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)

Very Interesting...A good Listen

I really enjoy historical fiction, and I have to say this is one of my favorites so far.

The narrator is really good too! I have listened it only 10 or 12 audio books so far, but of all the narrators I have heard, I like this fellow the best.

Decent enough

Well, this isn't a book I will listen to again, but it wasn't a waste of time at all. I enjoyed the story and found the characters mostly interesting, if a teeny bit unrealistic, but saved by the fact that they were well thought-out. Narrator neither detracts nor adds to the story, which is good for this book. I feel that he was the best narrator for the story. Is this book a story about the people of Pompeii or about the volcano itself? Maybe a bit of both, and I think it comes across that way.

Absolutely great listen

This has to be my all time favorite audio book. It has it all..history, science, people, villains, even a girl on a horse. Great character development, too. Loved it.

Engaging listen

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes

What did you like best about this story?

How real the ancient characters become.

Who was the most memorable character of Pompeii and why?

The Aquarius, the engineer in charge of the water supply and Aquaduct.

great story of the eruption of Vesuvius

fascinating descriptions of the Roman aquedcut system and the destruction of Pompeii. Interesting characters and plot. Good narrating.

Excellent historical novel.

I read this book about 15 years ago and decided to revisit it on audible. It was just as good the second time around.

Book enriched experience of recent visit to Pompeii and Herculeum

Having just returned from Italy visiting but Pompeii and Herculeum, I Was able to equate visual images with the story, which deepened my understanding and appreciation for what it may have been like for the inhabitants of the area in 79 AD.

Read this if you enjoy historical fiction.

The background info references the miracle that the aqueducts were to whole city populations.
Read this if you enjoy historical fiction

Entertaining and informative

Narration is clear and professional.

Story is simple and aptly suited for understanding much of what happened during the eruption.

This is “light listening” suitable for inattentive leisure when undemanding listening accompanies undemanding, minimal attention.

A pleasing blend of story and geological science

I found this story to be one of those that you go out of your way to listen to. I found it's salting of scientific information to be a pleasant compliment to a good storyline. The author tosses in little historically accurate facts and details of Roman life that further embellish the story. Even knowing about the real history of Pompeii's eruption as it is understood today and also of real historical individuals like Pliny the elder, the story doesn't dissapoint.