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Precipice

By: Robert Harris
Narrated by: Samuel West
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Publisher's summary

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
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Critic reviews

I’m not fond of the word masterpiece, but this is a masterpiece (Nigella Lawson)
Splendid (Max Hastings)

What listeners say about Precipice

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    5 out of 5 stars

Harris remains unparalleled in historical fiction

A sneak peak into the inner lives of some key historical figures on the verge of the Great War. Entertaining as well as insightful. Some of the actual correspondence used is a bit melodramatic for this day and age but historically accurate.

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Almost unbelievable story

I enjoyed this book to the very last page. It is scarcely believable that a prime minister could be so indiscreet with classified information. The phrase that springs to mind is that "there is no fool like an old fool". I also found it incredible that a woman like Venetia Stanley endured his manipulation, demands and intrusion into her life. I can only assume that she was bored and liked the intrigue and the attraction for the illicit. The narration was fantastic.

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Such an excellent book

The narrator was excellent. His handling of the different characters’ voices was superb. It was the first time that I had heard of the relationship between the Prime Minister and Venetia Stanley and found it intriguing.

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Excellent story served by excellent performance

Once again I enjoyed Robert Harris latest novel. It gave a riveting journey into this troubled and dramatic time. I also enjoyed the performance that makes so much for the experience!

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