10-lb. Penalty [Hardcover]

Dick Francis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1997

Entering the political arena as the trusted confidant of his politician father, ex-jockey Benedict Juliard finds himself the target of a vicious attack by his father's dangerous enemies, an assault that could not only destroy his own reputation but that of his father, a prospective prime minister. 275,000 first printing. BOMC Main."

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com 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. Though every one of his 30-plus works of fiction has drawn from some aspect of the world of horses, Francis turns this constraint into a powerful source of inspiration. 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 college--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 muckraking 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 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

More murderous horseplay from the prolific Francis.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 273 pages
• Publisher: Putnam; 1st edition (September 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399143025
• ISBN-13: 978-0399143021
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (57 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,700,135 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dick Francis was the author of more than forty acclaimed books. Among his numerous awards were three Edgar Awards, the Crime Writers' Association Cartier Diamond Dagger, and the Mystery Writers of America's Grand Master Award. He died in February 2010.

Felix Francis has assisted with the research of many of the Dick Francis novels and is the coauthor of Dead Heat, Silks, and Even Money. He lives in England.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not Francis' best effort., November 21, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: 10-lb. Penalty (Hardcover)

Over the years, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Francis' books. 10 lb penalty seemed like two separate books. I very much enjoyed the first half of the book which took place over a period of a few months. However, the second half almost seemed like the outline of a story. Francis has always done a great job of describing the little details of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. In the first half of this book, he again succeeds in this regard. The second half, which takes place over an extended period of time is missing the rich characterization which is the hallmark of a Francis book. The conclusion to the story was far too simple and convenient. In the end, this book was a disappointment to me.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No Penalty Here. Reviewer: Renee S. NY.C., July 19, 2009

By 

A Customer - See all my reviews

This review is from: 10 lb Penalty (Kindle Edition)

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My first Dick Francis book to read, definitely not my last!, May 9, 2002

By 

Priscilla Stafford (Yokohama, Japan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 10-lb. Penalty (Paperback)

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!