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Lustrum cover art

Lustrum

By: Robert Harris
Narrated by: Bill Wallis
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Summary

Rome, 63 BC. In a city on the brink of acquiring a vast empire, seven men are struggling for power. Cicero is consul, Caesar his ruthless young rival, Pompey the republic's greatest general, Crassus its richest man, Cato a political fanatic, Catilina a psychopath, Clodius an ambitious playboy.

The stories of these real historical figures - their alliances and betrayals, their cruelties and seductions, their brilliance and their crimes - are all interleaved to form this epic novel. Its narrator is Tiro, a slave who serves as confidential secretary to the wily, humane, complex Cicero. He knows all his master's secrets - a dangerous position to be in.

From the discovery of a child's mutilated body, through judicial execution and a scandalous trial, to the brutal unleashing of the Roman mob, Lustrum is a study in the timeless enticements and horrors of power.

©2009 Robert Harris (P)2014 AudioGo Ltd. Published by Random House Audiobooks

What listeners say about Lustrum

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Best reader

The actor who tells this story is an accomplished storyteller. His accents are consistently charming and artful and his tone reflects perfectly the plot's blend of history and intrigue. Not to be rated highly enough. Cannot wait to get started on the third part

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6 people found this helpful

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Wonderful narrator - great story

It is such a treat to find a book like this - read so well - hours of pleasure. Aren't we lucky to be able to access this? A modern serendipity!

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6 people found this helpful

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Awesome

What a great and epic story from history, expertly retold and brought to life by an outstanding actor.

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5 people found this helpful

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A superb book exquisitely narrated.

Robert Harris is a great storyteller and this book is one of his best. What lifts it from being very good to being one of the best audio books I have ever listened to is the superb narration by the late Bill Wallis. His mastery of timing and his enviable array of different voices to suit each character are simply extraordinary. What a tragedy that this wonderful character actor is no longer with us. This audio book is a true legacy of what a fine performer he was. Absolutely Brilliant !!

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4 people found this helpful

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Excellent Bill Wallis

again, as in the first of the trilogy, Wallis's performance is excellent. I am about to start the third and will miss the characterisation of the many characters in Cicero's world.

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3 people found this helpful

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In the footsteps of a hero...

If you could sum up Lustrum in three words, what would they be?

Living with Cicero

Who was your favorite character and why?

Tiro - the man is a hero himself !

Which scene did you most enjoy?

All of it!

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes! laughed out loud!...some of Cicero's scathing sarcasm to his enemies

Any additional comments?

It is so well written but even so well narrated ! Bravo!! the different characters come alive and it feels like you are actually there, witnessing it all, feeling all the emotion and skulduggery and being part of the plot !! an excellent narration

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2 people found this helpful

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sudden volume changes

beware. sudden volume changes. terrible to listen with headphones, mat be damaging for timpanic membranes, continually volume adjustments required. challenging and unpleasant listening

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1 person found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Spoilt by the Narrator

Bill Wallis really spoilt this & the previous book Imperium by his narration, he shouted to emphasise speech & then spoke too low when simply narrating.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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you can taste Rome

This was a ravishing successor to Imperium, with great twists and turns, and thrilling moments of high drama throughout the book. characterisation was well developed, far from simplistic and the narrator's relationship with his master refracts the story wonderfully. it was atmospheric, maintaining the sight, smell and taste of the Roman Empire as it grew, as political rivalries develop, as danger draws closer. I enjoyed this more than Imperium and towards the end of part two especially couldn't stop listening

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  • Fi
  • 13-05-21

Enjoyable sequel

Excellent narration, many characters and each was distinguishable.
An accessible novel making the politics of Ancient Rome seem not so different to the art of power and negotiation today, apart from the entrails and murder ...

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