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Rivals by Jilly Cooper, book cover

Rivals Summary

by Jilly Cooper

4.15 Goodreads · 4k ratingsLiterary Fiction716 pages9-min summary

In the cutthroat world of television, a charismatic, philandering showjumper and a ruthless, ambitious TV executive clash spectacularly, their intertwined lives a maelstrom of passion, betrayal, and scandalous rivalry.

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By BookBrief EditorialPublished February 2026How we write summaries

Synopsis

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

Jilly Cooper's "Rivals" plunges into the cutthroat world of 1980s British commercial television, unmasking the glamorous facade to reveal a cesspool of ambition, backstabbing, and moral compromise. At its heart, the novel explores how the relentless pursuit of power and fame corrupts individuals, distorting their relationships, values, and sense of self. It's a vivid portrayal of the high-stakes game where love, loyalty, and personal integrity are often sacrificed on the altar of public image and competitive success. The narrative intricately weaves together the lives of powerful media moguls, ambitious presenters, and their long-suffering partners, exposing the stark contrast between their glittering public personas and their often-sordid private lives. Cooper masterfully dissects the intoxicating yet destructive nature of rivalry, demonstrating how it can push individuals to their limits, sometimes leading to triumph, but more often to betrayal, heartbreak, and ruin. The novel ultimately questions the true cost of 'having it all' in a world obsessed with appearances, privilege, and the relentless drive to win.
Difficulty
Medium

Principal Figures

Declan O'Hara

Protagonist/Antagonist

A charismatic, ruthlessly ambitious television executive who rises from humble beginnings to become a powerful media mogul. He is driven by a desire for power and recognition.

Relationships: Lizzie Vereker (Complicated romantic and professional relationship, marked by his manipulation and her enduring affection.); Tony Baddingham (Bitter professional rivals.); Taggie O'Hara (His daughter, whom he often neglects in his pursuit of success.)

Lizzie Vereker

Protagonist

A beautiful, intelligent, and talented television presenter who struggles with insecurity and navigates the cutthroat world of media while seeking genuine love and stability.

Relationships: Declan O'Hara (On-again, off-again romantic and professional entanglement, often painful for Lizzie.); Rupert Campbell-Black (Enduring friendship, with a complex, unrequited romantic undercurrent from Lizzie's side.)

Rupert Campbell-Black

Supporting

An aristocratic, charming, and notoriously promiscuous politician and media personality who often acts impulsively but possesses a surprising degree of loyalty to those he cares about.

Relationships: Lizzie Vereker (Close, long-standing friendship, with Lizzie harboring deeper feelings.); Valerie Campbell-Black (His long-suffering wife, a tumultuous and often public marriage.)

Tony Baddingham

Antagonist

A powerful, ruthless, and morally bankrupt media baron, chairman of Corvus Television, who is Declan O'Hara's primary rival.

Relationships: Declan O'Hara (Fierce professional and personal rivals.); His various mistresses (Superficial and exploitative relationships.)

Taggie O'Hara

Supporting

Declan's kind-hearted, intelligent daughter, who often feels overlooked and struggles to find her own identity outside her father's shadow.

Relationships: Declan O'Hara (Complex father-daughter relationship, marked by his neglect and her longing for his attention.); Cain Myles (Romantic interest and eventual partner, a stabilizing force in her life.)

Valerie Campbell-Black

Supporting

Rupert's long-suffering and often humiliated wife, an elegant but ultimately insecure socialite who endures his infidelities.

Relationships: Rupert Campbell-Black (A tumultuous, open marriage, defined by his infidelity and her struggle for dignity.)

Quiz

10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.

  1. Question 1

    What is the name of the main character in the book 'Rivals'?

    1. Taggie O'Hara
    2. Ruby Miller
    3. Lucy Carrington
    Show answer

    A. Taggie O'Hara The main character in 'Rivals' is named Taggie O'Hara.

  2. Question 2

    Which sport forms the backdrop of the story in 'Rivals'?

    1. Tennis
    2. Soccer
    3. Horse racing
    Show answer

    C. Horse racing The sport that forms the backdrop of the story in 'Rivals' is horse racing.

  3. Question 3

    Who is the wealthy and charismatic owner of the racing stable in 'Rivals'?

    1. Taggie O'Hara
    2. Rupert Campbell-Black
    3. Helen Macintosh
    Show answer

    B. Rupert Campbell-Black The wealthy and charismatic owner of the racing stable in 'Rivals' is Rupert Campbell-Black.

  4. Question 4

    Which character is known for her beauty and ambition in 'Rivals'?

    1. Taggie O'Hara
    2. Helen Macintosh
    3. Rupert Campbell-Black
    Show answer

    B. Helen Macintosh The character known for her beauty and ambition in 'Rivals' is Helen Macintosh.

  5. Question 5

    Where does the story of 'Rivals' primarily take place?

    1. New York City, USA
    2. London, England
    3. Cotswolds, England
    Show answer

    C. Cotswolds, England The story of 'Rivals' primarily takes place in the Cotswolds, England.

  6. Question 6

    Which character is Taggie's childhood friend and love interest in 'Rivals'?

    1. Rupert Campbell-Black
    2. Jake Lovell
    3. Billy Lloyd-Foxe
    Show answer

    B. Jake Lovell Taggie's childhood friend and love interest in 'Rivals' is Jake Lovell.

  7. Question 7

    What is the name of the prestigious horse race in 'Rivals'?

    1. Kentucky Derby
    2. Cheltenham Gold Cup
    3. Melbourne Cup
    Show answer

    B. Cheltenham Gold Cup The name of the prestigious horse race in 'Rivals' is the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

  8. Question 8

    Which character is a rival jockey of Jake Lovell in 'Rivals'?

    1. Billy Lloyd-Foxe
    2. Lucy Carrington
    3. Ruby Miller
    Show answer

    A. Billy Lloyd-Foxe The rival jockey of Jake Lovell in 'Rivals' is Billy Lloyd-Foxe.

  9. Question 9

    What is the profession of Taggie O'Hara in 'Rivals'?

    1. Fashion designer
    2. Horse trainer
    3. Journalist
    Show answer

    B. Horse trainer Taggie O'Hara is a horse trainer in 'Rivals'.

  10. Question 10

    Which character is known for his playboy lifestyle and multiple affairs in 'Rivals'?

    1. Taggie O'Hara
    2. Rupert Campbell-Black
    3. Helen Macintosh
    Show answer

    B. Rupert Campbell-Black Rupert Campbell-Black is known for his playboy lifestyle and multiple affairs in 'Rivals'.

Rivals FAQ

What is 'Rivals' by Jilly Cooper about?

'Rivals' is a non-fiction book by Jilly Cooper that explores the intense and often dramatic world of competition, particularly in the realms of business, politics, and personal relationships, drawing on real-life examples and historical anecdotes to illustrate how rivalry drives human behavior and success.

Who is Jilly Cooper?

Jilly Cooper is a British author known for her best-selling novels, such as the 'Rutshire Chronicles', and non-fiction works like 'Rivals'. She is celebrated for her witty and insightful writing on topics like love, society, and competition.

Is 'Rivals' a fiction or non-fiction book?

'Rivals' is a non-fiction book, as it analyzes real-world examples of rivalry across various fields, rather than telling a fictional story, though Jilly Cooper is also famous for her fiction novels.

How does 'Rivals' differ from other books on competition?

Unlike many academic or self-help books on competition, 'Rivals' by Jilly Cooper uses a more narrative and anecdotal approach, blending humor and personal insights to make the subject engaging and accessible to a broad audience.

Does 'Rivals' include practical advice for handling rivalry?

Yes, 'Rivals' offers practical insights and strategies for managing rivalry, such as understanding motivations, fostering healthy competition, and learning from historical and contemporary examples to navigate conflicts effectively.

What are the key concepts in 'Rivals'?

Key concepts in 'Rivals' include the psychology of competition, the impact of rivalry on innovation and success, the balance between cooperation and conflict, and how rivalry shapes personal and professional dynamics.

How is 'Rivals' different from Jilly Cooper's fiction books?

'Rivals' is non-fiction, focusing on real-life analysis of competition, whereas Jilly Cooper's fiction books, like those in the 'Rutshire Chronicles', are romantic novels set in English society, blending drama, humor, and relationships.

Does 'Rivals' work as a guide for business professionals?

Yes, 'Rivals' can serve as a valuable guide for business professionals by providing insights into competitive strategies, team dynamics, and leadership lessons drawn from various industries and historical contexts.

What examples does 'Rivals' use to illustrate rivalry?

'Rivals' uses examples from business, politics, sports, and entertainment, such as corporate battles, political campaigns, and famous feuds, to show how rivalry operates and influences outcomes in different arenas.

Is 'Rivals' suitable for readers new to non-fiction?

Yes, 'Rivals' is suitable for readers new to non-fiction due to Jilly Cooper's engaging writing style, use of relatable stories, and avoidance of overly technical jargon, making complex topics about competition easy to understand.

About the author

Jilly Cooper

Jilly Cooper

Jilly Cooper is a British author known for her engaging works of fiction, particularly in the romance and contemporary genres. Among her notable works is "Rivals," which explores themes of love and rivalry in the world of show jumping. Cooper's writing often features rich character development and intricate plots, appealing to a wide audience.

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