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Precipice

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Precipice

By: Robert Harris
Narrated by: Samuel West
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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)
Splendid (Max Hastings)
All stars
Most relevant  
I thoroughly enjoyed Precipice. A really interesting run through history at the start of WW1. After learning about these various characters while at school it was actually interesting to hear more about them. It’s made me curious enough to read more about them. Highly recommend reading this book

A very enjoyable listen

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Almost 75% history and possibly 25% historical fiction this classic latest Robert Harris book adds to his admirable collection of historical novels. Recommended reading for anyone interested in the early years of WW1. Churchill comes out of it with a reputation very much damaged. The Gallipoli Campaign was ill conceived and badly run. As an Australian I wish that the ANZAC corp was involved. My grandfather was a captain in the Royal Worcester Regiment and was wounded at Gallipoli and thankfully for me he survived or else I wouldn’t be writing this! Interesting that a Liberal government has never been formed since. The big problem was involving so called love and politics. Asquith should have known better and in my view-a bloody fool especially at his age. Lust has no bounds. Highly recommended. I can’t wait for more from both the author and the narrator.

A period of British history I knew nothing about…

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The portrayal of the characters was quite riveting as was the many weaknesses & strengths of their personalities

knowing that this was an extraordinary one based closely on fact

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I initially found it a little slow moving, but after 6 chapters found it quite compelling and wanted to find out how it would end.

The power & intelligence of women behind the scenes

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Gripping historical fiction giving insight into the relationship between PM Asquith and socialite Stanley on the eve and the early years of WW1

Precipice Fantastic

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I heard the author being interviewed and was intrigued by the story. I was hooked straight away and whilst I enjoyed the fictional character’s investigation very much, the highlight for me was the letters. Even knowing that the author had completely invented her voice did not distract. I love Sam West’s voice and found it easy to listen to

An engaging listen

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I liked that great historic figures are human. I found this book warm, honest, fragile, real and aspects of the people are true of our human condition today.

Deeply poignant

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Samuel west is the best. And the story is excellent.
Makes for a perfect combination

Top rate

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What an insight. Great story telling and delivery. Thank you for the experience. I have recommended this to all I know.

Enthralling

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Absolutely brilliant book. A love story and historical novel rolled into one so eloquently written.

Brilliantly narrated

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