The life and times of ancient Rome. Or at least the life and times of a few rich and powerful Romans in 63-58 BC. (Did you know the Romans counted backwards?). Tiro - who invented shorthand - is secretary to Cicero. In part one we follow both through Cicero's year as Consul (boss of Rome before the age of Emperors) and his efforts to keep Julius Caesar out of power while putting down a possible revolt by several senior Senators. By part two, Cicero's consulship is over, and he lives in fear of reprisals from senators he angered while in high office. Pompey, his erstwhile rival, is one to fear; he's back from the war and - as the conqueror of many countries and captor of many prisoners and much wealth - wants recognition for himself and his troops. And Julius Caesar wants to rule the world, and will stop at nothing to get it. Finally, the young wastrel Clodius wants to lead a revolt by the peasants, and he eventually gets a law passed to exile Cicero.An interesting book, well written in Harris' usual fashion, but ultimately unsatisfying. Not enough happens, and few of the characters elicit much empathy. Character differentiation is hard, because there are so many senators, and so many people with names beginning with C - Cicero, Clodius, Caesar, Crassus, Cato, and Catalina to list but a few. OK for fans of Robert Harris, but new readers should go for something a bit livelier, e.g. Enigma or Pompeii. 5/10 (Aug-Sept 2012) I was excited to read this second installment on Cicero. I read imperium and left me wanting for more. I love Robert Harris' style of writing. This is the 5th novel of his I read.I was not disappointed, found the book fun and made me feel I was living in the midst of Ancient Rome. The title is very appropriate as it moves you from one conspiracy to another. This book leads up to the creation of the first triumvirate. It is also easy to understand why people would want to murder Caesar as he is portrayed as a despot and an opportunist. Can't wait to read the next installment on the series.
What do You think about Lustrum (2010)?
Not as much of a page turner as Imperium, which was a shame.
—AbbyJo
Good read. Terribly interesting view of Ancient Rome.
—Marissaann2000
