The Mystery of Robert Maxwell, with John Preston

This book chronicles the life of Jeremy Thorpe, a charismatic politician whose secret homosexual affairs and involvement in a murder plot led to a sensational trial in 1979. The story explores themes of hypocrisy, deceit, and betrayal within the British Establishment during a time when homosexuality was newly decriminalized. Preston's account is both gripping and well-researched, offering insights into the political machinations and societal attitudes of the era.

In 'The Fall', Albert Camus explores themes of guilt, judgment, and the human condition through the narrative of Jean-Baptiste Clamence. Clamence, a self-proclaimed 'judge-penitent', recounts his life as a successful but hypocritical lawyer in Paris. His story is marked by a pivotal event where he failed to act when a woman jumped to her death from a bridge, leading to a deep sense of guilt and existential despair. Through his monologues, Clamence delves into the complexities of human nature, the inevitability of judgment, and the universal guilt that underlies human existence. The novel is set against the backdrop of Amsterdam and reflects on the broader implications of World War II and the Holocaust, inviting readers to confront their own moral failings and the inherent hypocrisy in human behavior.