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Pompeii

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Pompeii

By: Robert Harris
Narrated by: Steven Pacey
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About this listen

'A pulse-rate-speeding masterpiece' Sunday Times

'A stunning novel . . . the subtlety and power of its construction holds our attention to the end' The Times

During a sweltering week in late August, as Rome's richest citizens relax in their villas around Pompeii and Herculaneum, there are ominous warnings that something is going wrong. Wells and springs are failing, a man has disappeared, and now the greatest aqueduct in the world - the mighty Aqua Augusta - has suddenly ceased to flow . . .

Through the eyes of four characters - a young engineer, an adolescent girl, a corrupt millionaire and an elderly scientist - Robert Harris brilliantly recreates a luxurious world on the brink of destruction.

'As explosive as Etna, as addictive as a thriller, as satisfying as great history' Daily Telegraph

 Historical Fiction Fiction Scary Thought-Provoking

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Critic reviews

Harris is a writer of integrity who does not seek refuge in postmodernist nonsense...He knows how to tell a story and achieves page-turningreadability without effort.
Explosive stuff, indeed - and, yes, it goes with a bang.
The depth of research in this book is staggering...Pompeii is indeed a blazing blockbuster.
It is hard to imagine a more thorough-goingly enjoyable thriller read
Harris had me imaginatively surrounded. I am lost in admiration at his energy and skill
Since The Usual Suspects, novels and movies have become obsessed with the trick ending but .Insolently resisting this trend Harris has brought off a known-ending story
A sophisticated thriller that takes in its stride the conventions of the historical novel, Pompeii deserves the place it will undoubtedly have at the top of the bestseller list.
Blazingly exciting... Harris, as Vesuvius explodes, gives full vent to his genius for thrilling narrative... pulse-rate-speeding masterpieces of suffocating suspense and searing action
Robert Harris's Pompeii is his best yet: as explosive as Etna, as addictive as a thriller, as satisfying as great history - Simon Sebag Montefiore 'Books of the Year'
Breakneck pace, constant jeopardy and subtle twists of plot... a blazing blockbuster
All stars
Most relevant
I read the book a few years ago and have been wanting it in audio format for a while now. Well worth the wait although a few words are mispronounced in my opinion

A great story that allows you to glimpse the Roman world nearly 2000 years ago in a very realistic manner.

A excellent listen. Highly recommended

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What did you like most about Pompeii?

Illuminating look at Rome at its most interesting. Detail was superb and as far as I know, historically accurate and relevant, yet the narrative had a contemporary feel. I love Robert Harris- he spins a great yarn, and this was up there with his best.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Obviously the main protagonist was fascinating-all the other characters revolved around him very cleverly, giving a strong sense of a real person at the heart of the story.

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

Yes- when the young man was thrown into the pool of eels. There was a real sense of disregard for the feelings of him and those around him.

Any additional comments?

Made me want to read the others. Cicero is one of the most fascinating characters in Roman history and this was just an introduction to a huge story about him.

Fascinating insight

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An fascinating account of this ancient disaster from an alternative point of view.
Nicely read and kept me interested throughout

A worthy listen

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gripping, realistic and thoroughly entertaining. I highly recommend this novel and this author. Top historical fiction.

gripping, realistic and thoroughly entertaining.

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Having visited Pompeii, and walked around the summit of Vesuvius a few years back I was able to picture the scenes so clearly described by Robert Harris, and I was surprised at the detail he was able to add. Harris has researched his book thoroughly and carefully, and so we are shown as accurately as possible the events leading up to this catastrophic occurrence. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

A brilliant account of one of the best known stories of history.

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