I'm guessing that everyone who visits here is old enough to remember that 'Bunnies can and will go to France.' I've had my head buried in this brilliant - and hilarious - book about the Jeremy Thorpe scandal for the past two days. In bed until the crack of dawn - on the train - during the interval at a concert last night, when I felt like shouting, 'Hold the Elgar - there's a lady in the Circle needs to finish her chapter!' It's a real page-turner, superbly well-researched (and well-written) and as gripping as a thriller, even though you know the ending. Hired assassins, dead dogs on Exmoor ... you couldn't make it up! There's a TV adaptation coming up with Hugh Grant as Thorpe (suitably charismatic/slimy but perhaps not quite cadaverous enough) and Ben Whishaw, who I imagine will be absolutely brilliant as Norman Scott. Easily the best book I've read so far this year; it's ages since I've been so engrossed.
6 comments:
Mary, I am always so grateful to you for your recommendations. How on earth do you manage to do so much? I am completely in awe of your stamina which far outstrips mine, and I must read this book next (it will go on the very top of the pile...). The film sounds like it will be a hoot, too.Sue
Pity they couldn't get John Le Mesurier. I'm looking forward to this although I took scant interest at the time.
I remember it all well. I enjoyed the book but thought it depended too much on the testimony of one man and was too generous to Norman Scott. As you say, you couldn't make it up. Peter Cook's 'Biased Judge' sketch said it all.
Hugh Grant as Thorpe? Interesting casting. I am grateful for your advance notices of TV and films; I know they'll be something to look out for.
I read this book last month and was engrossed for the entire day. I'm looking forward to the series.
I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did, Sue.
Funnily enough, a John Le Mesurier - no relation - was also charged with conspiracy, Lucille. I remembered the more lurid details, the Bunnies letter and Rinka the dog - but, like you, I was too young to take much notice even though I was working in Devon at the time.
Thanks for the reminder about Peter Cook, Callmemadam; I've just been over to Youtube.
I'm glad I read the book first, Anonymous.
Yes, cadaverous is exactly what Jeremy Thorpe looked like! This does sound like a fascinating read; I'll see if I can reserve it from the library.
I am just astonished at all your gallivanting, Mary.I'm amazed you find time to read at all in between trips to the cinema, theatre, exhibitions and concerts...
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