Precipice

A Novel

By: Robert Harris

Narrated by: Samuel West

“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

outstanding in every way

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.

untold story

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

Love Robert Harris but this was a bit boring

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

A Pivotal Time

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.

Spectacular narration, startling history

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.

Unbelievably interesting

It is hard to believe that this novel is based on actual correspondence. If you were not informed of this fact in the first minute you would question the author’s excess creativity. Knowing that fact makes this story hypnotic—constantly asking yourself how a country’s leader in war time could be so self absorbed and delusional. Great rendition of this period by the author and excellent reading.

An excellent work of historical fiction

Knowing little about the opening days of World War 1, this is an excellent, though fictional look at what those days were like. The PM at the time is a figure I've not researched. His research and attention to accuracy is incredible.

disappointing

book loses direction, starts as procedural but degenerates into sad and trite narrative of love affair, dropping direction and detective element and losing energy.

It took a few minutes

But finished well. I really enjoyed it. Well narrated and not overly acted. Interesting story arranged well. The fiction blended nicely.

Understanding History

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.