Customer Reviews

Polo

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Riders" was my first introduction to Jilly Cooper as a horse-crazed teenager, but since then I've enjoyed most of her books, not just the horsey ones. That said, "Riders" and "Polo" are my favorites! Coming from the show-jumping world myself, where "Riders" centers, I didn't know (or care) much about the upper-crust world of polo. That all changed once I entered the world of Perdita, Luke, and Ricky! Sure, Perdita's often an extremely unsympathetic character -- but aren't we all? Her all-too-human tendencies are what make her such an engrossing character, and even though she doesn't seem to deserve a saint like Luke -- isn't that what we all hope for? A person who can look past our failings. While another reader calls her characters one-dimensional, I strongly disagree. Jilly has created characters that readers such as myself absolutely PRAY will show up again in future books -- it's that hard to put them away at the end. You don't create that kind of interest in one-dimensional characters. Please, Jilly, keep writing about these people we love! And while you're at it, write another horsey book!

Enjoyable and thoroughly entertaining! Cooper's characters are colorful and fresh, and stay that way until the very end. I also applaud her ability to weave her story from a sport that very few know much about. For those that are new to the game, polo (the sport) is a true drama; not only of egoes and money, but more importantly of horse lovers(wealthy or not). It is a drama that Cooper manages to credibly capture; not only from the sidelines, but from those involved on the field as well(players, grooms and patrons). Jilly you most certainly did your homework! As warm weather comes, Polo is one of those books you may find yourself reading each summer again and again. Humor, romance, tradgedy, and action. There is something in it for everyone.

The third in the series of Jilly Cooper's wonderfully hilarious Campbell-Black books - although this is the one in which things really depart quite markedly from Rupert Campbell-Black's life and he becomes a bit player in everyone elses story.

Like all other books in the series the plot is set around one theme - in this case Polo. The main characters are Ricky France-Lynch, fabulous but moody English Polo-Playing star, and Perdita Macleod- the stroppy young English school-girl who longs for Ricky almost as much as she longs to play polo. Their stories and those of dozens of other hugely likeable and wildly flawed characters interweave in wonderfully satisfying and hilarious story. No one in is perfect in Jilly Cooper world - which makes for great reading.

You don't really have to have read the first two books in the series to know what is going on here. Most of the characters are new and this is a whole new plot so you really won't have missed out on much. The few characters that to turn up again are explained briefly anyway. However, if you haven't already read Riders or Rivals, the first two books in this series, then get thee to a library.

Polo comes after Riders and Rivals. It maintains the same backdrop and high flying jet setting lifestyle. Cooper maintains the humour and raunchy goings on as her last novels. However, the main character of Polo is Perdita, with whom I gradually began to loathe.

However, Polo is good escapism, with some really good twists and turns in the plot. I have always felt that some of Cooper's dialogue was contrived, and this marred my enjoyment of one of the best scenes towards the end of the book.

It's an enjoyable read

Another ripping good yarn from Jilly. Although not as rivetting as some of her others, Polo has the familiar themes of sex and money, horses and fast cars, adultery, gorgeous lookers and poking fun at the aristocracy. Rupert Campbell-Black, hero of Cooper's other mega-novels, makes a cameo appearance in this one, along with some other truly tragic characters. Curl up in your aeroplane seat, sofa or beach towel and get set for an un-put-downable read.

Even better than Riders. Luke is the man we all dream of.

Anyone with a passion for rags-I-wish-I-was-riches, love and lust, passion and betrayal, or friendship and deception will adore this book.....scratch that. Anyone who ever read a book will adore this one!!

This is my favorite Jilly Cooper book. It is typical Jilly Cooper style. The book is long and the characters are well developed, entertaining and a bit over the top but it is one I continute to reread.

As an avid reader, a mom who occasionally enjoys a good "chick flick" kindof book, a rider and a polo player, I have to say I loved this trashy but well-written, stealthily erudite tome on all counts! Jilly Cooper knows how to write a thumping good book, and knows her polo, too. The first time I read it, I read it for pure enjoyment. The second time I read it, I paid closer attention to the polo descriptions-she scored both times. A fun, vastly entertaining book that will make you laugh, and give you insight into the fast-paced world of "polo-tics". Polo players will recognize a few of her characters who are based on real people, or amalgamations of several real people, which gives the book an extra fun twist. Don't give it to your teenagers, it's a little too "R" rated, but adults looking for a horsey read, with a sexy, over-the-top life-styles-of-the-rich-and-famous touch, will enjoy this book!

I bought this book because my copy has disappeared. My daughter expressed an interesr in learning about the sport of polo. She is 23 yrs old. I thought this would be an enjoyable way to pick up some of the rules and background of the sport