Every few months, I go to Sainsbury’s and buy myself a small pile of books, just because they’re cheap. I have a quick read of the blurbs, but I’m not looking for particular authors or particular books I’ve heard about, I’m just looking for something to read. Which is how I came to acquire Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan.
An MP’s marriage is thrust into the spotlight and a barrister thinks it’s time that justice is done.
The MP believes he can charm his way out of a difficult situation, just as he has done many times in the past. But has he gone too far this time? And how much longer will his wife stand by her man?
This is the story of the scandal and the women at the heart of it. Set in Westminster and the Old Bailey in the present day and Oxford University in the early 90s, the story unfolds in court. But what is the connection with Oxford University and the student from Liverpool feeling overwhelmed by her surroundings and the people she meets?
The author draws on her own experiences as an Oxford student and as a political correspondent at The Guardian to paint a believable picture of life in the corridors of power at these British institutions. And, having read it, it would put me right off the idea of my kids ever going to Oxford or working at Westminster.
It’s not quite my usual reading matter – being more about the legal process, and less of a page turner, but I really enjoyed Anatomy of a Scandal. It is a story for the #metoo era and I don’t doubt that such things have happened in Westminster and will continue to happen there and anywhere else where men have all the power and believe that women are there purely for their entertainment and enjoyment.
It’s not a very easy read, but Anatomy of a Scandal has a clever plot and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in power and corruption.
Update 2022: Anatomy of a Scandal has now been made into a Netflix show, starring Sienna Miller, Rupert Friend and Michelle Dockery.
April 26, 2019
Hey, I had nine of the most exciting years of my career in Westminster! I wouldn’t let a political thriller put you off 😉
April 27, 2019
Good point! I definitely won’t be working there myself, but I won’t let one fiction book put my kids off working there (or going to Oxford!).
May 13, 2019
This sounds really intriguing. It’s good to try something a bit different, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
#ReadWithMe
May 13, 2019
I’ve tried a couple of political thrillers but I’ve found they are not really my thing #readwithme
May 14, 2019
That’s understandable, it wouldn’t be everyone’s cup of tea. It made a nice change for me and I would happily read more books like this from time to time.
May 14, 2019
I’ll admit this one doesn’t appeal to me but I think my mum would thoroughly enjoy this one! #readwithme
May 14, 2019
It was a really good read, but wouldn’t appeal to everyone. You will have to recommend it to your mum!
May 15, 2019
I’m not a fan of political novels either so I probably won’t be adding this to my TBR pile!
May 15, 2019
That’s fair enough! It’s not all politics, it’s courtroom and crime too, but it’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea.