Oct 218 min read

Book Review: Mount! by Jilly Cooper - A Scandalous and Glamorous Ride Through High Society and Horse Racing

Introduction

What happens when the roguish Rupert Campbell-Black returns to the thrilling world of high-stakes horse racing? Jilly Cooper’s Mount! takes us back to Rutshire, where love, betrayal, ambition, and the equestrian world collide. Set amidst glamorous racing venues and the bucolic charm of the fictional English county of Rutshire, Mount! is the tenth installment in the beloved Rutshire Chronicles, published in 2016. It’s a delectable mix of scandal, horse-racing action, and heartfelt romance that makes it a must-read for fans of Cooper’s earlier works and new readers alike.

Mount! marks a triumphant return to the world that made Jilly Cooper famous, with the ever-charismatic Rupert Campbell-Black at its center. Set across multiple racing seasons, the novel explores ambition, legacy, and the intriguing lives of its extensive cast. With her sharp wit, captivating storytelling, and a healthy dose of “witty banter,” Jilly Cooper makes sure her readers are in for an entertaining ride.

Book Summary

Mount! revolves around Rupert Campbell-Black's quest to have his prized stallion, Love Rat, crowned as the Leading Sire—a prestigious title that would bring financial rewards and cement the horse’s legacy. To achieve this, Rupert embarks on a campaign full of excitement, unexpected challenges, and heated rivalries.

Amidst this ambition, Mount! brings multiple storylines to life. There's Rupert's rivalry with long-time foes Cosmo Rannaldini and Isa Lovell, both determined to prove themselves in the equine world. Alongside the competitive drama, we follow the coming-of-age journey of Rupert’s American grandson, "Young Eddie," who steps into the high-pressure environment of professional racing. Various romantic entanglements, from blossoming young love to more seasoned, tempestuous affairs, pepper the narrative with emotional ups and downs.

Cooper expertly weaves these narratives together against the backdrop of horse racing and breeding, delivering a story that captures the excitement of the racetrack and the intensity of human relationships. From local meets to glittering international competitions, each storyline is brought to life with Cooper’s signature flair.

Author's Style and Craft

Jilly Cooper’s writing style is at its full power in Mount!, with her characteristic wit, detailed settings, and playful language transporting readers straight into the glamorous (and scandalous) world of Rutshire. Her style is breezy and accessible, which makes even the most intricate details about horse breeding and racing easy for readers to digest. Cooper’s signature gossipy tone makes readers feel like insiders, giving them a front-row seat to every scandal, secret, and romantic entanglement.

The structure of Mount! follows a chronological timeline across multiple racing seasons. This passage of time allows for rich character development, showing growth, setbacks, and everything in between. Rupert Campbell-Black, though still undeniably roguish, reveals layers of vulnerability and maturity, particularly in his role as a grandfather guiding Young Eddie.

One of Cooper’s great talents is crafting sparkling dialogue. Her characters’ conversations—whether romantic exchanges, rivalries, or humorous quips—are filled with charm and wit. The banter between Rupert and his rivals, or between Taggie and her husband, provides both comedic relief and insight into their relationships. It's this deft use of dialogue that makes the novel both entertaining and insightful.

Themes and Deeper Meaning

Beneath the high-gloss surface of glamorous racing and romantic escapades, Mount! offers deeper themes that resonate.

Ambition and Legacy are central to the story—Rupert's obsession with getting Love Rat crowned reflects a human desire for permanence and validation. It's about leaving a mark, whether through a prized stallion or one's personal accomplishments.

Love and Fidelity are also explored in nuanced ways. Relationships in Mount! are messy, ranging from passionate, fleeting affairs to deep, enduring partnerships. Rupert’s marriage to Taggie, despite its ups and downs, serves as a focal point of genuine love amidst the chaos. Meanwhile, Young Eddie’s first forays into romance remind us of the vulnerability and intensity of young love.

Another key theme is The Bond Between Humans and Animals. The relationships between humans and horses are central to the narrative—often providing a mirror for human interactions. Rupert’s dedication to Love Rat is akin to his dedication to his family, embodying both love and pride.

Cooper also takes a critical but loving look at Class and Social Mobility. The horse racing world is depicted as a playground for the rich, but it's also a space where those of different social standings interact, clash, and even occasionally unite. The novel showcases both the glamour and the darker, cutthroat nature of the upper echelons of society.

Strengths

One of Mount!'s standout strengths is its immersive setting. Jilly Cooper’s deep knowledge of horse racing shines through, making every race, breeding competition, and glamorous gala leap off the page. Whether readers are familiar with the equine world or not, they’ll find themselves absorbed in the high-stakes drama of horse racing.

Character depth and growth are another major strength. Rupert’s development from charming rake to a more introspective and caring elder statesman is both satisfying and authentic. Young Eddie’s journey from a novice to an accomplished jockey offers an emotionally resonant arc, while Taggie’s resilience adds a sense of warmth and humanity that balances the more extravagant storylines.

The novel’s humor and social commentary add yet another layer of enjoyment. Cooper’s observations about the quirks of the wealthy and privileged are hilarious and sharp, but they also reveal deeper truths about human nature—our ambitions, insecurities, and the ways we seek both validation and love.

Areas for Improvement

While Mount! delivers on entertainment, some elements could feel overwhelming for readers. The number of characters and plotlines can sometimes make it challenging to keep track of every subplot. Long-time fans of the Rutshire Chronicles may relish these numerous perspectives, but new readers might struggle to keep everything straight.

The explicit content could also be off-putting for some readers. As with all Jilly Cooper novels, sensuality is front and center, and while the romantic escapades are integral to the narrative, those who prefer less detailed romantic content may feel somewhat bombarded by the frequency and graphic nature of these scenes.

Lastly, the length of the novel might deter some readers. At over 600 pages, Mount! requires a significant time commitment, and a tighter focus might have improved the pacing, especially in some of the slower sections.

Comparative Analysis

Mount! fits well within the Rutshire Chronicles but also stands on its own as a unique addition. Compared to Riders and Rivals, Mount! revisits Rupert's world with a fresh yet nostalgic lens. It’s more reflective, focusing not only on high-stakes drama but also on legacy and passing the torch to a new generation.

For readers who enjoy the works of Jackie Collins or Penny Vincenzi, Cooper’s Mount! delivers a similar blend of high society drama, humor, and emotionally driven storytelling. It’s escapist, richly detailed, and unapologetically indulgent. Cooper’s blend of romance and insider social satire sets her apart, offering both sparkling wit and genuine heart.

Target Audience

This book is ideal for readers who love romantic sagas with a mix of high-society drama, intricate characters, and equestrian settings. Fans of the Rutshire Chronicles will appreciate returning to the world they know and love, while newcomers will enjoy the layered storytelling filled with humor and heart.

Due to the explicit content, this book is best suited for an adult audience. Readers who love escapist fiction, filled with romance, rivalry, and the intrigue of the racing world, will find Mount! to be an enjoyable and indulgent read.

Personal Impact

Reading Mount! felt like a nostalgic reunion with old friends. The blend of humor, drama, and heartfelt moments made it easy to get lost in the glamorous world Cooper crafted. Rupert’s journey, in particular, stood out as a poignant reminder of the evolving nature of ambition and love. It was a thoroughly entertaining escape from the mundane.

Conclusion

Mount! by Jilly Cooper is a rollicking, indulgent ride through the world of high-society racing, scandal, and love. It’s a novel that delights, entertains, and captures the imagination, making it a worthy addition to the Rutshire Chronicles. Jilly Cooper's wit, insight into the human condition, and evident love for the equestrian world make Mount! a must-read for fans of romance, drama, and unrepentant escapism.

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FAQs

1. What is Mount! about?It follows Rupert Campbell-Black as he attempts to have his prized stallion, Love Rat, crowned as the Leading Sire amidst fierce competition, romance, and scandals in the racing world.

2. Do I need to read the previous books in the Rutshire Chronicles to understand Mount!?Not necessarily. While having background knowledge adds depth, Mount! can be enjoyed as a standalone novel.

3. Who are the main characters in Mount!?The central characters include Rupert Campbell-Black, the charming and determined protagonist; Young Eddie, Rupert's grandson aiming to make a name in horse racing; Taggie Campbell-Black, Rupert's kind-hearted wife; and rivals such as Cosmo Rannaldini and Isa Lovell, who are key figures in the world of horse racing.

4. What themes are explored in the book?Mount! delves into themes of ambition and legacy, love and fidelity, generational dynamics, the bond between humans and animals, and class mobility, all set against the backdrop of horse racing.

5. Is Mount! suitable for all readers?The book is best suited for an adult audience due to its explicit romantic content and mature themes.

6. How does Mount! compare to other books in the Rutshire Chronicles?Mount! revisits the familiar characters and themes of earlier books in the series, such as Riders and Rivals, with an added layer of reflection on legacy and generational change. It maintains the series' characteristic drama, humor, and romantic tension.

7. Does Mount! focus heavily on horse racing details?Yes, Jilly Cooper provides rich, immersive descriptions of horse racing and breeding, which are central to the story. However, even readers unfamiliar with the racing world will find the narrative easy to follow due to Cooper's engaging writing style.

8. What is Rupert Campbell-Black's goal in Mount!?Rupert's primary goal is to have his stallion, Love Rat, named the Leading Sire, which would elevate his legacy and bring prestige and financial gain.

9. Is Mount! more about romance or the horse-racing world?It’s a blend of both. The novel balances romantic escapades, rivalry, and drama with detailed depictions of the competitive world of horse racing, creating a narrative that's both thrilling and emotionally engaging.

10. How would you describe Jilly Cooper's writing style?Jilly Cooper’s writing is witty, indulgent, and filled with vivid descriptions and playful banter. She captures both the glamour of high society and the depth of human emotions, making her storytelling accessible and engaging for readers.

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