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An Absolute Scandal
Penny Vincenzi, master of the contemporary blockbuster, returns with a moving, engaging portrait of people coping with a notorious financial disaster and its unpredictable emotional repercussions.
Set during the boom-and-bust years of the 1980s, An Absolute Scandal follows the lives of a group of people drawn together by their mutual monetary woes when the great financial institution Lloyd's undergoes a devastating downturn. For Nigel Cowper, this means the destruction of his family business; his wife, Lucinda, is willing to do everything she can to help him—except give up her irresistible lover. The powerful, charismatic banker Simon Beaumont and his wife, a highly successful advertising executive, lose everything they worked so hard to acquire; but the ultimate tragedy is something that neither one could have anticipated. The well-to-do are not the only ones suffering: a self-sufficient widow is suddenly deep in debt; a single mother struggles to maintain a comfortable home for her children; and a schoolmaster and his frustrated wife find that financial problems deepen the cracks in their troubled marriage.
As their lives begin a downward spiral, these characters intersect in ways they never saw coming. Written in what has become her signature style of both wit and candor, Penny Vincenzi draws back the curtain and offers an inside view of the greed and social power plays that occur behind the closed doors of upper-crust society . . . where money isn’t everything. Sometimes, it’s the only thing.
Set during the boom-and-bust years of the 1980s, An Absolute Scandal follows the lives of a group of people drawn together by their mutual monetary woes when the great financial institution Lloyd's undergoes a devastating downturn. For Nigel Cowper, this means the destruction of his family business; his wife, Lucinda, is willing to do everything she can to help him—except give up her irresistible lover. The powerful, charismatic banker Simon Beaumont and his wife, a highly successful advertising executive, lose everything they worked so hard to acquire; but the ultimate tragedy is something that neither one could have anticipated. The well-to-do are not the only ones suffering: a self-sufficient widow is suddenly deep in debt; a single mother struggles to maintain a comfortable home for her children; and a schoolmaster and his frustrated wife find that financial problems deepen the cracks in their troubled marriage.
As their lives begin a downward spiral, these characters intersect in ways they never saw coming. Written in what has become her signature style of both wit and candor, Penny Vincenzi draws back the curtain and offers an inside view of the greed and social power plays that occur behind the closed doors of upper-crust society . . . where money isn’t everything. Sometimes, it’s the only thing.
768 pages, Hardcover
First published March 22, 2007
191 people are currently reading
1111 people want to read
About the author
Penny Vincenzi
65 books923 followersPenny was nine years old when she embarked on her storytelling career. She wrote her own magazine called “Stories”, which she copied out three times on carbon paper and sold for two pence at school. So began a career in writing which has seen 7 million copies sold, and 17 bestselling novels.
After secretarial college, Penny worked as a junior secretary at Vogue and Tatler magazines, before moving to the Daily Mirror as personal assistant to Marje Proops, Britain's legendary agony aunt.
Marje encouraged her to write, and she became fashion editor and beauty writer at the Mirror, working for the women's editor in what was irreverently known as the "fragrant department". Penny’s journalistic career as a celebrated writer and columnist spanned several decades working for many of the leading newspapers and magazines of the time.
She once asked bestselling British author Jilly Cooper for advice on writing a novel while interviewing her for a magazine profile. Jilly put Penny in touch with her own agent, who promptly auctioned off her (then unwritten) first novel. It was quickly snapped up and the rest, as they say, is history.
Penny died in 2018. She was the proud and much-loved mother of four equally proud daughters, and grandmother to nine grandchildren.
After secretarial college, Penny worked as a junior secretary at Vogue and Tatler magazines, before moving to the Daily Mirror as personal assistant to Marje Proops, Britain's legendary agony aunt.
Marje encouraged her to write, and she became fashion editor and beauty writer at the Mirror, working for the women's editor in what was irreverently known as the "fragrant department". Penny’s journalistic career as a celebrated writer and columnist spanned several decades working for many of the leading newspapers and magazines of the time.
She once asked bestselling British author Jilly Cooper for advice on writing a novel while interviewing her for a magazine profile. Jilly put Penny in touch with her own agent, who promptly auctioned off her (then unwritten) first novel. It was quickly snapped up and the rest, as they say, is history.
Penny died in 2018. She was the proud and much-loved mother of four equally proud daughters, and grandmother to nine grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
July 27, 2008
Penny Vincenzi is my secret shame; I've read all of her books. The characters are unrealistic, the dialog is silly, and the plots are ludicrous, but I can't stop. I keep waiting for my more intellectual friends to stage an Intervention, a la A&E. "Jeanette, these folks are here because they just love you to death, and they can't stand that you're destroying your mind with this trash. Either you go to rehab today, where you will read nothing but Joyce Carol Oates for 90 days, or they will never speak to you again. Yes or no?"
February 12, 2009
How many times can a writer make people vomit in a book? This must hold the record and that's about the most drama you get here - how imaginative!
Rating this as "1" seems extremely generous but the rating numbers don't go into negatives.
Dreadful book. It bothers me that people pick up this kind of soulless book at the airport before they go for their 2 week holiday and that is all they might read in a year.
I picked this book up at a charity event wanting something that would take longer than a day or two to complete. It's full of "he said" and "she said." Hopeless, drivelling dialogue that just goes on...and on...and on....
The characters (that's really too strong a word for them) make me want to slap them all. Wishy washy, thick-as-mince Lucinda, simpering Catherine and pathetic, whinging Richard. Does make you appreciate anew how interesting and wonderful your own friends and acquaintances are though.
Rating this as "1" seems extremely generous but the rating numbers don't go into negatives.
Dreadful book. It bothers me that people pick up this kind of soulless book at the airport before they go for their 2 week holiday and that is all they might read in a year.
I picked this book up at a charity event wanting something that would take longer than a day or two to complete. It's full of "he said" and "she said." Hopeless, drivelling dialogue that just goes on...and on...and on....
The characters (that's really too strong a word for them) make me want to slap them all. Wishy washy, thick-as-mince Lucinda, simpering Catherine and pathetic, whinging Richard. Does make you appreciate anew how interesting and wonderful your own friends and acquaintances are though.
February 24, 2023
A nice balance of intrigue, characterization, and daily drama makes "An Absolute Scandal" an entertaining read.
I know that I am in for a good time whenever I read one of Penny Vicenzi's books, which I have grown to appreciate during the last year.
It was well written, as always, and extremely well narrated by Jilly Bond, adding tremendous value to the enjoyment.
I know that I am in for a good time whenever I read one of Penny Vicenzi's books, which I have grown to appreciate during the last year.
It was well written, as always, and extremely well narrated by Jilly Bond, adding tremendous value to the enjoyment.
September 18, 2009
I love Penny Vicenzi's books. The other two that I have read take place in the early 1900's which I always find interesting and this one takes place in the late 1980's. What I like about Vincenzi is that she does write somewhat chicklit books....but they are much better. They are well written and filled with an interesting cast of characters. This book centers around the true events of Lloyds of London basically collapsing and what it does to the people who had invested in them. Apparently this was a huge scandal in the late 80's and devastated a lot of people. People who had invested were required by their contract to pay Lloyd's if Lloyd's was experiencing a loss.....and they had to keep paying for years! This is a fictional account of the families who had been living a wealthy lifestyle....boarding schools, second and third homes, horses etc. This story then follows what happens to these different people who have to now deal with huge debt. I liked this book a lot, but not quite as much as her others. "Angel" is one of my favorite books. It takes place in a publishing house in London in the 1920's. I would recommend reading that over this....but I will check out more of Vinceni's books. I like her writing style and her topics.
September 1, 2015
This was my first Penny Vincenzi book, but it won't be my last. My wonderful sister-in-law lent me this book to read, Thank you, Darlene!! There were many characters and a lot of them had similar names. But, there's a chart in the front of the book and it didn't take long before all the characters sorted themselves out in my mind. It follows the lives of several families who were affected by the crisis of Lords of London in 1980's and 90's. The families were on the verge of going bankrupt because of the demands of Lords as it took a downturn.
It's not great literature, but it's interesting to pull back the covers and peek in on people's lives and how each of them confront their troubles.
Thank you, Darlene for introducing me to this author. This will be the first of many of her books that I'll devour.
It's not great literature, but it's interesting to pull back the covers and peek in on people's lives and how each of them confront their troubles.
Thank you, Darlene for introducing me to this author. This will be the first of many of her books that I'll devour.
October 11, 2009
'An Absolute Scandal' is a classic Penny Vincenzi read, set in the 80s and full of upper-class characters, yet still a great, page turner with great characters and a well-researched plot line.
Centred around a group of Lloyds 'Names' who have been flung together to fight against losing their wealth - each member of this group consider that they have been swindled by Lloyds syndicates and duped into becoming 'Names'. It has become apparant that their investment is not as safe as it was always assumed and that Lloyds have covered up the losses they have made due to asbestosis claims.
It is so clear that Penny Vincenzi has done so much research into the events of this time, and although the ordinary everyday reader may not initially feel sympathy for the rich upper-class who lose their money, their individual stories show that these are in fact, real human beings who have been a victim of dubious selling and misrepresentation.
Penny Vincenzi draws some fabulous characters including some stereotypical upper-class twits, sloane ranger types and genteel widows. I suspect that like most people, I knew very little about the Lloyds fiasco and had no sympathy at all, but after reading this novel I began to realise that there was a lot of human tragedy hidden away behind the headlines. Of course, these characters are not real, and it is the author's aim to make the reader like them - and she suceeds.
A doorstep of a book, with almost 800 pages, but at no time was I bored or fed up with the storyline. It reads at a cracking pace, there is drama, a little romance and some pretty sad and emotional scenes. A perfect holiday read and one I enjoyed very much.
Centred around a group of Lloyds 'Names' who have been flung together to fight against losing their wealth - each member of this group consider that they have been swindled by Lloyds syndicates and duped into becoming 'Names'. It has become apparant that their investment is not as safe as it was always assumed and that Lloyds have covered up the losses they have made due to asbestosis claims.
It is so clear that Penny Vincenzi has done so much research into the events of this time, and although the ordinary everyday reader may not initially feel sympathy for the rich upper-class who lose their money, their individual stories show that these are in fact, real human beings who have been a victim of dubious selling and misrepresentation.
Penny Vincenzi draws some fabulous characters including some stereotypical upper-class twits, sloane ranger types and genteel widows. I suspect that like most people, I knew very little about the Lloyds fiasco and had no sympathy at all, but after reading this novel I began to realise that there was a lot of human tragedy hidden away behind the headlines. Of course, these characters are not real, and it is the author's aim to make the reader like them - and she suceeds.
A doorstep of a book, with almost 800 pages, but at no time was I bored or fed up with the storyline. It reads at a cracking pace, there is drama, a little romance and some pretty sad and emotional scenes. A perfect holiday read and one I enjoyed very much.
July 26, 2010
A really good read. I was quiet sad when it ended, even tho I was slightly annoyed they didn't name the baby. I like to think they named it Simon. I cried quiet alot when one of the main characters died. I really felt for the people they left behind. It must be a horrible thing to watch your life slowly fall to pieces, losing homes, partners and jobs. The charcters I didn't really like were Richard, Debbie and Joel. I found their story quiet interesting but didn't warm to them for lots of different reasons. Flora was proberly my fave. I'm really glad my sister gave me this and another Penny Vincenzi book becuase I don't think I would have picked them up otherwise (mainly due to their brick size) but I will look out for them in the future.
February 13, 2011
The first proper eighties style bonkbuster that I've read since I was a teenager I think. It wasn't too badly written and ticked along pretty well - was perfect for my incredibly lazy saturday (only left the flat to get some chips). Hilarious class aspect, especially about the horror of state schools. I imagine Vicenzi's audience reflects the primarily comp-educated population and there is fair bit of knowingness about this.
January 31, 2019
The characters are developed early in the book and continue to grow throughout. It is so interesting to see how the storyline’s all separate breakdown and then how they build themselves up again while they interact. For the book’s length, it is a quick and compelling read.
October 22, 2017
A big read at 881 pages. After all that I'm still not sure how they all got on with their Lloyd's claims. Bit disappointing really...
October 23, 2021
What a great topic! This topic fascinates me - & the story was very interesting; good characters clearly delineated & well inter-related. The book flowed like a slow fuse which built up, the tension increasing ... until .... about 500pages then THEN
... the padding started & it began to “neaten” like a tidy jigsaw puzzle ... & it lost its way. It became irritating as it was so predictable & repetitive & slow. So the ending was tidy & sort of “wet”.
A good editor could’ve taken out 200 pages & I would’ve been so grateful. ....
... the padding started & it began to “neaten” like a tidy jigsaw puzzle ... & it lost its way. It became irritating as it was so predictable & repetitive & slow. So the ending was tidy & sort of “wet”.
A good editor could’ve taken out 200 pages & I would’ve been so grateful. ....
July 28, 2020
Three point something. Penny is my ultimate guilty pleasure.
I personally disliked the ending tho. Everything else is a soap opera I expected.
I personally disliked the ending tho. Everything else is a soap opera I expected.
March 22, 2024
It feels strange shelving a book set in the 1980s/90s as a historical novel! Set against the (true) backdrop of the Lloyds scandal, in which lots of ordinary people lost everything.
"names" of the insurance market, Lloyds of London, traditionally pledged to underwrite any losses the market made, with unlimited liability. Wealthy people, and some from the middle classes, signed up and received good returns for many decades. However, in the late 1980s the claims for asbestosis and pollution cases began flowing into Lloyds, who looked to the Names to pay the losses. This resulted in many Names reduced to the breadline by being forced to sell their family homes and possessions. The average loss was £250K - a great deal of money in 1990.
This book follows several Names and their families during the losses and their action against Lloyds which claims they were improperly advised. It has all glamour of Penny Vincenzi's novels - posh families, big houses, boarding schools and parties - but also brings in the effects of the scandal on families unable to bear the losses. A brilliant beach read.
"names" of the insurance market, Lloyds of London, traditionally pledged to underwrite any losses the market made, with unlimited liability. Wealthy people, and some from the middle classes, signed up and received good returns for many decades. However, in the late 1980s the claims for asbestosis and pollution cases began flowing into Lloyds, who looked to the Names to pay the losses. This resulted in many Names reduced to the breadline by being forced to sell their family homes and possessions. The average loss was £250K - a great deal of money in 1990.
This book follows several Names and their families during the losses and their action against Lloyds which claims they were improperly advised. It has all glamour of Penny Vincenzi's novels - posh families, big houses, boarding schools and parties - but also brings in the effects of the scandal on families unable to bear the losses. A brilliant beach read.
October 21, 2012
This was my first Penny Vincenzi novel but I had a pretty good idea from online reviews what to expect and was certainly not disappointed by this upper-class bonk-fest. Of course the characters are all stereotypes, but they are very attractive stereotypes, particularly Simon Beaumont, whom everyone loved. (I used to sail with people like that, though not so well off.) I cried when they sang "Lord of All Hopefulness" at his funeral. There are lots of sexy men and women. There are so many that it's a little difficult to recall just who has committed adultery with whom, but it really doesn't matter because if they've not yet they probably will by the next chapter.
The principal reason I chose this book was the Lloyd's of London aspect. My father did business with a number of Lloyd's brokers whom I got to know in my 20s. I know a lot less about the underwriting side of the business and I was utterly fascinated by the scandal of the Names in the late 80s and early 90s. (The losses weren't caused only by asbestos suits--there was an oil rig called Piper Alpha that blew up in the North Sea.) The first half of the book dealt well with the risks that the Names ran and how they could lose everything they possessed, even their cuff links, to cover underwriting losses. But nearly 2/3 into the book, about the time Simon dies in an apparent yachting mishap (I cannot believe that such an experieced ocean yachtsman would not have had a safety harness) we really just lose sight to the Names suit against the underwriters. Apparently the Lloyd's angle was here mainly to bring together a lot of characters who'd otherwise might never have met. I was disappointed that we never find out how the suit turned out.
The principal reason I chose this book was the Lloyd's of London aspect. My father did business with a number of Lloyd's brokers whom I got to know in my 20s. I know a lot less about the underwriting side of the business and I was utterly fascinated by the scandal of the Names in the late 80s and early 90s. (The losses weren't caused only by asbestos suits--there was an oil rig called Piper Alpha that blew up in the North Sea.) The first half of the book dealt well with the risks that the Names ran and how they could lose everything they possessed, even their cuff links, to cover underwriting losses. But nearly 2/3 into the book, about the time Simon dies in an apparent yachting mishap (I cannot believe that such an experieced ocean yachtsman would not have had a safety harness) we really just lose sight to the Names suit against the underwriters. Apparently the Lloyd's angle was here mainly to bring together a lot of characters who'd otherwise might never have met. I was disappointed that we never find out how the suit turned out.
April 22, 2018
There is nothing I love more than sinking down into bed with a huge Penny Vincenzi paperback. Her writing is always effortlessly faultless and this one, featuring an actual historical event, is fascinating for someone who grew up just outside of the era featured within the story, although I recognised many of the fashions and features. I found this book completely fascinating and just as high quality as all her other books (with the Lytton saga top of my list). I found myself Googling the actual real life events.
The only characters that I really didn't take to were Debbie and Richard, I found both of them intensely annoying and in the end couldn't care less about their situation. I don't think PV does "normal folk" that well, best stick to the ridiculously named posh people!
Every few years or so I will re-read a PV and once again find comfort in her wonderful writing. This one I last read about 10 years ago so it was almost like discovering it from new, something I am much looking forward to with her next book. It is a shame they take so long, and then of course I have to wait for the paperback version as the hardback is just so heavy! Keep up the fantastic work.
The only characters that I really didn't take to were Debbie and Richard, I found both of them intensely annoying and in the end couldn't care less about their situation. I don't think PV does "normal folk" that well, best stick to the ridiculously named posh people!
Every few years or so I will re-read a PV and once again find comfort in her wonderful writing. This one I last read about 10 years ago so it was almost like discovering it from new, something I am much looking forward to with her next book. It is a shame they take so long, and then of course I have to wait for the paperback version as the hardback is just so heavy! Keep up the fantastic work.
July 9, 2016
Being a "Name" at Lloyd's, a prosperous financial institution in the 1980s's was an honor and something to aspire to. As this decade draws to a close, many members found their portfolios dwindling quickly and their debts mounting to staggering heights. Several members band together with the goal of identifying skullduggery at Lloyds and reclaiming their legacies. From the very wealthy to modest middle class, retirees, and others, some quickly bond on a personal level and become entangled for better and for worse in the individual issues in their lives. There is a suicide, adultery, divorce, and fractured marriages in the mix which pull the reader on an intense journey for resolution in the lives of all. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is my second Penny Vincenzi read and was as enjoyable as the first. Her characters are well drawn and the stories of each are poignant and multifaceted. If you enjoy fiction that wraps itself around you and takes you into the story, this book, indeed this author's works are for you!
July 21, 2009
I found this at a bookstore in Toronto during our (DH and my) vacation there in May. It's size is what initially made me pick it up-I'm a sucker for good thickies-and the synopsis on the back of the book intrigued me.
In the beginning (maybe the first 100 pages) I had trouble keeping the characters straight-who was married to this one, who knew that one and so on but as I got deeper into it that part got much easier.
I ended up really enjoying the book-the connection of the characters via Lloyd's etc... I felt that they were all pretty realistically written. I also liked that Vincenzi did away with unnecessary detail (which irritates me) and that the characters had realistic emotions, reactions etc...
I think my favorite character was Lucinda. My least favorite was Debbie.
This being my first Vincenzi I will definately look for her other books in the future. Completely enjoyable.
In the beginning (maybe the first 100 pages) I had trouble keeping the characters straight-who was married to this one, who knew that one and so on but as I got deeper into it that part got much easier.
I ended up really enjoying the book-the connection of the characters via Lloyd's etc... I felt that they were all pretty realistically written. I also liked that Vincenzi did away with unnecessary detail (which irritates me) and that the characters had realistic emotions, reactions etc...
I think my favorite character was Lucinda. My least favorite was Debbie.
This being my first Vincenzi I will definately look for her other books in the future. Completely enjoyable.
January 4, 2018
Found Penny Vincenzi an ideal "stuck at home with a bad cold" author. This particular book is about high finance, Lloyds of London and the effect of some underhand dealings on investors ill equipped to cope with the financial demands made on them. Brexit Britain is possibly not the ideal time to be reading about rich people's problems with sympathetic understanding, but taken as an historical novel, this is a pretty decent one. If certain aspects and attitudes of the recent past grate, that's fine. Time moves fast these days, history is a lot closer than it once was. Worth a read if you have some down time.
June 19, 2012
Why oh why did I insist on finishing this book? Nothing much happens -- certainly nothing unexpected -- and every time I closed the book, I was surprised at how many pages I had left to slog through. Vincenzi's book has been publicized as a "summer" book, and put with "chick lit," but light beach reading it is not. Well, unless financial disaster, people with way more money than you, and working mother diatribes are your idea of beach reading.
January 13, 2016
I had read one of her books before. The length was a little daunting, but once I got into it about 100 pages it got good. There are a lot of characters to keep track of, thank goodness for the list at the beginning. About halfway through it got very good, I wanted to read it all the time. I didn't want it to end. I was happy with how all the characters ended up, except Simon of course. Will definitely read more of her books.
May 30, 2017
This book was not what I expected from Penny Vincenzi. It also took a real turn midway - the first half of the book focuses on a key lawsuit which you expect to be the focus of the whole book, but then the second half completely moves it's focus onto the impact surrounding a key player's death. Very interesting coverage of the Lloyd's scandal which gave me much more understanding of those events. Great reading, really enjoyed this book.
December 30, 2017
Absolutely deliciously snooty upperclass England saga based around the fall of Lloyds in the late eighties/early nineties. Lots of schmooze and glitzy romance with just the right amount of suspense and actual plot. A minor dead end in one of the plot lines goes unnoticed as you race for the finish to find out what will happen to your favourite characters. Kept me up till 1pm...had to finish... A very enjoyable Penny Vincenzi at her best.
April 2, 2008
Perhaps Penny Vincenzi does better with a historical setting. I would welcome a return to the form of Forbidden Places and the Spoils of Time Trilogy.
Flat writing, combined with deeply annoying cardboard characters (most of whom have no redeeming characteristics) make this book less than enthralling. Even on a plane it failed to hold my attention.
Flat writing, combined with deeply annoying cardboard characters (most of whom have no redeeming characteristics) make this book less than enthralling. Even on a plane it failed to hold my attention.
October 9, 2018
Love Penny Vincenzi books. You become enthralled with her characters as she seamlessly moves between numerous plots while still keeping with the main thread of the story, in An Absolute Scandal the interconnecting lives of people affected by an insurance companies financial fraud in 1990. The mix of characters from all walks of lives and their devastation from it keeps you hooked.
October 7, 2015
A very large cast of characters, the financial crises of the '80's in England, the shady dealings of Lloyd's insurance. All combine to make a convoluted story of loss and suicide, marital unrest and infidelity. I am a little over such large books. This would be a great book for the right audience.
January 6, 2018
I just cannot get into this book after two separate attempts. I have no sympathy or even interest in the characters. They are all entitled privileged snobs and the women are seriously ignorant of their financial situation and plight. And this is the 1980's.
February 8, 2018
way too long
June 1, 2022
Not good. Addictive and quietly dull. Great for a hangover
December 4, 2024
My year of Penny Vincenzi books continues with An Absolute Scandal, picked up at the local station book exchange.
It's set in the late 80s and early 90s, following several UK families, who are all affected by a shift in the fortunes at Lloyd's of London, where they have accounts that lead them to be liable for massive payments when the insurance policies there start to go awry.
It's largely quite breezy and entertaining, with a range of generally engaging characters - though it initially seems as if not very many of them are going to be particularly likeable. That does change over the course of the book (though several of the relationships portrayed consistently come across as quite toxic).
The book covers a lot of ground and does have a tendency to stray into summary (this happened and then this happened, rather than getting into the depth of the characters' reactions and feelings), though this does also change in the later stages.
Vincenzi has a tendency, when shifting the perspective at the start of a new section, of only referring to the characters as 'he' or 'she' for multiple paragraphs, which makes it difficult to identify who we are now following - and I found that annoying throughout (and in others of her book I've read).
There's also some lampshading, in that the journalist's editor keeps saying, "Why is anyone going to want to read about a bunch of arrogant rich people who've benefitted from massive payouts from this company for years and are now suffering a reversal - who cares?" Which did feel a bit on the the nose at times...
It also could have been about two-thirds the length, since several of the storylines in the last few hundred pages.
All that said, I enjoyed it overall - though I'm not sure I was wholly satisfied by the conclusion of all the different threads. It got more emotive and more involving once the death mentioned at the very beginning actually happened, and I felt as if several of the characters grew on me considerably by the end.
But, despite the last couple of lines mentioning Lloyd's again, the conclusion of all the aspects to do with the characters' interactions with the company kind of fizzled out, which was weird, since that was the initial impetus of the whole book...
I will be reading more Vincenzi, though - since I picked up another giant hardback by her from the station book exchange the other day!
It's set in the late 80s and early 90s, following several UK families, who are all affected by a shift in the fortunes at Lloyd's of London, where they have accounts that lead them to be liable for massive payments when the insurance policies there start to go awry.
It's largely quite breezy and entertaining, with a range of generally engaging characters - though it initially seems as if not very many of them are going to be particularly likeable. That does change over the course of the book (though several of the relationships portrayed consistently come across as quite toxic).
The book covers a lot of ground and does have a tendency to stray into summary (this happened and then this happened, rather than getting into the depth of the characters' reactions and feelings), though this does also change in the later stages.
Vincenzi has a tendency, when shifting the perspective at the start of a new section, of only referring to the characters as 'he' or 'she' for multiple paragraphs, which makes it difficult to identify who we are now following - and I found that annoying throughout (and in others of her book I've read).
There's also some lampshading, in that the journalist's editor keeps saying, "Why is anyone going to want to read about a bunch of arrogant rich people who've benefitted from massive payouts from this company for years and are now suffering a reversal - who cares?" Which did feel a bit on the the nose at times...
It also could have been about two-thirds the length, since several of the storylines in the last few hundred pages.
All that said, I enjoyed it overall - though I'm not sure I was wholly satisfied by the conclusion of all the different threads. It got more emotive and more involving once the death mentioned at the very beginning actually happened, and I felt as if several of the characters grew on me considerably by the end.
But, despite the last couple of lines mentioning Lloyd's again, the conclusion of all the aspects to do with the characters' interactions with the company kind of fizzled out, which was weird, since that was the initial impetus of the whole book...
I will be reading more Vincenzi, though - since I picked up another giant hardback by her from the station book exchange the other day!
August 11, 2022
The Book premise was interesting and held a lot of promise. Many places I was wanting to know more and many places there was a lot more that was unnecessary. This book is a long read with a small font so that also slows you down. Along with these challenges, there's a whole lot of characters that have background stories you have to keep track off. It helped that the author has the list of characters and their relationships mentioned right in the beginning of the book. There were some really good situations that holds your interest and had me quickly flip through pages .
Although there are three major storyline, of three main characters, there are so many sub plots that drag the otherwise tight knit story in different directions. It takes a long while to be invested in any of them. By the time you do get invested there is an unwanted death. If that's not disappointing enough, you have a long haul extra marital affair not reaching the so called conclusions and you wonder why was it even part of the storyline. If you're routing for any characters in this book you'll be disappointed because no one comes out a winner worth the trouble.
The ending of the story totally revolves around just one of the Characters and even that's not satisfactory in resolving the crux of the matter. I came away as lost as when I started reading the book. I love Vincenzi's books,but this was a let down.
Although there are three major storyline, of three main characters, there are so many sub plots that drag the otherwise tight knit story in different directions. It takes a long while to be invested in any of them. By the time you do get invested there is an unwanted death. If that's not disappointing enough, you have a long haul extra marital affair not reaching the so called conclusions and you wonder why was it even part of the storyline. If you're routing for any characters in this book you'll be disappointed because no one comes out a winner worth the trouble.
The ending of the story totally revolves around just one of the Characters and even that's not satisfactory in resolving the crux of the matter. I came away as lost as when I started reading the book. I love Vincenzi's books,but this was a let down.
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