10-lb. Penalty

I skipped this book because of the reviews, but it bothered me that there was a Francis book that I hadn't read. IMHO the reviews were overly harsh. The story was good, the characters were likeable and the depictions of British politics were fascinating. While I always enjoyed Francis' racing stories, the glimpses into various other occupations that have appeared in many of his later books have always taught me something I didn't know before - never to the detriment of the story. In fact my two favorite Francis books are only peripherally about horses and racing, "Straight," about a gem dealer and "Longshot," about a survivalist travel writer. I like the horses but it is Dick Francis' writing that brings me back every time. This book was no exception. Highly recommended.

A few days ago my father told me that I should try out "10 lb. Penalty", saying that I might like it. And I surely did enjoy it! Totally hooked, I finished the book in about three days, each page an excitement and pleasure to read. Here's the main plot: Young soon-to-be eighteen-year-old Benedict Juliar's hopes of becoming a steeplechase jockey are all dashed when he is fired for reason he can't understand. But things become clear as he realizes the whole idea was his father's. George Juliard is a businessman battling a Dorset by-election for a street level entry into politics. And he now needs his son to help him in his campaign. Benedict has no choice and agrees. Unfortunately, things get bad as many strange and dangerous incidents occur. Can Benedict protect his father from a mysterious attacker? Dick Francis has a style all his own, with a plot which is believable and realistic. But one of the best things I liked about "10 lb. Penalty" is the wonderful array of characters. Each individual has his or her own personality, flaws, and characteristics put on paper so well that you can't help but feel that you know each person. There's characters like Benedict Juliard, George Juliard, Orinda Nagle, Mervyn Teck, Polly, A. L. Wyvern, Usher Rudd, and others. In the story also there is a quality of humor to it, making me chuckle at times. But still this book is ONLY for older people, NOT for younger children, due to language and innuendos.Most of the reviewers have given less than 5 stars for this book, saying it was very different and not as good as Dick Francis' other books. I cannot agree or disagree with that since this is my first book of his to read and I think 5 stars is very much indeed accurate. I'm now also reading "To the Hilt" which I'm finding VERY interesting and exciting to read!

After having read all of his books, Dick Francis still knows how to make the reader guess, guess, and guess again. Although this book is slightly 'tamer' than his usual passionate, rough and ready style, it is still a classic Francis. Read him, and read him again. Brilliant!

I did not read the reviews before reading the latest DF book. I might have been discourage if I had. For all those DF fans who have panned the book, I grant that this is not a Sid Halley story. There are not any major eruptions that one typically finds in a DF story. THIS ONE IS DIFFERENT. It deals much more with people than with events and the suspense and story are found in relationships and, of course, in politics. While the emphasis has changed and the suspense is more subtle, it still bears the unmistakable Dick Francis style when it comes to dealing with people. DF is at his best when writing about people's relationships, their wants, desires, hates, loves, fears, etc. This book showcases that ability more than most. This book is a slight departure from the DF norm, but it is a GREAT READ!

The book starts off with the usual "unusual happenings". It builds to a high that you hate to put the book down when it is finished. I read it within 24 hours. A must read for Dick Francis Fans