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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
I could listen to Sam West read out the telephone directory he’s that good. Great story though hard to like the main characters.

Superb narration

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As always RH captures the social structure of the period; class, deference, entitlement and uses the language of the time. Although I began to tire of the too often opening of “my dear dahling” he is quoting from the reference material. The introduction of the fictional MI operative gave the novel a useful frisson of the extraordinary risks that the couple were taking - and is entirely plausible. The book could just as easily be titled The End of the Affair or, Eve of Catastrophe. A fascinating perspective of events.

The insanity of the affair

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First off Narration was outstanding. Samuel West's voice was filled with the sincerity this subject matter deserved. The characters were 'of the times' and brought to life even when they were (once again) lunching and dinning, I was shocked with exchange of government information and the depth of their discissions. The PM and VS had an amazingly deep understanding of each other as revealed in their letters. Set in the changing times leading up to the first world war, I personally, got a deeper insight into the politics and allegiances between the government and later Europe.

Robert Harris has done an outstanding job in tying this all together. Well researched and beautifully written.

I was so struck by their relationship that I have sent for a book RH mentioned, 'My Darling Mr. Asquith'



So Sad to Have Finished It

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Brilliant . Both story and style. A must for history lovers Plus excellent narrator

Highly recommended

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The narrator was especially good, the historical research must have been extensive and the way the story was beautiful woven together with an eloquent description of life at that time, A brilliant book and one I highly recommend,

Fascinating story,!

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