Pompeii

A Novel

By: Robert Harris

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 10 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

Best seller

"Terrific...gripping... A literally shattering climax." (The New York Times Book Review)

All along the Mediterranean coast, the Roman empire’s richest citizens are relaxing in their luxurious villas, enjoying the last days of summer. The world’s largest navy lies peacefully at anchor in Misenum. The tourists are spending their money in the seaside resorts of Baiae, Herculaneum, and Pompeii.

But the carefree lifestyle and gorgeous weather belie an impending cataclysm, and only one man is worried. The young engineer Marcus Attilius Primus has just taken charge of the Aqua Augusta, the enormous aqueduct that brings fresh water to a quarter of a million people in nine towns around the Bay of Naples. His predecessor has disappeared. Springs are failing for the first time in generations. And now there is a crisis on the Augusta’ s 60-mile main line - somewhere to the north of Pompeii, on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius.

Attilius - decent, practical, and incorruptible - promises Pliny, the famous scholar who commands the navy, that he can repair the aqueduct before the reservoir runs dry. His plan is to travel to Pompeii and put together an expedition, then head out to the place where he believes the fault lies. But Pompeii proves to be a corrupt and violent town, and Attilius soon discovers that there are powerful forces at work - both natural and man-made - threatening to destroy him.

With his trademark elegance and intelligence, Robert Harris, best-selling author of Archangel and Fatherland, re-creates a world on the brink of disaster.

©2003 Robert Harris (P)2003 Books On Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Blazingly exciting...Pompeii palpitates with sultry tension.... What makes this novel all but unputdownable...is the bravura fictional flair that crackles through it.... It is hard to imagine a more thoroughgoingly enjoyable thriller.” (London Sunday Times)

"Breakneck pace, constant jeopardy and subtle twists of plot...a blazing blockbuster... The depth of the research in the book is staggering.” (Daily Mail)

“[A] stirring and absorbing novel...The final 100 pages are terrific, as good as anything Harris has done; and the last, teasing paragraph, done with the lightest of touches, is masterly.” (The Sunday Telegraph)

Great listen

Very well done book! Some of the character voices were a bit odd in dialect for book about the Roman Empire, but overall extremely entertaining. I listened to it start to finish in one day.

Pompeii

I found this an enjoyable listen. The book is well researched but does not try to hit the reader over the head with the information. I liked the addition of sub-plot with regard to the aquaducts and the inclusion of historical figures which added to the interest. The narrator did a good job and did not intrude upon the story. One quirk - right at the end of the book, there seemed to be a dig at theories of the human source for global warming which seemed a bit out of place (I may be reading too much into a short passage).

The Impressive Aqua Augusta Aqueduct

Harris description of the Roman aqueduct and in detail the Aqua Augusta Aqueduct is the most interesting part of the book. The aqueduct still stands today and is a tribute to Roman engineering. I enjoy historical fiction and Harris brought to life the city of Pompeii in 79 A.D. His description of the area, the cities, and the culture brings it all to life. Starting each chapter with accurate information on the geological science of volcanology was great. I remember in school learning about the eruption of Mount Vesuvius but this book is far more fun. John Lee did a great job of narrating the book. The information on Pliny the Elder was interesting as I had just finished a book about this most interesting naturalist and military man. If you like history and enjoy historical fiction you will find this book interesting.

Pompeii lives

Always a student of history, and sceptical about much historical fiction, I began listening to this recording with keen interest and fear of disappointment. I shouldn't have worried.

I was enthralled from the first chapter. Beautifully narrated in a lively and experience enhancing manner, I felt as if I was walking with the Aquarious. I've been to Herculeniium and Pompeii and seen many of the structures mentioned, but that isn't necessary for the enjoyment of this book, though it did enhance my listening experience. A book on the excavated cities would be a delightful visual supplement, if one is interested. I suspect many will be visiting the library after listening.

I was amazed at how suspenseful the story was, even though we have a pretty darn good idea how the story concludes. Each character, whether fictional or historic, was well defined and interesting. The historic references were valid and true to the period. I was particularly delighted with the vividly portrayed Pliny.

I didn't want the book to end. Highly recommended.

Terrific entertainment

Vivid descriptions, fast-paced action, and fascinating characters make this one heck of an entertaining book. I didn't want it to end. The reader (John Lee, I think) does a terrific acting job too.

As Labyrinthe as the Aqueducts

Harris' marvelous novel successfully layers history, science and a good story. He has taken what we know of the Roman citizenship, of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and of Vesuvius, and brought them to life with personality. Yes, we all know how the story will end, but the journey remains somehow both interesting and full of suspense.

A beautiful story, beautifully read

Where does Pompeii rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Fans of Robert Harris's previous works dealing with Ancient Rome, Imperium and Conspirata, will thrill to his masterfully researched Pompeii -- surely one of the great works of historical fiction. Harris's talent lies in vivifying the past, making it as colorful and immediate as the present, and creating timeless characters who, while two-thousand years in the grave by our calendar, command our undivided attention.

What about John Lee’s performance did you like?

This is the second work I've listened to which had been narrated by John Lee (the first being The Count of Monte Christo, which I wholeheartedly recommend), and I'm convinced he's one of the greatest living vocal artists. Every sentence, every line of dialogue, every character is masterfully rendered, imbued with brilliant subtleties in delivery and inflection, giving the impression you're listening to a whole troupe of actors.

Good Book

If you like an historical drama please read this. I learned more about Rome and Vesuvius than I could have imagined that I would. The narration is superb.

the title tells all

this is a good story. There is a hint at ancient life in Pompeii and I believe Robert Harris does a good job explaining how it become the ruins as they were uncovered. In the end Mr Harris does a smiling good job at reminding the reader much of it is for entertainment value. I enjoyed this book.

ingenious

I really liked this book. It has everything, mystery, intrigue, love, and a panoramic volcanic eruption. I only wished the storyteller didn't have a british accent, because it's a bit distracting.