The Book Group met in October to discuss Precipice by Robert Harris. The book is a fictionalised account of the relationship between Herbert Asquith, Prime Minister, and socialite Vanessa Stanley in the months leading up to the beginning of the first World War. Asquith, more than 30 years her senior, was infatuated with Vanessa to the extent that he had regular lengthy 'meetings' with her in the back seat of his limousine with blacked out windows. During these meetings he discussed in depth with her top secret matters of state, even showing her telegrams which he had received from the Kaiser, cabinet ministers and defence chiefs. What is extraordinary is that having read the telegrams together, Asquith crumpled them up and threw them out of the car window. Some were found by members of the public, which lead to a police investigation, detailed in the book.
When not enjoying trysts with Vanessa, Asquith spent most of his waking moments writing to her, not just words of passion but also state secrets. We were impressed that in 1914, London had 12 postal deliveries every day! Even during meetings of the War Cabinet, Asquith would be scheduling meetings so that he and Vanessa could be together and drafting letters to Vanessa. These letters still exist, and are reproduced verbatim.
The book also gave interesting details of why World War One broke out. We all knew that it followed the assassionation of Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand, but the political discussions and manoeuvring that followed were fascinating. A thumbs up from all of us.
Our usual meeting place at Cornerstone Cafe is still unavailable because of building works. The November meeting will be held at Liz H's house. Details to follow.
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Future Reading
2025
2nd September NO MEETING THIS MONTH
7th October Precipice by Robert Harris
4th November Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty
2nd December 'What book I would like to receive or give to someone else at Christmas.
6th January 2026 Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver - postponed from September
