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
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.
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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
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.
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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
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!
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