal moment in British history. The novel examines the impact of the Reform Act on individuals and communities caught in the crosscurrents of tradition and progress.