Conspirata

A Novel of Ancient Rome

By: Robert Harris

Narrated by: Simon Jones

Length: 14 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

On the eve of Marcus Cicero's inauguration as consul of Rome, the grisly death of a boy sends ripples of fear through a city already wracked by civil unrest, crime, and debauchery of every kind. Felled by a hammer, his throat slit and his organs removed, the young slave appears to have been offered as a human sacrifice, forbidden as an abomination in the Roman Republic.

For Cicero, the ill forebodings of this hideous murder only increase his frustrations and the dangers he already faces as Rome's leader: elected by the people but despised by the heads of the two rival camps, the patricians and populists.

Caught in a political shell game that leaves him forever putting out fires only to have them ignite elsewhere, Cicero plays both for the future of the republic and his very life. There is a plot to assassinate Cicero, abetted by a rising young star of the Roman senate named Gaius Julius Caesar - and it will take all the embattled consul's wit, strength, and force of will to stop it and keep Rome from becoming a dictatorship.

In this second novel of his Roman trilogy, following the best-selling Imperium, Robert Harris once again weaves a compelling and historically accurate tale of intrigue told in the wise and compassionate voice of Cicero's slave and private secretary, Tiro. In the manner of I, Claudius, Harris vividly evokes ancient Rome and its politics for today's listeners, documenting a world not unlike our own - where the impulse toward dominance competes with the risk of overreach, where high-minded ideals can be a liability, and where someone is always waiting in the wings for a chance to set the world on fire.

Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend us your ears: listen to another Novel of Ancient Rome.

©2010 Robert Harris (P)2010 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

"Republican Rome, with all its grandeur and corruption, has rarely been made as vivid....The allure of power and the perils that attend it have seldom been so brilliantly anatomized in a thriller." ( The Sunday Times, London)

Better than the first book

The sequel is phenomenally better than the first book although the first book is also phenomenal and then itself so you can’t go wrong with either but I definitely have to recommend this one is worth your time either is read or listen to it look fun

Living History

Harris brings ancient Rome to life in this excellent novel. Cicero, Julius Caesar, Crassus, Pompey the Great, are as vital in the pages of this book as they were in life. Harris puts his own interpretation into the novel, making it even more interesting.

He does take some liberties with historical fact, but this is after all, a work of fiction based on history.

I gave it four stars because the narrator was good, but not excellent.

I too, recommend reading Imperium first. I can't wait for the third novel in the series.

Beautifully written, beautifully read. Amazingly engaging

One of the best audio books I have listened to. Harris recreates the day-today life of a Roman in such a viscerally (and largely historically) accurate manner you feel like you are watching the story unfold in the Forum itself. A fine competitor with McCullough’s Masters of Rome series for best historical Roman novel.

Simon Jones’ reading of this masterpiece is itself masterly. It’s a fantastic performance that adds to the story.

Great performance of a excellent/thoughtful novel

I am a frequent audiobook listener to help me pass the time during my commute. This book made me look forward to driving. I adore Simon Jones' voice and the blend of history and creative writing in the underlying book was excellent. Highly recommended!

Roman politics become as real as US politics

Wonderful rendering of the life of Cicero performed by Simon Jones. Thoroughly enjoyable. A great find!

Excellent writing and superb production

For anyone who is a fan of Roman history, this is an informative and enjoyable indulgence. Although the writing carries the story swiftly, the narration by Simon Jones is riveting. Each character had a unique voice.

A lesson for today

Great historical fiction by a master of the genre, who puts to life Ancient Rome at its inflection from republic to dictatorship.
The struggles of Cicero to try to maintain the institution of the Roman form of democracy while advancing his own fortunes surrounded by immensely wealthy and corrupt individuals are compelling examples of the timeless incongruity of power and integrity.

Twists and turns

Even though the majority of the plot is part of history, historical fiction is at it's best with it fills in the hidden details. An excellent novel, with wonderful descriptions, and really, I would listen to a recipe book if Simon Jones mastered it. Wonderful! I can't wait to read the final book in the trilogy

Brilliant, Intelligent, Literate

This is everything an audiobook should be. It has a great story, an intelligent text, and a superb narration. If your idea of a story from the ancient world is something like "300," with morons screaming out monosyllables while they swing swords right and left, you may be bored. But if you are a grown-up, you'll love it.

Excellent, I felt like I was there.

Theis was the 3rd of Harris' books I heard and they were all great. I felt like I was back in Rome and was being told the story first hand. Graet book.