A foolish romance intertwined with a devastating war that will captivate readers.
This World War I novel explores themes of love, politics, and a continent in chaos.
In 1914, British Prime Minister H.H. Asquith, a 61-year-old married man, engages in an affair with 26-year-old Venetia Stanley. Those around them are aware of their friendship, but its true nature remains a mystery, though some suspect more. Asquith is infatuated with Venetia, writing her letters up to three times daily when they’re apart, and he usually receives swift replies. Meanwhile, DS Paul Deemer is investigating the accidental drowning of Asquith’s son. As Venetia is listed as a witness, he questions her. With the looming threat of war, Scotland Yard’s higher-ups instruct him to quietly look into the suspicious relationship as well. “Prime,” as Venetia affectionately calls him, feels compelled to keep her informed about office matters. When war breaks out, he shares sensitive details with her—like troop needs, battle casualties, and ammunition shortages—via regular mail, reminding her to keep the information confidential. One note states, “The enclosed telegram from our Ambassador at Petersburg wh. came on Friday night will interest you.” The narrator reflects, “A thin sheet of Foreign Office paper was a poor substitute for sweet verbena, but it was the only bouquet he had. What greater proof could he offer of his love, his dependence on her, his complete trust in her loyalty and discretion?” However, Asquith’s reliance on her is almost overwhelming. Meanwhile, Deemer secretly opens the intercepted letters, reports back to his superior, and forwards them on. With German spies suspected to be everywhere in Britain, it’s fortunate that Deemer isn’t one of them. A brutal war ensues, with politicians and generals sending countless young men to die for no one’s benefit. Over 100,000 soldiers perish in the Dardanelles due to Churchill’s insistence on an attack there.
The world seems to have gone mad, but Venetia remains focused. She wishes to become a frontline nurse, which requires her to distance herself from her clingy lover. The main characters are based on real historical figures, while Deemer is a fictional creation. The letters from Asquith are authentic, while those from Venetia were invented by the author, as Asquith reportedly destroyed them.
A foolish affair and a horrific war that will engage and enthrall readers.
