Precipice: A Novel

The year is 1914, and Venetia Stanley is involved in an illicit relationship with H.H. Asquith, the British Prime Minister. Asquith is a married man in his early 60s, whereas Venetia is in her late 20s. The intensity of their relationship is borne out in their correspondence, where Asquith confides in Venetia about pressing issues with Ireland along with trouble brewing in Eastern Europe. There are murmurings about their affair, but they have been able to mostly keep things under wraps.

Paul Deemer is an investigator with Scotland Yard who has been asked to investigate a double drowning that involves members of high society as witnesses. Deemer learns of Venetia’s presence and questions her. Despite the case soon being closed, Deemer is recruited for an intelligence position. In his role, Deemer is soon privy to the liaison between Asquith and Venetia. Deemer knows this scandal could rock the foundations of government.

Precipice is the latest transfixing work of historical fiction by the wonderful Robert Harris (“Fatherland). The shadow of an apocalyptic war hovers over the forbidden romance between a government official and a much younger woman of high society. Harris’ knack for reviving the past with extra flair is on full display.