A Very English Scandal

A Very English Scandal reconstructs the infamous 1970s Thorpe affair, when former Liberal Party leader Jeremy Thorpe faced trial for allegedly plotting to murder his former lover Norman Scott. The case exposed the stark contrast between public power and private lives in British politics. The book traces Thorpe's rise through Parliament and his hidden relationships during an era when homosexuality was illegal in Britain. Preston presents the complex web of political allies, enemies, and questionable characters who became entangled in what would become one of Britain's most notorious political scandals. The story follows the investigation, arrest, and dramatic trial that captivated the British public and press. Preston reconstructs events through extensive research, court documents, and interviews with key figures involved in the case. Beyond its political intrigue, the book examines themes of power, privilege, and social change in late 20th century Britain. The scandal marked a crucial moment when private morality, public office, and changing social attitudes collided in the national spotlight.

Readers call Preston's account compelling and well-researched, appreciating how he turns complex political history into a readable narrative. Many note the book's balanced presentation of facts while maintaining narrative tension. Likes: - Clear explanation of 1960s British social/political context - Fluid writing style that avoids sensationalism - Thorough research and detailed sources - Effective mix of politics, scandal, and human drama Dislikes: - Some sections move slowly with excessive detail - Too much focus on peripheral characters - A few readers found the political background tedious Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (4,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (1,200+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "Reads like a thriller but backed by solid journalism" - Amazon reviewer "Could have been shorter without losing impact" - Goodreads reviewer "Does justice to both the facts and storytelling" - LibraryThing reviewer

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🔸 The scandal was adapted into a critically acclaimed BBC mini-series in 2018, starring Hugh Grant as Jeremy Thorpe and Ben Whishaw as Norman Scott. 🔸 Jeremy Thorpe was the first British politician in modern history to stand trial for conspiracy to murder, marking an unprecedented moment in UK politics. 🔸 Author John Preston discovered that his aunt, who had been a BBC executive, was involved in creating a never-aired exposé about Thorpe during the height of the scandal. 🔸 The events took place during a period when homosexuality had only recently been decriminalized in England and Wales (1967), making it particularly sensitive for public figures. 🔸 The shooting of Norman Scott's dog, Rinka, became one of the most notorious elements of the case, making headlines across Britain and eventually leading to Thorpe's downfall.