- Mass Market Paperback: 308 pages
- Publisher: Pan (6 Nov 1998)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0330370014
- ISBN-13: 978-0330370011
- Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 17.8 x 2.1 cm
- Average Customer Review: 2.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 187,709 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
10-Lb Penalty
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
One of the most impressive aspects of Dick Francis's long and celebrated career (he's won three Edgar Awards, the Silver Dagger, the Gold Dagger, a Cartier Diamond Dagger, and was named the 1996 Mystery Writers of America Grand Master) is the freshness that he brings to each of his novels. In 10 lb. Penalty Francis adds several new arrows to his quiver. His protagonist, Ben Juliard, narrates the tale in a vivid first person that begins in his insecure late teens instead of the settled middle age of the usual Francis hero. Also, Ben's relationship with horses is more of a fading dream than an active reality. The book begins with Ben's expulsion from Vivian Durridge's stables; he's removed with a false accusation of glue sniffing. But as Ben soon discovers, it is, in fact, his powerful father's machinations that are behind his ill fortunes. The elder Juliard is "standing for Parliament," and the bachelor candidate needs his son by his side for a year of campaigning if he hopes to win. Ben accedes to his father's wishes. He almost always has, but he soon finds that his "gap year"--his year before entering university--is going to be a nightmare. Orinda Nagle, the widow of the recently deceased Hoopwestern MP, and her companion, Alderney Wyvern, resist George's campaign from the start. Then, Usher Rudd, a scandal-mongering journalist, turns his vitriol to George. When an attempt is made on George's life, he and his son find themselves inside a vigorous tale of suspense that takes several narrative years to sort out.
Francis's lucid prose is the driving force in this political mystery, and the realistic rendering of the complicated father-son relationship between George and Ben adds a sophistication and weight that marks the author's best fiction. --Patrick O'Kelley, Amazon.com
Review
"Few things are more convincing than Dick Francis at full gallop."
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
I have read almost all of Dick Francis' books and this book really surprised me. Instead of giving me just a rollercoaster-ride, this book went from suspense to Literature. The wonderful character-building and the heart-warming story of a boy growing to be a man and his relationship with his father, is just beautifully written.
There aren't many horses in it, but who cares with qualities like the ones I've just mentioned?
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Japanese woman in early 30's. Dick Francis never let me down. 10lb Penalty also became one of my favourites. Dick Francis always gives me thrill, excitement, real personality, a quite a few sentences which amazingly share my feelings and emotion in everyday life. As I am Japanese, I am most grateful of his high standard English from which I can learning much better than language text books. I wish to thank Mr. Francis personaly for giving me these opportunities. I am certain to read all of his books in near future.
Format:Hardcover
This is way below par for Dick Francis. A ponderous, weak storyline where very little really happpens and characters that are instantly forgettable.
Sorry but there's much, much better elsewhere. Try 'Wild Horses' by the same author instead.
Sorry but there's much, much better elsewhere. Try 'Wild Horses' by the same author instead.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
The worst novel I have ever read
This book is a classic of mediocrity. It is the only Dick Francis I have read and I am not prepared to risk another. Read more
Published on 8 Oct 2004 by Austin Futers
All good things come to an end?
I have read all of Mr Francis' previous novels, and I have always eagerly looked forward to the latest entry in the series. Read more
Published on 2 Dec 1999
Enough is Enough. All great jockeys need to retire sometime!
Dick Francis has written many fine crime thrillers. He always sticks to his winning formula and usually produces a readable book. Read more
Published on 19 Feb 1999
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