Robert Harris defends Asquith affair novel amid family criticism

Robert Harris, a prominent novelist, has defended his historical novel, 'Precipice,' which centers on former Prime Minister Herbert Asquith during World War I. The book draws on Asquith's letters to his mistress, Venetia Stanley, revealing his distractions during critical moments, such as the War Council meeting that approved the Gallipoli campaign. Asquith's great-grandson has publicly criticized the novel, labeling certain scenes as 'complete nonsense' and 'totally ridiculous.' Despite this backlash, Harris insists that his work is grounded in evidence and historical context. The novel portrays Asquith, who was 62 years old at the time, as being preoccupied with his personal life while significant military decisions were being made. This juxtaposition of personal and political turmoil highlights the complexities of leadership during wartime. The Gallipoli campaign, which was fraught with challenges and ultimately deemed a failure, serves as a backdrop for exploring Asquith's character and the pressures he faced. Harris's use of primary sources, such as the surviving letters, aims to provide an authentic glimpse into Asquith's life and the era's societal norms. The criticism from Asquith's family raises questions about the portrayal of historical figures in fiction and the balance between artistic license and factual representation. Ultimately, the controversy surrounding 'Precipice' underscores the ongoing debate about how history is interpreted and represented in literature, particularly when it involves prominent figures whose legacies are still felt today.