There’s three main characters in this novel, two real and one fictional . The real ones are Herbert Asquith, Prime Minister in 1914 when the book starts, and Venetia Stanley, daughter of a wealth, aristocratic family. Asquith and Venetia are having an affair despite the fact he is married and in his sixties while she is in her twenties. The book is based on fact, using the actual letters he wrote to his mistress daily, sometimes more than once a day. To say he was obsessed with her would be a gross understatement. What she saw in him is less clear. Meanwhile, the First World War breaks out. The PM is constantly distracted from running the government by his passion for Venetia and he relies on her advice, sharing confidential papers with her in breach of security. This comes to the attention of the police when some of these documents are found by the public as Asquith has a habit of chucking them out of his car window into the street and this is where the fictional character of Paul Deemer comes into the story, though he has already met Venetia as she was connected to an incident in which two men drowned in the Thames during a party on a boat. Deemer is asked to investigate what is going on in relation to the confidential documents and whether there’s a. risk to national security and soon uncovers the relationship between the PM and his mistress.
It’s a fascinating story and incredible that someone in such a position at such a time could be so obsessed with his lover in the midst of taking such important decisions affecting millions of troops. But it’s also very human. Asquith was after all just a man and we have got used to politicians in recent times putting their personal lives before the country with devastating consequences. Partygate, anyone?
I enjoyed the book though it doesn’t have as much tension or drama as other Harris titles . However, the period detail is brilliant as is the insight into the machinations of government during a crisis.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Penguin for an ARC in return for an honest review.

As a piece of fiction this is very well written and a real page turner set at the start of World War 1. Robert Harris is a wonderful writer who makes his characters really come to life and it is as though you are right there sharing each event with the two main characters, Venetia Stanley a 26 year old aristocratic socialite and Herbert Henry Asquith, the 62 year old Prime Minister of Great Britain. Were this as purely fictional story then the plot line would seem improbable but both characters are real (as are most of the surrounding cast) and they did have a very close relationship at the time the book is set. Asquith was besotted with Stanley and wrote messages to her each day and often several per day. The author Harris has based the book on the real letters and telegrams sent by Asquith which still exist today. They include details of the Government Cabinet meetings, major decisions and often including military sensitive information. They provide a fascinating insight into the mind of this PM as the country heads into war but most surprising is his preocupation with this young woman who seems to dominate his thinking while the lives of hundreds of thousands of soldiers fighting at the front hang on the decisions he and his Cabinet are making. As a piece of historical record Harris’s account of the infighting in the cabinet, particularly between Lord Kitchener and Winston Churchill, are themselves great reasons for just picking up the book. Harris says up front that Asquith’s correspondence printed in the book is verbatim from the originals in the archives so this is primary source material!
The fictional part of the book is both Stanleys response to the PM's notes, although these are derived from the PM's responses, and a completely fictional detective story about Scotland Yard investigating this breach of security after some confidential memorandums turn up. This story is well crafted and fits easily into the unfolding non fiction story.
All in all it is a great read and I would commend this to any students of WW1 or UK politics in general. I am very fond of the Historical Fiction genre as a way to immerse yourself in real events from the past. I do, however, find some offerings such as The Crown, TV series, go too far in blurring the line between reality and fiction. The Precipice maybe getting into this territory and I did find myself constantly searching the internet to learn the "true" stories of the characters in the book. Perhaps that shows the power of the genre in stimulating further research? The saving grace is that the story is very enjoyable and believable and not at all salacious despite the obvious temptations. Let’s just hope the people behind The Crown dont get hold of it!!
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for providing access to this book.

This is a great example of fiction based on, illuminating and conveying a version of historical events. Based on letters between Asquith and Venetia Stanley at the onset of WW1. Harris doubtless engages poetic licence to convey some of the situations and relationships, otherwise this would be non-fiction, rather than fiction. Nonetheless, the quality of the writing is excellent, and the effect is compelling. Highly recommended. Grateful thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

This is the first Robert Harris book I have read and based on this I need to read more of his work. This was absolutely gripping, a page turning thriller that does not sacrfice historical detail for pace, or story for accuracy. Read in one sitting.

I always enjoy a Robert Harris novel. This one was brilliantly researched with surprising details and interesting facts as the prime minister has an affair with a much younger lady in his social set, as the world stands on the brink of WW1.
It was an intriguing read as the country progressed to war and through the beginning of the conflict as disaster unfolds. Startling details emerge as the familiar names from history work together or against each other to implement the plans and decisions of the early months. As the 2 main characters are from the influential aristocracy, the lists of servicemen losing their lives seem to make little impact. I enjoyed the attempts of the policeman to act as a spy with little or no knowledge or equipment!
Highly recommended

What an amazing story based on the letters written between PM Asquith and his socialite mistress Venetia Stanley. With World War one breaking out, the PM writes about everything, including top secret information, and sends it in the normal post to his young girlfriend. The politics and personalities, including Winston Churchill, are brought to life, and the intrigue behind what was happening with at the top show the absolute disregard for the thousands of lives that were being lost, especially in the Gallipoli campaign. So shocking that it is based on truth, with actual correspondence used throughout the book, and a little literary licence to tie it all together. This is another absolute page turner from this author.

History brought to life in a compelling and understandable way. Britain is on the very edge of the First World War and Asquith must fight to keep order but he also yearns to see his mistress and confidante, Venetia Stanley. The events that unfold are masterfully told and the characters are believable and rounded. A really interesting and very readable fictionalised account of dark days.

This is an excellent novel, set in 1914, just before and during the early months of the First World War. I studied this in detail for my history degree and the diplomacy and political squabbles are so well written and understandable. They give the reader a great understanding of what was going on at the time. And the letters beween Asquith and Venetia running through the book make for a great read. They are amazing, I had never heard of them before. A very well written book (as expected from Robert Harris) with an interesting and engagng plot. The notes at the end were insightful and interesting too. With thanks for the e-ARC to read and review.

My first novel by the author, and I must say, I am impressed! This novel based on the original letters written by H.H. Asquith and Venetia offers an incredibly honest, intimate and moving insight into their love affair. However, their letters were not only about love and utmost trust, but also definitely bordered on treason.... As their correspondence took place before and during WWI, the reader gets firsthand information about political decisions involving the war. Fascinating! The police investigation about the letters came to a rather thought provoking conclusion.....
Highly recommended!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I willingly leave an honest review.