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Writer's pictureJoao Nsita

Book Review: Polo by Jilly Cooper - A Glamorous Tale of Love, Rivalry, and Equestrian Thrills


Book Review: Polo by Jilly Cooper - A Glamorous Tale of Love, Rivalry, and Equestrian Thrills


Introduction


What happens when love, ambition, and passion collide on the polo field? Polo by Jilly Cooper, the third book in her beloved Rutshire Chronicles, plunges readers deep into the glamorous and scandalous world of international polo. Published in 1991, this sprawling novel offers an irresistible mix of romance, drama, and equestrian thrills, capturing the opulence and complexity of lives led in the public eye. Cooper’s compelling storytelling and masterful character dynamics make Polo an unforgettable ride that any fan of romance or sport will love.


Book Summary


Set primarily in the fictional English county of Rutshire, Polo spans nearly two decades, from the late 1970s to the early 1990s. It follows a large cast of characters who are connected through their passion for polo, and weaves an intricate story filled with rivalry, heartache, and unexpected triumphs.


The narrative centers on two main storylines: the tumultuous relationship between Ricky France-Lynch, a brooding polo player haunted by personal tragedy, and his estranged wife Chessie; and the coming-of-age journey of Perdita, the daughter of a local vet, who finds herself ensnared in the glittering, competitive world of professional polo. As these characters navigate love, betrayal, and ambition, their paths intersect in often surprising and scandalous ways.


Notable characters include Ricky, whose troubled past impacts his relationships both on and off the field; Chessie, whose independence and resilience make her a compelling figure; Perdita, who grows from an awkward teenager into a confident adult; and Rupert Campbell-Black, a fan-favorite from previous books whose roguish charm adds both humor and tension. Together, they make Polo a compelling saga full of human complexity, fiery romance, and elite competition.


Author's Style and Craft


Jilly Cooper's writing style is marked by its wit, vivid detail, and an unabashed sensuality that draws readers into her vibrant world. Her prose is fast-paced and engaging, with a gossipy, insider feel that makes readers feel like a part of the elite circles she describes. Cooper has a knack for blending humor with poignant moments, which allows her to capture the humanity in even the most outrageous of her characters' antics.


The structure of Polo is well-suited for the long, multi-year narrative, with sections of the novel corresponding to different polo seasons. This format helps to illustrate the passage of time while maintaining a coherent storyline. Her ability to balance a large cast of characters, each with their own arcs, is remarkable; Cooper ensures that even the minor players are vivid and multi-dimensional, giving the story a rich, ensemble feel.


Dialogue is another standout feature in Cooper’s craft. She uses it not just to drive the plot, but to reveal character depth and foster connections. The witty banter between characters like Rupert and Chessie is filled with charisma and tension, offering both humor and insight into their relationships. Cooper’s descriptions are lush, whether she’s painting a picture of the English countryside or the intensity of a high-stakes polo match.


Themes and Deeper Meaning


While Polo is an entertaining romantic saga, it explores several deeper themes that add layers of meaning to the story.


Love and Betrayal are central to the novel. Cooper delves into the intricacies of romantic relationships, examining how love can heal but also profoundly wound. Ricky and Chessie's complicated relationship, marked by passion and pain, is a powerful portrayal of the challenges of love.


Class and Social Mobility also play key roles. Cooper contrasts the established old money of Rupert Campbell-Black with the new wealth and ambition represented by the aspiring players. Characters navigate this world of privilege with different strategies, highlighting the social hierarchies and the desire to transcend them.


The theme of Ambition and Success is explored through the competitive nature of polo, which acts as a metaphor for personal and professional aspiration. Characters like Ricky and Perdita pursue their goals with determination, but the novel raises questions about the costs of their ambition.


The Human-Animal Bond is another key theme, as the relationship between polo players and their horses is portrayed with great affection and depth. These bonds are more than functional—they are portrayed as partnerships built on mutual respect and trust, adding emotional weight to the sporting elements of the story.


Strengths


The immersive world-building is one of the strongest aspects of Polo. Jilly Cooper’s intimate knowledge of the polo scene is evident, and she uses it to craft a setting that feels both luxurious and authentic. From the opulence of Rutshire estates to the tense excitement of polo matches, every scene is rendered in vivid, intricate detail that pulls readers into this exclusive world.


The character development in Polo is also exceptional. Cooper excels at crafting complex, flawed characters who evolve throughout the story. Ricky France-Lynch’s journey from grief and anger towards maturity is both believable and deeply moving, while Perdita’s transformation into a self-assured young woman makes her an inspiring figure. Even the secondary characters, like the charming but unreliable Luke Alderton, are fleshed out with motivations and backstories that make them feel real.


The romantic tension between characters like Ricky and Chessie or Perdita and Luke is another notable strength. Cooper's depiction of relationships is far from one-dimensional—her characters struggle, make mistakes, and grow, which makes the resolutions to their arcs all the more satisfying. The romantic entanglements are filled with enough unforgettable moments and fiery confrontations to keep readers hooked until the last page.


Areas for Improvement


While Polo is a compelling read, there are a few elements that may not appeal to every reader. The explicit sexual content, though characteristic of Cooper’s style, might be a bit excessive for those who prefer more subtle romantic depictions. The frequency and detail of these scenes may detract from the narrative for some readers who are more interested in the characters' emotional journeys.


The novel’s length is another potential drawback. At over 700 pages, Polo is a substantial read that requires a considerable time commitment. The large cast of characters and the numerous subplots can feel overwhelming at times, and readers who prefer tightly-focused narratives might find it difficult to keep track of all the storylines.


Additionally, the portrayal of gender roles can sometimes feel dated. Some characters, particularly Rupert, embody traits that might be seen as examples of toxic masculinity, and their treatment of women can be problematic. While this reflects the time period and context of the story, it could make certain aspects of the book challenging for modern readers.


Comparative Analysis


Polo shares thematic elements with other works in Jilly Cooper's Rutshire Chronicles, notably Riders, which also dives into the equestrian world with an emphasis on rivalry and romance. Compared to Riders, Polo focuses more on character maturity and the sacrifices associated with ambition, showing a more reflective side to Cooper's writing.


For readers who enjoyed Jackie Collins’ glitzy portrayals of high society, Polo will feel familiar but with a distinctive English twist. It also shares similarities with Sidney Sheldon’s works in its ability to balance multiple interweaving storylines while keeping the reader engaged with complex characters and plenty of drama.


Target Audience


Polo will appeal to readers who enjoy romantic sagas filled with scandal, ambition, and fiery passion. It’s particularly well-suited for fans of equestrian sports who will appreciate the detailed depictions of polo matches and the bonds between riders and horses. Those who enjoy character-driven stories with intricate plots and a touch of glamour will find plenty to love here.


The book’s explicit content and mature themes make it more suitable for an adult audience. Readers who enjoy escapist fiction with flawed but compelling characters will find Polo an engaging and satisfying read.