Absolutely brilliant read. Probably my best book of 2024. The way Robert Harris weaves fact and fiction to create a page turning read is nothing short of genius. Thus is a must read. I promise you’ll love it.

A brilliant and, at times, astonishing read. It's many years since I read a Robert Harris book but I will certainly be reading more. Brilliant historical detail skillfully woven together. All in all a fantastic read.

Something new from a master storyteller.

Say what you like about Robert Harris, he doesn't like to repeat himself. "Precipice" is something new from this thriller writer - a love story.

"Precipice" opens in 1914, just months before the outbreak of WW1. Prime Minister Herbert Henry Asquith is conducting a secret relationship with socialite Venetia Stanley. The pair meet often, in his car, in parks and on the street. They share private conversations, with him often revealing to her top secret Government information, she offering advice. They correspond by letter, often several times a day, and he is obviously smitten with her. But world events conspire to come between them, as war in Europe becomes ever more certain.

At the same time, a socialite party, populated by the great and the good of London society, and held on a boat on the Thames, comes to an abrupt end when a prominent gent drowns after jumping into the water. A young Detective Sergeant in the Police force is asked to investigate, while keeping any scandal out of the papers. His exemplary work is brought to the attention of Special Branch and he is soon assigned to investigate a leak of top secret documents. Could the Prime Minister have shared one secret too many?

What follows is a dark and complex tale of a man seemingly obsessed, a woman desperate for attention, and a world about to descend into war. Asquith is painted as a sometime weak man, yet able to make snap decisions when required. His seeming reliance on Venetia for advice sounds unlikely, but as the author had access to some 500 letters written by him, apparently supporting the fact, makes for some interesting speculation. The period detail is wonderful, and the fading glory of the British Empire is brought glaringly to life. Interactions between the various government figures is riveting at times, and Deemer, as the officer investigating the information breach is a man on a mission.

As usual, Harris' research is first-class and the way in which he weaves fact with fiction is almost magical. This is true of all his work, but here, in what is essentially a love story, he uses what remains of the correspondence between Asquith and Stanley, to paint a picture of the dynamic between them and asks how much she influenced his decisions. This book is not what fans might expect from a Harris novel, but those who stick with it will be rewarded by a rich and colourful narrative.

Fans of Harris' previous books will probably read this for completeness, but many will be disappointed in the lack of action. It's certainly a gripping read, and might even encourage some readers to reach for the history books.

Rcommneded.

An interesting story based on historical fact around the relationship between the Prime Minister Asquith and his love and confidante Venetia . Based upon their love letters to each other particularly at the brink of a World War . A little disconcerting in the disclosure of secret information was so open during his obsession with Venetia. Not a ‘thriller’ as such but interesting in its premise

Summer 1914, and the world is about to face a war like no other.

In London, 26 year old Venetia Stanley is part of a group of aristocratic young people - party animals, bored and reckless. Venetia though is also harbouring a huge secret - she’s having an affair with the then Prime Minister H H Asquith. Asquith is married and in his early sixties.

Venetia and Asquith write to each other constantly, three times a day some days, but as war draws ever closer Asquith unbelievably shares sensitive information including top secret documents from various sources regarding the government’s battle plans.

Eventually, Paul Deemer, a young intelligence officer is tasked with finding the source of a leak of said documents, and when he discovers the obsessive nature of Asquith and Venitia’s relationship, it becomes a matter of national security that will change the course of political history.

Precipice is a mix of fact and fiction and is absolutely fascinating. Using the actual letters and telegrams Asquith and Venetia sent to each other gives an illuminating insight into how Asquith (in his complete obsession) was constantly being distracted from the office of Prime Minister, sometimes writing to Venetia in the middle of meetings, made even worse after the war had begun, as it shows that he really didn’t have his finger on the button, and in fact was asking for her advice in matters of war! It was clear that some of these letters bordered on treason.

Well written with an engaging story, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from Robert Harris.

1914 London

Venetia Stanley is 26 years old and a bored aristocratic.
She is having an affair with the Prime Minister, H. H. Asquith. He is telling her everything including sending her letters containing telegrams and notes he has received.
A young intelligence officer is searching for a leak in the government and stumbles on the affair and the fact that national security could be compromised.
This is part fiction and part fact and as usual grips from start to finish..

Overall I did find this book interesting, if a little slow. It was very different to what I expected from the description of "The thrilling new novel..." It's not a book I would describe as thrilling but it was certainly interesting from a historical perspective and gives an insight into the decisions made during the start of WW1.

For someone like me whose knowledge of the politics of the time is practically none existent (I had never heard of Asquith until reading this book) it proved to be educational. However to me it was ultimately a love story. He became completely besotted with Venetia Stanley and wrote to her voraciously, often including compromising information about the war, military plans and details of cabinet meetings.

As the book went on, and Asquith became ever more desperate to carry on with his affair, I began to find him quite a pathetic man, especially someone in such an important position when the country he was leading was in crisis. His flagrant disregard for basic security put me in mind of a much more recent Prime Minister.

I'll admit, after reading the description of the book, I was expecting something more exciting, and was therefore disappointed. I kept reading thinking at some point something explosive would happen but that never arrived. It's difficult to give a rating. The writing is excellent, with meticulous research and for that I give four stars, but it just wasn't what I was anticipating and I wasn't really that enamoured with the story.

Robert Harris is a master at weaving historical fact and fiction together in such a way that makes history actually interesting.
At the outbreak of WWI H.H. Asquith the then Prime Minister had become besotted with Venetia Stanley a socialite half his age. Although he was always known to have an eye for the young ladies his relationship with Venetia became much more intense and threatened his judgement in such a way that he was eventually forced into a coalition. Based on an archive of many hundreds of letters that Asquith wrote to Venetia, Harris brings the story to life and helps the reader to understand the character of some of the power brokers of the time.
A very interesting and thought provoking read which I enjoyed very much.

I am a big Robert Harris fan, and this book certainly didn't disappoint. I was completely gripped by the story, even though I knew how it would end. The characters all seem very real (even if the main protagonists are quite unlikeable) and the sense of the period is excellent. I will definitely be recommending this book, and I am already waiting for Robert Harris's next one.

A brilliant novel based on a remarkable true story. This is such an interesting plot with lots of different elements to keep you engaged. The story and characters are really brought to life with fantastic writing, and you can’t help but be shocked, outraged and entertained through out! I highly recommend this one, one of Robert Harris’ best!

Overall a very good read and one that kept sending off sown various rabbit holes to check facts and more background. That slowed down my reading so it's probably my fault that I felt the book a little slow. Well crafted and Harris is a great story teller

Robert Harris never fails! He always increases my thirst for knowledge and this novel is no exception! A page turner from the start. Lord Asquith, the Prime minister, and aristocrat Venetia Stanley are having an affair. The First World War is looming and the atmosphere in the country is electric! Correspondence between the lovers is constant and information, often top secret, is passed between the two! When a telegram is tossed nonchalantly from the Prime Minister’s car window and discovered by a passer by, Special Branch become involved and the country’s security could be at risk. Asquith is oblivious and Venetia is finding life a little claustrophobic and wishes to do her bit for the war effort! The age gap is beginning to show! The fact that this is a true story plus Robert Harris’s attention to detail and his ability to bring these characters to life made the story all the more fascinating and I loved it!

Robert Harris' "The Precipice" offers an insightful historical fiction narrative set against the backdrop of early 20th-century British politics and the onset of World War I. The novel focuses on the intriguing relationship between real-life figures Herbert Asquith, the British Prime Minister, and Venetia Stanley, a much younger woman from high society. Through authentic letters (from Asquith, Venetia's letters were burned), Harris masterfully weaves a tale of personal and political drama.

The novel explores the psychological dynamics between Asquith and Venetia, highlighting themes of power, influence, and emotional dependency. It provides a fascinating study of their relationship, shedding light on Asquith's vulnerability and Stanley's struggle with the overwhelming attention and responsibility placed upon her.

"The Precipice" excels in its meticulous research and vivid portrayal of historical events, including the political tensions and behind-the-scenes dealings within the British government. The book brings to life figures like Winston Churchill, depicting his relentless drive for war and I enjoyed scenes, where he was portrayed as a man obsessed with one goal - pushing towards military conflict.

While the novel may lack the traditional suspense associated with Harris' thrillers, it compensates with its rich historical detail and character exploration. "The Precipice" could be a captivating read for those interested in historical fiction and the complexities of power dynamics during a pivotal moment in history, however if you're looking for tension and action, as I did, you will end up somewhat disappointed.

This is a fascinating read. I thouht I knew all therr was to know about the start of the First World War but this book adds a whole new dimension. A fascinating character study of Asquith, told through his infatuation and affair with Venetia Stanley. Pacey an held my interest throughout.

Robert Harris, it seems, can turn his hand to any era and produce a first rate novel, factually based that really brings the period to life. Precipice tells the story of Asquith’s affair with a much younger woman. As OM, about to take the country to war, he was obsessed with his liver and wrote numerous letters which contained top secret information. I knew nothing about this story and found it both incredible and incredulous.

Harris has a keen eye for detail and I assume the research is both meticulous and accurate. This is historical fiction at its best; two principal real life characters woven into an exciting and well plotted story. A fascinating insight into the man and his times and a well paced plot that held e gripped from the start. It’s difficult to beat for pure, well written escapist fiction and fir me, another winner from a master storyteller.

I am an unashamed Robert Harris fan and was delighted to receive a review copy of this, his latest novel, from the publishers via Netgalley. It is an astonishing piece of work. Who can believe that a Prime Minister conducting a World War could simultaneously conduct correspondence detailing the most secret facts and figures of his daily business, even including actual original documents! All the correspondence detailed and quoted from Asquith to Venetia Stanley is true and extant. Fantastic in the extreme. As a novel however, it loses pace, particularly in the middle third, when things get a bit repetitive. Nonetheless, I recommend this and also suggest that a bit of googling will confirm and extend much of what is written.

Robert Harris does it again, another entertaining book, this one starts just before WW1. Venitia Stanley is the much younger mistress of the then Prime Minister Asquith and throughout their relationship they had an extensive exchange of letters. Some of these included top secret information which is problematic when they are intercepted.

The historical events and the thought proccesses of a Prime Minister on the brink of war are fascinating. It's somewhat surprising that he had the time and headspace to keep up an affair and the letter writing. One has to wonder if he was concentrating enough to be in receipt of so much power.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC.

A most enjoyable read! I love historical fiction and the author has written a novel that’s impossible to put down; the story unfolds of the relationship between Venetia Stanley and the then Prime Minister Asquith, who is twice her age. Asquith is besotted with this young independent and impetuous lady, writing to her several letters daily, totalling over 500 during their two year acquaintance. However, even though these are in part love letters they also include top secret details and telegrams of discussions and events relating to the Government’s handling in the early stages of WW1. Their communications are intercepted by a young enthusiastic policeman seconded to a secret Government Department, which amount to potential espionage.

Robert Harris is now firmly in place on my ‘must read’ list.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this e-ARC.

Venetia Stanley is a young upper class woman whose life is very privileged in pre WW1 Britain.

She is in a semi secret relationship with HH Asquith, the Prime Minister. "Prime" writes to her several times a day,detailing the machinations of the running of the country.

As WW1 breaks out, he continues to write to her,being careless with the nation's secrets which attracts the attention of the nascent Special Branch.

As with all Robert Harris books, it is wrapped around true facts and is well written and hugely enjoyable.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Heinemann Publishing for the chance to read and review this book

This is a very interesting book, written as it is about a time in our history where decisions were made that changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, and made in such arbitrary ways. The writing, as always with this author is excellent, and so well researched.

Although I never really knew much about Herbert Asquith, and nothing about Venetia Stanley, I didn’t take to him, but found Venetia to be unusual for the era, in that she was a woman who took an interest in everything going on around her and wasn’t afraid to make her thoughts known.

As with anything written about real people, there is a certain poetic license that an author must use, and like the author, I like to think of Venetia doing her ‘bit’ for the war effort.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.