While 2020 has seen parts of our legal system in a state of near paralysis, this year has been characterised by extraordinary accomplishments on the part of three exceptionally talented writers: Victor Temple QC, Leaf Arbuthnot and Mohsin Zaidi. We are proud to say that each of these authors is a member of the Chambers family (both close and extended), and the current year has seen the publication of debut works by each of them. We celebrate their achievements in this edition of the Chambers blog and strongly recommend their books for your August holiday reading. To whet your appetites, we offer you a succinct review of each publication[1] below.
The Mission of Vincent Nilworth, by Victor Temple QC
The Mission of Vincent Nilworth is the funny and action-packed tale of small town, incorrigible hoodlum Vincent Nilworth. Following a particularly bad day on Earth, Vincent finds himself on the wrong side of the Adjudication Committee on Entry to Heaven and he is promptly despatched to Hell. His well-honed criminal skills and dastardly potential are soon spotted. He is recruited for a destructive and dangerous mission back on Earth, which will bring him head to head with the celestial Elizabeth Benbow.
Self-described as ‘strictly tongue in cheek, fun to read and totally lacking in culture’, this is a wonderfully entertaining and fast-paced read. Given the unusual, otherworldly backdrop to the novel, it is certainly no contemporary legal drama. However, the hallmarks of a distinguished advocate are unmistakeable, by reason of the clarity and richness of the text – not to mention the featuring of diverse and numerous adjudications, expulsions, adjournments and culpable transgressions throughout.
Victor Temple QC was a member of Chambers between 1971 and 2013. He was one of the most accomplished criminal advocates of his generation and remains both cherished and revered. Victor was Senior Treasury Counsel at the Old Bailey between 1991 and 1993. He responded to the appeal brought by Jeremy Bamber (whose case has now been serialised by the BBC in White House Farm) and prosecuted the killers of Damilola Taylor and of Rachel Nickell.
The Mission of Vincent Nilworth can be ordered by emailing Victor at victortemple.8@gmail.com. All proceeds of the £10 sale price will go to the Barristers’ Benevolent Association: an extremely worthy cause, particularly in need of support at present.
Looking for Eliza, by Leaf Arbuthnot, published in May 2020
Looking for Eliza is an exquisitely crafted tale of deep friendship between Ada and Eliza – two intelligent and unconventional women of distinct backgrounds and generations with a common interest in Primo Levi and Lapsang Souchong tea. The novel masterfully weaves the timeless themes of love, grief and longing with a fresh and tender exploration of the more obviously modern issues of the emptiness and invisibility of both young and old in today’s society and the enduring impact of emotionally abusive relationships. Ultimately, it offers the possibility of finding meaning and companionship in the most unlikely places. The loneliness and longings of both protagonists are portrayed with emotional intelligence, poignant humour and striking linguistic skill. It is an exceptional first novel – raw and uplifting – which is likely to appeal to readers of all ages.
Leaf is a freelance journalist, editor and author, who joined the Sunday Times in 2015 after qualifying from Cambridge and Yale Universities. She is a member of Chambers’ extended family, as the daughter of the much-loved and sorely missed Emma Arbuthnot, who was a tenant in Chambers between 1986 and 2005 and is now the Senior District Judge (Chief Magistrate) of England and Wales.
Looking for Eliza has received rave reviews:
‘Heartfelt’ and ‘moving’ The Evening Standard
‘Intelligent and big hearted’ The Times
‘Sensitively written and well observed’ The Guardian
‘A tender-hearted tale of the redeeming power of friendship.’ The Mail on Sunday
It can be ordered through Waterstones at https://www.waterstones.com/book/looking-for-eliza/leaf-arbuthnot/9781409185796, or on Amazon.
A Dutiful Boy, by Mohsin Zaidi, to be published on 20 August 2020
A Dutiful Boy is a memoir charting Mohsin’s journey through childhood to the law. Mohsin attended an inner city comprehensive in East London where gang violence was the norm and a legal career was considered all but inaccessible, but through ambition and determination he attained a place at Oxford University to study law. The memoir tells of the challenges and isolation which characterised Mohsin’s experience of growing up gay in a loving, though religiously conservative family within a devout Shia Muslim community. Mohsin and his family navigate these challenges through their love and the desire to achieve mutual understanding. The story of their journey is poignant and uplifting.
The previews are glowing:
‘A journey of self discovery, longing, triumph and hope. I fell in love with Mohsin, I imagine you will too‘ Suzi Ruffell
‘A powerful read. In fact, searing in places… vivid and told me a lot about my country… ultimately uplifting’ Lionel Barber, former editor of the Financial Times
‘The moving personal story of a gay Muslim’s tribulations and triumphs at the interface of family, faith and freedom, told with great candour and eloquence’ Peter Tatchell
We are really looking forward to reading A Dutiful Boy. It will be published on 20 August 2020 and is available to pre-order at Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/a-dutiful-boy/mohsin-zaidi//9781529110142 and on Amazon.
Mohsin initially qualified as a solicitor and joined Magic Circle firm Linklaters LLP as an Associate. He was called to the Bar in 2015, and, since the successful completion of his pupillage in 2017, he has been a dynamic and much valued tenant in Chambers.
