A Very English Scandal by John Preston Summary

A Very English Scandal chronicles the 1979 trial of British politician Jeremy Thorpe, who was accused of orchestrating a murder plot against his ex-lover Norman Scott. The book exposes political corruption, systemic homophobia in mid-20th-century Britain, and the Establishment’s efforts to shield powerful figures. Preston frames the scandal as a gripping thriller, detailing Thorpe’s rise, clandestine relationships, and dramatic fall from grace.

This book appeals to true crime enthusiasts, political history buffs, and readers interested in LGBTQ+ societal struggles. It’s ideal for those drawn to narratives about institutional hypocrisy, such as the collusion between police and politicians to protect Thorpe. Fans of meticulously researched nonfiction with novelistic pacing will also find it compelling.

Yes. Critics praise Preston’s ability to transform a complex historical event into a page-turning exposé. The New York Times Book Review likened it to a political thriller, applauding its urgent pacing and vivid character sketches. While some note a slow mid-section, the trial’s dramatic tension and exploration of homophobia make it a standout.

Preston’s account is extensively researched, drawing on court transcripts, interviews, and archival material. It accurately portrays Thorpe’s manipulation of political connections and the era’s rampant homophobia. However, the author occasionally dramatizes dialogue and scenes for narrative flow, typical of nonfiction thrillers.

• Hypocrisy: The Establishment’s protection of Thorpe despite his crimes.
• Homophobia: Scott’s persecution for his sexuality and mental health struggles.
• Power corruption: Thorpe’s 滥用 of political influence to silence critics.
• Gender roles: The suffocating expectations imposed on Thorpe and his associates.

Preston depicts Thorpe as a charismatic but deeply flawed figure—charming in public yet manipulative and narcissistic privately. The book highlights his political ambition, habitual lying, and reckless personal life, ultimately framing him as a product of a toxic, closeted political elite.

Scott, Thorpe’s former lover, became the scandal’s central figure after accusing Thorpe of betrayal and harassment. His mental health struggles and status as a gay man in a homophobic society made him an easy target for discrediting. The failed murder plot against him exposed Thorpe’s desperation.

The scandal occurred just 12 years after homosexuality was decriminalized in England (1967). Preston emphasizes how Thorpe’s trial forced public discourse about queer lives in politics, while Scott’s treatment underscored lingering societal prejudices. The case remains a landmark in Britain’s LGBTQ+ rights timeline.

Some reviewers note uneven pacing, with dense political maneuvering slowing the narrative mid-book. Others argue Preston occasionally prioritizes drama over nuance, particularly in characterizing Thorpe’s motives. However, most agree these are minor flaws in an otherwise masterful account.

Unlike drier historical accounts, Preston’s narrative rivals thriller fiction in tension and pacing. It shares DNA with All the President’s Men in exposing systemic corruption but uniquely centers queer persecution. For British political scandals, it’s often compared to The Trial of Christine Keeler.

The book underscores enduring issues: abuse of political power, media sensationalism, and marginalized voices fighting institutional gaslighting. Its LGBTQ+ themes resonate amid ongoing global rights debates, offering historical context for modern advocacy.

Though acquitted due to insufficient evidence, Thorpe’s reputation never recovered. He resigned from politics, lived reclusively, and died in 2014. Preston notes later attempts to rehabilitate his image through human rights advocacy, but his legacy remains tied to the scandal.