Book Review: Rivals by Jilly Cooper – The Battle of Wit, Charm, and Scandal
- Joao Nsita
- Oct 18, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Dec 5, 2024
Introduction
What happens when fierce ambition, intoxicating romance, and scandal collide in the English countryside? Rivals by Jilly Cooper answers this question with humor, charisma, and plenty of drama. If you're a fan of fast-paced novels that dive headfirst into the chaotic and glamorous world of television networks, horse riding, and interpersonal rivalries, then this book is for you. Jilly Cooper, known for her ability to paint vivid pictures of British high society, delivers a classic blend of competitive spirit, power struggles, and deeply-entwined love affairs in this irresistible installment of the Rutshire Chronicles. With larger-than-life characters and plot twists that leave you laughing, gasping, and cheering for more, Rivals is the perfect cocktail of excitement that makes it an unmissable read.
Book Summary
In Rivals, Jilly Cooper takes readers back to the lush English countryside of Rutshire. The book centers around the war between two rival television networks. Rupert Campbell-Black, charming, arrogant, and devastatingly handsome, emerges as the star of the show. He's the kind of character you can't help but love to hate, with a personality that leaves an indelible mark on both friends and foes. Rupert finds himself competing against Declan O'Hara, an equally strong-willed and passionate television executive. Declan is determined to win a contract to manage a regional television franchise, and he's willing to go toe-to-toe with Rupert to achieve that.
This rivalry sets the stage for a whirlwind of power moves, outrageous scandals, and romantic escapades.
Other characters—such as the determined Taggie, the sassy Cameron, and a medley of other colorful personalities—make this book a fascinating landscape of rich, well-rounded characters whose lives intertwine in surprising ways. As friendships, careers, and relationships are put to the test, Rivals keeps readers entertained with its ever-evolving dynamics, unexpected romance, and endless humor.
Author's Style and Craft
Jilly Cooper has a distinctive style that bursts with life and vibrancy. Her writing is characterized by her biting humor, layered character development, and astute observations of human nature. Rivals is full of sharp wit, with Cooper effortlessly blending humor with emotional depth, making even the most flawed characters appear endearing. The narrative moves at a brisk pace, with rapid-fire exchanges and witty banter that keep readers glued to the page.
Her skill in weaving multiple subplots together to form one cohesive, compelling story is masterful. Every character, no matter how minor, is brought to life with rich detail. Dialogues are one of the most delightful aspects of the book—they flow naturally and authentically, often leaving readers in fits of laughter or moments of reflection. Cooper knows how to balance lightheartedness with more serious themes, resulting in a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Themes and Deeper Meaning
One of the central themes of Rivals is ambition—how far people are willing to go to achieve their goals. Both Rupert and Declan's rivalry highlights the sacrifices, moral compromises, and sheer determination it takes to come out on top in a high-stakes game. But the book also explores the cost of ambition, shedding light on the vulnerabilities of characters behind their confident facades.
Romance and friendship are other significant themes. Cooper dives into the complexity of relationships, portraying love not as a straightforward, magical force, but as a tangled mess of misunderstandings, compromises, and moments of pure connection. Loyalty, jealousy, trust, and betrayal all weave through the characters' relationships, creating a nuanced portrayal of the many shades of love.
The book also touches on social class, power, and the fragility of reputation. By exploring the different lifestyles of the wealthy elite and those trying to break into that world, Rivals takes a satirical look at British society, revealing both its allure and its darker side.
Strengths
One of the greatest strengths of Rivals is its memorable and multifaceted characters. Rupert Campbell-Black stands out as an iconic antihero—a character who, despite his many flaws, manages to win over the reader. Declan O'Hara's passion, vulnerability, and determination make him an ideal counterpoint to Rupert's arrogance. The supporting cast, from the warm-hearted Taggie to the feisty Cameron, adds depth and color to the story, making the world feel lived-in and dynamic.
Cooper's ability to create drama, humor, and romance all at once is another highlight. Her scenes range from laugh-out-loud funny to heartbreakingly poignant, and she seamlessly moves between them, never losing the essence of her characters. The book's pace keeps readers hooked, and the intricate web of relationships makes every chapter a new adventure, where you never know what’s coming next.
The setting also adds an element of charm. The English countryside provides a lush backdrop that makes readers feel as if they have been transported to Rutshire, with its sprawling estates, horse trials, and luxurious country life. Cooper's attention to detail helps create a vivid atmosphere that is hard to resist.
Areas for Improvement
For some readers, Rivals might feel overwhelming due to the sheer number of characters and subplots. The constant shifts between different perspectives can occasionally make it difficult to keep track of every character's storyline. Cooper's narrative style is fast-paced, which works well in terms of maintaining excitement, but it can also leave readers needing to pause and piece things together.
Additionally, while the book's portrayal of flawed characters is one of its strengths, some of Rupert's behavior can come off as unlikable, and at times, problematic. Readers who prefer straightforwardly heroic protagonists may struggle with his actions and moral choices.
Comparative Analysis
Compared to other books in the Rutshire Chronicles, Rivals stands out for its depiction of competition and ambition. Unlike Riders, which focuses more on the world of equestrian sports, Rivals digs deeper into the world of media and television. The stakes feel higher, and the drama is intensified by the tension between Rupert and Declan.
Compared to other books in the genre, Rivals has a unique combination of satirical humor and heartfelt romance, reminiscent of works by Marian Keyes. However, Cooper's willingness to delve into the more scandalous aspects of her characters' lives adds a distinctive edge that sets her apart.
Target Audience
Rivals is ideal for readers who love character-driven stories filled with drama, romance, and humor. Fans of sprawling, multi-character novels that delve into the intricacies of relationships—similar to those written by Marian Keyes or Penny Vincenzi—will find much to enjoy. Those who appreciate a blend of wit, romance, and a touch of scandal will be thoroughly entertained by this book.
However, readers should be aware that some scenes delve into mature themes, including infidelity and power struggles. If you prefer straightforward, sweet romances, the edginess of Rivals may not be the perfect fit.
Personal Impact
Reading Rivals was an experience full of laughter, exasperation, and delight. Cooper's characters leaped off the page, and I found myself drawn into their tangled lives, rooting for them even when they made mistakes. The humor, the rivalry, and the romantic escapades made it a page-turner, and I finished the book with a sense of satisfaction—like I'd just witnessed a spectacular drama unfold before my eyes.
Conclusion
Rivals by Jilly Cooper is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a heady mix of romance, rivalry, and witty humor. With unforgettable characters and a storyline that never lets up, this book is a delightful ride from start to finish. It's a reminder that love, ambition, and competition often go hand-in-hand—and that even our fiercest rivals can end up surprising us.
A Deeper Dive Into Rivals by Jilly Cooper
FAQ Section
Is Rivals part of a series?Yes, Rivals is part of the Rutshire Chronicles series by Jilly Cooper. It's the second book in the series.
Can Rivals be read as a standalone?Absolutely! While it's part of a series, Rivals works well as a standalone novel, with its own complete story arc.
Who are the main characters in Rivals?The main characters are Rupert Campbell-Black, Declan O'Hara, Taggie, and Cameron, among others.
What genre does Rivals belong to?Rivals is a romantic comedy with elements of drama and satire, set in the glamorous world of British high society.
Is there a romantic element in the book?Yes, romance is a key theme in Rivals, with multiple love stories woven into the narrative.
What makes Rivals unique compared to other romance novels?Rivals blends humor, romance, and satire, with a large ensemble cast and a focus on ambition and rivalry.
Are there mature themes in the book?Yes, the book contains mature themes, including infidelity, ambition, and power dynamics.
How does Rivals compare to Riders?While Riders focuses on the equestrian world, Rivals delves into television networks and media rivalry, offering a different flavor of drama.
Is Rupert Campbell-Black a likable character?Rupert is a complex character—flawed, charming, and at times frustrating—but undeniably compelling.
Who would enjoy reading Rivals?Fans of character-driven dramas with humor, romance, and scandal, similar to works by Marian Keyes, will enjoy Rivals.
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