Precipice Audiobook By Robert Harris cover art

Precipice

A Novel

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Precipice

By: Robert Harris
Narrated by: Samuel West
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“Robert Harris is, simply put, masterful.”—Karin Slaughter

A spellbinding novel of passion, intrigue, and betrayal set in England in the months leading to the Great War from the bestselling author of Act of Oblivion, Fatherland, The Ghostwriter, and Munich.

Summer 1914. A world on the brink of catastrophe.

In London, twenty-six-year-old Venetia Stanley—aristocratic, clever, bored, reckless—is part of a fast group of upper-crust bohemians and socialites known as “The Coterie.” She’s also engaged in a clandestine 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 with Scotland Yard is assigned to investigate a leak of top-secret documents. Suddenly, what was a sexual intrigue becomes a matter of national security that could topple the British government—and will alter the course of political history.

An unrivaled master of seamlessly weaving fact and fiction, Precipice is another electrifying thriller from the brilliant imagination of Robert Harris.

©2024 Robert Harris (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers 20th Century Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Thriller & Suspense World War I War England Fiction
Historical Accuracy • Engaging Narrative • Excellent Writing • Compelling Storyline • Fascinating Insights
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First, this reading was superb. I am admirer of Samual West an actor in many different roles, brilliant as an admirable character and equally good as a despicable one.
The story was as well written as all Harris' books and has the added value of being historically accurate. It is a wonderful insight into a terrible period of British history.

outstanding in every way

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liked it all. Robert Harris' novels have terrific pace. I learn so much in each one. great storyteller. If I could write a book, this is how I'd do it. thank you Mr Harris

untold story

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The love letters were so tedious and characters were poorly developed. Is categorized as espionage but this was never developed in the story. Sorry I wasted a credit on this.

I wasted a credit on a romance !

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I have read several nonfiction history books which address the events leading toward WWI. Precipice provides the most memorable as it conveys not just dates, locations and historic characters but feelings and emotions. “The Prime”,Asquith, has never lodged in my memory. Now he will, but not just his name but the emotional stresses of world events and personal conundrums. Thank you Mr. Harris.

Understanding History

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Such a fine writer. Abundance of historical detail, maybe too much for some, but I felt transported into a very consequential moment in time through the private torments of these few characters.

Eloquent storyteller

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Always enjoy Robert Harris’s historical research. Also his writing ability and I could not know but I suspect almost all of his review’s have a tone similar to mine.
T

Publishing of little known histor.

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So happy to have discovered Robert Harris, who is perhaps better known in the UK than here in the US. Plunged into Precipice right on the heels of listening to Munich, which was also terrific. But I found Precipice even more compelling. I like Harris’ style — despite his popular appeal, he’s no hack, nor is his writing flashy or self-conscious. In fact, I got so caught up in the characters (all real life people in this case) and their story (based on actual events) I almost forgot I was listening to a work of at least semi fiction. The author’s command of history, as well as character and dialogue, is apparent. And the reader Samuel West was equally impressive. Ready for more of both.

Fascinating story, superbly told

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One of my favorite authors. This was his only book that was a bit boring. Lacked the bombshell twist you expect in his books

Love Robert Harris but this was a bit boring

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A Pivotal Time

Historical fiction at its finest: Precipice gives the reader eyes on the behind-the-scenes drama of British diplomacy in the years leading up to The Great War and also the Irish Revolution. Robert Harris has done an admirable job of capturing the mood and conversations of a pivotal time.

Samuel West is perfect for narrating this excellent book.

A Pivotal Time

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The narration of this story was so good that I regretted the book was ending. How odd that a prime minister would behave as H.H. Asquith did as World War I was breaking out. It captures a different time convincingly.

Spectacular narration, startling history

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