- I've read all of Robert Harris's novels over the years and can say, without a doubt, that Precipice is easily one of his best. A master of historical fiction, he has delivered here a beautifully and sensitively written drama about about love, companionship and intimacy, and the need for deep, trusting personal relationships in difficult times. The First World War is about to begin, and Britain is sucked into supporting its allies France and Russia against their enemies Germany and Austria.
- It's a fascinating story by a master of the craft. We're taken deep into the heart of the British government in war time, and the passions, arguments and personal feuds at the Cabinet level. Harris fully captures the dynamics of the predicaments and debates.
- The Prime Minister, H.H.Asquith, heads Britain's first and only Liberal Government. He's an intelligent, sensitive human being as is revealed to us, and a real leader, unlike some of his loud and boisterous colleagues. Many names are familiar: Winston Churchill, Lord Kitchener, Lloyd George, Edward Grey, Arthur Balfour. Their personal hatreds and resentments are often on show. Cabinet meetings are reliably contentious. We're also exposed to the key role of Ambassadors and their frequent telegrams.
- The communications of the time were telegrams and letters. The postal service delivered mail up to twelve times a day - an analogue email if you will!
- Hidden from his colleagues and the public is the very personal and intimate relationship Asquith is having with a young woman from the aristocratic class, Venetia Stanley. They see each other regularly and write loving letters every day. Unfortunately the security service catches on and secretly photographs their letters before they're delivered. The married and much older PM is likely to be engulfed in a huge scandal propagated by the conservative press.
- Meanwhile we're taken to the heart of the war. The British naval landing in the Dardanelles is a total failure, despite being enthusiastically supported by Churchill. Many British ships are sunk and thousands of sailors drowned, so the army is sent to Gallipoli, along with Australian and New Zealand troops. Thousands are slaughtered. The novel digs deep into the machinations of war planning and resourcing - the soldiers, munitions, ships, weapons, and maneuvers - and the mistakes that can be made on every level.
- The ending brings the political and personal dimensions of this highly emotional drama to a satisfying resolution. And Harris's Historical Note is very enlightening.
- I can't recommend this book highly enough. It is magnificent.