A page turner

Eagerly awaited on Audible I finished the book in two sittings either side of my earphones and then my phone running out of charge. Robert Harris brings his storytelling, imagination and meticulous research to this compelling story. It is almost unbelievable that a Prime Minister at a critical stage in our history would share so much sensitive and top secret information with a mistress. However, Asquith needs a confident who he is also in love with to test his reaction to critical events as they unfold. As we don't have copies of the letters she wrote, in creating their dialogue Robert does not overplay much of the direct advice that she possibly provided but, her significance for Asquith is not in doubt.
For me Robert's novels have opened a door to further investigation of each of the periods and events he has portrayed.
Masterful and thoroughly enjoyable.
I should recognise the superb contribution that Samuel West makes to this version with his narration.

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11 people found this helpful

So Sad to Have Finished It

First off Narration was outstanding. Samuel West's voice was filled with the sincerity this subject matter deserved. The characters were 'of the times' and brought to life even when they were (once again) lunching and dinning, I was shocked with exchange of government information and the depth of their discissions. The PM and VS had an amazingly deep understanding of each other as revealed in their letters. Set in the changing times leading up to the first world war, I personally, got a deeper insight into the politics and allegiances between the government and later Europe.

Robert Harris has done an outstanding job in tying this all together. Well researched and beautifully written.

I was so struck by their relationship that I have sent for a book RH mentioned, 'My Darling Mr. Asquith'

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1 person found this helpful

Beyond Brilliant!

Audible at it's very best. Superbly Written and Perfectly Narrated.
Together this author and narrator take the listener into the most fascinating tale of love and romance through the letters of British PM (Asquith) and his aristocratic lover (Venitia Stanley). Set in the years between 1914-1916 against the backdrop of WW 1 the story is so well constructed and performed that I lost myself among the characters and events and in the feeling of the times. It was so absorbing that I didn't want it to end. I really couldn't praise this work highly enough and recommend it without reservation.

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One of the best audio books I have heard

An amazing book, beautifully narrated. I often just had to sit down and stop doing anything else. It was riveting all the way though. Highly recommended.

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Precipice-really good

a really interesting story, well written. the love and intense feelings in the letters came across really well. I felt included in the story. the way the author inserted the letters and wrote the story around them was brilliant. a history enthusiast I really enjoyed this book.

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Wonderful background of WWI Cabinet meetings, especially concerning the Dardanelles.

I was only vaguely aware of the relationship between HHA and VS, but Robert Harris fleshes this out superbly and seamlessly, given that Venetia’s letters no longer exist. The character of Paul Diemer (sp?) provides a convincing pair of external eyes, like a Greek Chorus, and the weaving in of his brother having been nursed by Venetia further fleshes out the narrative. Sam West narrates superbly.

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Captivating and flawless both recording and book.

Samuel West’s flawless & captivating reading - surpasses film or theatre. As for Robert Harris’s book it is eloquent, utterly absorbing and impeccable - a double treat.

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Another great read from Harris

At first this played out like a love story and almost gave up a couple of times, but the last 3 hours of the story I couldn’t stop listening. Sgt Deevers arc ended abruptly though. I would have liked to hear what happened to him in The Great War. Otherwise I enjoyed it.

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Very interesting and illuminating historical novel

Excellent window into that critical time. Beautifully written. Characters are realistic and seem authentic. Very enthralling and entertaining.

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Riveting!

Beautifully crafted novel and read perfectly with great sensitivity and power by Samuel West. The story in itself is amazing especially when contemplating the tumultuous times in which it all took place and the passions involved. I am not usually given to writing reviews but felt I must recommend this so highly to everyone thinking about listening to it both for the writing and the perfect execution of it by the reader. Truly riveting!

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