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Precipice

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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLING AUTHOR

Summer 1914. A world on the brink of catastrophe.

In London, 26-year-old Venetia Stanley – aristocratic, clever, bored, reckless – is having a love affair with the Prime Minister, H. H. Asquith, a man more than twice her age. He writes to her obsessively, sharing the most sensitive matters of state.

As Asquith reluctantly leads the country into war with Germany, a young intelligence officer is assigned to investigate a leak of top secret documents – and suddenly what was a sexual intrigue becomes a matter of national security that will alter the course of political history.

Seamlessly weaving fact and fiction in a way that no writer does better, Precipice is the thrilling new novel from Robert Harris.

‘A riveting tale of politics, war and erotic obsession’ Sunday Times

'Harris writes with a skill and ingenuity that few other novelists can match' Financial Times

©2024 Robert Harris (P)2024 Penguin Audio

 20th Century Espionage Historical Historical Fiction Spies & Politics Suspense Thriller & Suspense World War I Exciting War

Critic reviews

I’m not fond of the word masterpiece, but this is a masterpiece (Nigella Lawson)
Gripping drama (Jake Kerridge)
Brilliantly blurring fact and fiction, Sunday Times bestselling author Robert Harris is back in full force
Fans of this hugely popular author should lap up this tale that mixes fact with fiction, as is his trademark
'A beautifully crafted novel . . . a dexterous blend of the political and the personal . . . Precipice is Robert Harris's 16th novel, and there hasn’t been a dud among them' (Allan Massie)
Precipice hones in on those vital summer days when Britain hovered on the brink of war, before plunging into the abyss that arguably destroyed European civilisation
Robert Harris is one of those authors you know you can rely on. His 16th novel, Precipice, is no exception
Robert Harris is a sort of genius . . . I am knocked out by the assurance of his portrait of a time, a relationship, and the perils to which Britain’s leader exposed himself amidst a supreme historic catastrophe. The book is yet another triumph for the author (Max Hastings)
Few have mastered the alchemy of the popular historical novel quite like Harris
Rollicking . . . Harris’s best book since Conclave
All stars
Most relevant
Eagerly awaited on Audible I finished the book in two sittings either side of my earphones and then my phone running out of charge. Robert Harris brings his storytelling, imagination and meticulous research to this compelling story. It is almost unbelievable that a Prime Minister at a critical stage in our history would share so much sensitive and top secret information with a mistress. However, Asquith needs a confident who he is also in love with to test his reaction to critical events as they unfold. As we don't have copies of the letters she wrote, in creating their dialogue Robert does not overplay much of the direct advice that she possibly provided but, her significance for Asquith is not in doubt.
For me Robert's novels have opened a door to further investigation of each of the periods and events he has portrayed.
Masterful and thoroughly enjoyable.
I should recognise the superb contribution that Samuel West makes to this version with his narration.

A page turner

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Robert Harris in such fine fettle. As usual the author has found a treasure trove of history to highlight. Behind the scenes of government, high society and some of the calamity that was the First World War the tale is brilliantly narrated by Sam West. These extraordinary, fascinating characters are brought into such startling focus that putting the story away for any length of time quite impossible. And the tiny fascinating details of the era adding delicious light and shade make it truly a must listen!

Sterling Silver

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Robert Harris's writing is always a delight- even when tackling difficult and complex situations. This one is a fascinating insight into the lead up to the First World War and the dying days of the Edwardian era of rank and privilege- not that much has changed on that front. A glimpse into a hugely significant relationship - again showing that hypocrisy and self service amongst the so called upper echelons of society still runs true - in a hugely significant period of history, absolutely fascinating. Beautifully read by Samuel West - a master of the craft. Worth every penny !

Brilliant- all of the production

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What a brilliant book, read beautifully as always by Samuel West. Such a great insight into the private life of an historical figure

Riveting story telling

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I am not a fan of biographies of posh people. However the characters in this book seem to live. I have the greatest respect for Venetia for not using the letters for her own benefit and would highly recommend.

All of it is fantastic

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